Shasta Lake Boat Ramps

There are about 7 public boat ramps plus another 4 private ramps.  Guests have access to the private ramps as they are owned by Marinas like Sugarloaf and Bridge Bay.  We will first cover the 5 ramps in the Sugarloaf & Lakehead area.  This area is highly desired by vacationers as it has a number of cottages, resorts and the nicest vacation rentals available on the lake.

As you may have heard, many California lakes have implemented boating restrictions or closures due to concerns about invasive mussels.  Below you will find informaiton we had in 2025 and now 2026.  We will update when we learn more.

2025:

In 2025, Shasta Lake remained open without any checkpoints.

According to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Office,  boaters are asked to follow an honor system to ensure their watercraft:

• Are clean, drained, and completely dry before launching
• Have not been in another infested body of water in the past 30 days

They said there are no planned inspections or checkpoints at Shasta Lake boat ramps.

During Mid, 2025, they came out with  this form that the forest service is asking to be filled out, signed and left visible on the dashboard of your vehicle with a boat trailer.

2026 (As of Jan 2026):

Based on information provided as of this update in January 2026, it appears they will not have formal inspections but will get more firm about self inspections and certifications and have put in place fines for thoses that do not comply.  Please note this is based on information we have and could change at anytime.

Shasta Lake has mandatory boat inspection requirements due to the invasive golden mussel, requiring boaters to Clean, Drain & Dry their vessels and potentially self-certify or pass inspections before launching, with the US Forest Service enforcing strict rules and significant fines for non-compliance to protect the lake’s ecosystem from this harmful species. While some sources mention no current inspections, recent mandates (late 2025) emphasize self-inspection and compliance with Forest Service orders for all lakes in the Shasta-Trinity area.

• Clean, Drain, & Dry (CDD): This is the primary directive for all boaters.
  • Clean: Remove all visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from your boat, trailer, and gear before leaving the ramp.
  • Drain: Drain all water from your bilge, ballast tanks, live wells, and other water-holding devices away from the waterway.
  • Dry: Allow your boat and equipment to dry for several days, especially if moving between water bodies.
• Self-Inspection & Declaration: You may need to complete a self-inspection and display a certificate on your dashboard before launching.
• Forest Service Orders: The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has issued orders with potential fines (up to $5,000 for individuals, $10,000 for organizations) for violations through late 2027.

• 1/4 Mile Drive
• At Marina Next Door
• Closed:  Full to 60 Feet Down.  Use Sugarloaf County Boat Ramp next door.  Will open again in the Spring.
• Cost: $20 (at store, $0 if Slip).  Slip is $55.  Note: 2024 rates.
• Daisy Ln, Right Lakeshore, Next Right
• Normally Open May to September.  Unfortunately when lake is high enough, it may still have cable across road to prevent launch in off season.
• Closed on Monday and Tuesdays when short staffed.
• Best for all homes except R11 & R16.  R14 can go to either.
• See drawing below*

• 1/2 Mile Drive
• Located North
• Open:  60-150 Feet Down*
• Once it gets to about 60′ or higher up to a full lake, the roads to the water are open but the slope is not great enough for most boats.  Be careful.
• Cost: $20 (self pay)
• Daisy Ln, Right Lakeshore, 1/4 mile, Right
• See drawings below

Although they will not be needed in 2026, if all the local ramps close, the following boat ramps stay open to about 200 to 220′ down.  As far as we know they have never closed unless they did in 1977 when the lake was at it lowest point in history.  2021 was the 2nd lowest level and they did not close.
1. Bay Bridge 1.800.752.9669
2. Centimudi
3.  Jones Valley

Bridge bay is the closet of these three to our homes.  It is about a 15-18 min drive.

See boat ramp document on this page.

• 3 Mile Drive from Sugarloaf
• Near Hwy 5 Exit
• Open:  Full to 80 Feet Down
• Best for R11, and 16
• Cost: ~$20
• 530-275-1587

• Open:  Full to 120 Feet Down

• 15 Mile Drive
• South on Hwy 5 just over big bridge
• Open:  Full to 210’+ Feet Down*
• Cost: $??
• Daisy Ln, Right Lakeshore, Hwy 5 South, Pass Big Bridge, Exit.
  * OPEN:  Closest to our homes when all of ours are closed.

For other ramps around Shasta Lake look at the map on this page and “Click” on the more detailed summary below.