Skip to main content

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions section of our website where we answer questions we get asked often.  If you do not see the answer to your question here, consider sending us your question using the form on this page.

Otherwise, Places to Find Answers to your questions:

  1. Throughout this website
  2. The Welcome Book after you book your vacation with us
  3. The FAQ below ….will add more over time
  4. Call, E-mail or Text us.  See “Contact Section”.
  5. Brochure below the Question Form

Q: How far is the MARINA from your homes?

Sugarloaf Marina is next door.  No other homes at Shasta are closer.  Distance varies depending on lake level.  This is a seasonal marina that is normally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Antlers marina is either 3 miles from us (when lake is high) or within sight near us when lake is lower.  This is a larger marina that is open most of the year.

If the lake drops to a very low level, they at times move these marinas out of the area to deeper water.  See “Marinas” section and the “lake level” section for latest information.

Q: Where is the BOAT RAMP?

There are several boat ramps close to our homes.  The closest is next door at the Sugarloaf Marina.  If lake is low then you have to drive about 1/2 mile (also very close).  If lake is 140′ or more below the top, you may need to drive to distant ramp.  See “Boat Ramps” and “Lake Level” for more information.

Q: Do you allow PETS?

Yes, all of our homes are Pet Friendly for dogs only, but must be disclosed, approved by the owners as we want to keep the homes very nice.  We charge $120 extra per dog for your stay.

Q: How do you RESERVE one of the homes?

Go to the reservations page on this website and you can book direct to save some money or you can pick VRBO or Airbnb lower on the same page.

Q: Do you accept CREDIT CARDS or Check?

  • Yes, on our website and on Airbnb and VRBO.

Q: Do you have a GARAGE for my boat or car?

No.  Although we do have garages at some of the homes, we do not make them available to our guests as we have our personal belongings in them and they are not big enough for boats.  The neighborhood and marina is safe.  No need for garages.

Q: Do you rent all YEAR AROUND?

Yes.  See our “Availability Calendar” page on this site for current availability

Q: Do you allow SMOKING in your homes?

NO.  NO.   NO.  Our rules can be found here

Q: What do you furnish and PROVIDE?

We try to take care of almost everything except Food, your clothing, your personal items, Shampoo, and some paper goods (plastic bags, Tin Foil, etc).

Q: How much is required to RE$ERVE a place?

Approximately 30% of the total cost if booked direct with us.  Might be 50% through VRBO or Airbnb.

Q: Do you require a RENTAL AGREEMENT?

Yes a simple 4 page rental agreement that we will send you for signing via DocuSign.  This is to protect you and us and to avoid misunderstandings.  Note:  We have never had to use it as we have great guests.

Q: Where can I find REVIEWS on your houses and you as hosts?

There are over 600 FIVE STAR reviews on the “Reviews” page of this website.  You can also see them on VRBO, AirBnB, Google and Yelp.

Q: Do you require a security DEPOSIT?

Yes.  $1000 to $2000 per home depending on the home.  All Retreats are $1000 except Retreat 7 and 8 are $2000.   We do not charge your credit card.  We just put a hold on it starting two days before you arrive and then release three days after you depart.

Q: Is this a great place for a LOUD PARTY?

No.  Sorry.  You can have a great time…but not a loud party.   Sound travels too far and the neighbors will not tolerate.  We recommend a houseboat for big loud parties.  Our rules can be found here

Q: How are your homes for WHEELCHAIRS?

Please review the following webpage.

Q: What are the VIEWS of?

Our homes have some of the best views of the lake and the mountains.  Trust me….you can’t beat this.  See the “Reviews” and all the photos on this website.

Q: Do you have a WASHER and DRYER?

Yes, all Retreats have a Washer and Dryer

Q: How soon do you return the security deposit?

We release within 3 days for all Retreats except #8 which may take up to a week.

Q: Are there STORES nearby?

Yes.  2-3 miles to local store in Lakehead.  25 miles to Costco, Safeway and more in Redding

Q: Is there SNOW on the ground in the winter?

Click Here for more info.

Rarely.  Although we are up in the mountains and you will love it, if you want a cabin in the snow….we prefer you stay somewhere else as we do not want you to be disappointed.  Most of our guests drive to Mt. Shasta to get in some snow for a day or two.  It is about a 40 minute drive on good roads.

Q: Is there SNOW SKIING or tubing?

Yes at Mt. Shasta about 45 minutes away.

Q: Is the water right by the house?

In a normal, non-drought year the lake will fill close to the top around memorial day.  Since it is a water reservoir for California, it will drop slowly until the rains start in the winter.  The distance from the house to the water will very greatly for this reason.  There is always a great trail to the water.  Retreat 1, 2, 3 and 4 and 10 are lakefront.  In 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2023 the lake filled to the top by Memorial Day.  We expect the same in 2024.  In 2020 it was 30′ short and in 2021 it was about 100′ short.  The lake can fill up very fast with a strong winter.  A couple times in history (1977 and 2021) the lake level dropped to a point where it was just a river flowing by our homes.  Although even at this lake level there is plenty of water in the lake to enjoy, just not in the Lakehead area.  See the “Lake Level” section of this web site for the latest information.

Q: Is there a white sand beach next to the house?

Unfortunately not.  Much of the shores of Shasta Lake are either rock or red dirt.  When the lake drops to a very low level, it can be silt or mud.  Great clear warm water but without the sand.

Q: How far in advance should we BOOK?

  • Summer – 9-18 months (these four houses are the first four at Shasta to book up)
  • Spring/Fall – 3 to 6 Months
  • Winter Holidays – 3 to 6 Months
  • Winter – With short notice many times

Q: How much does it COST?

  • Ranges from $249 a night to $850 a night depending on the time of the year, day of week and house.  At times you might see rates as low as $199 in off season during the week.  See “Specials” section of web site.
  • Ranges from $1500 a week to $6000+ a week depending on the time of the year and house.  Plus $1000-$2000 hold on credit card, lodging tax which is 10%, and cleaning of $240 to $350
  • Discounts for 3, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 nights.
  • There is also a webpage on this topic you can review.
  • Best way to understand the price is to go to our “Reservations Page”.  Enter the desired dates and our website will provide a total price and breakdown quickly.  Any issues, please contact us and we will help.

Q: What does the owners Dave and Lori do with the proceeds from rent payments?

Although at some point in the future when we retire we would like this to be a source of income, currently all money received from our wonderful guests go to paying the loans, utilities, taxes and what is left over is re-invested into the homes.  Our objective is that every year our guests come back they see new improvements based on their inputs

Q: Do you have a place to PARK a BOAT?

Yes.  Although we have space for your boat at our homes, we highly recommend you book a slip at Sugarloaf Marina or Antlers for your stay if they are open.  In 2023 they were $55 a night.  We always rent a slip when we are there.  See Marina and Boat Slips section of web site

Q: Do you have AIR CONDITIONING?

Yes, all homes have Air Conditioning.  Note:  If outside temp is 110 plus, you might have trouble getting the temp below 75 degrees inside Retreat 1, 3, and 6 at times.  Retreat 2 has two central air systems and can get the temp as low as you like.

Q: Do you have INTERNET?

Yes.  Recently improved to a pretty fast signal that allows streaming video and more.

Q: What if our party is larger than 14?

We have 10 vacation homes and can sleep up to 122 as of November 2023.  7 of the homes are on the same street.  2 more are a short walk.  We have listings that combine Retreat 1 and 2 and also listings that combine Retreat 1, 2, 3, and 4 which provide a built in discount.  We also offer multiple home discounts if you contact us.

Q: What if our party is larger than 100?

We can support up to 122.  Please see our large group section of the website

Q: Do you have any KAYAKS or PADDLE boards to rent or use?

Yes, Retreat 1 & 2 share 2 Kayaks & 2 Paddle Boards (shared between the two homes).  Retreat 3 has two Kayaks.  Retreat #4 has two kayaks and two paddle boards.  Retreat #9 has two kayaks.  R10 is expected to add Kayaks.  They are all complementary to our guests.  In the summer months there is also a floating island in the cove for R1-R5, R10 (unless the forest rangers make us remove it).  See this comparison list for more information.

Q: Did the FIRES in the Shasta area impact your homes?

No, none of the fires over the past several years have had any impact on any of our homes or the general area.  Only about 10% of the shoreline of Shasta Lake was burned in 2018.  Most of this is now covered by small trees and bushes.  You will not even be able to tell.  Here is more information that is up to date.

Q: Is the Sugarloaf Marina open all year?

No, unfortunately being a smaller marina, they tend to open from about sometime in May (usually Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day.  A larger marina is 3 miles from our homes which is Antlers.  Please note as the water level drops, Antlers moves their marina many times down to Sugarloaf.  If the water drops to 140′ down, the marinas start to move out of this area.  Call them for additional information.  See our “Marinas” page for more information.  See “Lake Level” page for the latest on this topic.

Q: Do you have floor plans of all your homes?

Go to dedicated section for each Retreat on this website.  Some have.

Q: Do you own all these houses or are you property managers?

Yes, we also manage properties for other owners.  Four of the homes belong to our family.  Two of these by Lori and Dave and Retreat 3 is owned by our sons plus Retreat 9 is owned by multiple family members.  All the others are different owners but we brand them under the Shasta Lakeshore Retreat and provide the same great level of service.

Q: What is your cancelation policy?

Full refund for cancelations 60 days prior no questions asked.  For more information please see our web page call “Cancelation Policy

Q: Are you open to property management for additional homes?

Yes, as long as the home fits our quality standards and we believe we can work with the owners.  Please review the “Property Management” section of the website.  We encourage you to view the voice over presentation on this page.

Ask A Question

CONTACT US

“Click” to Download this Brochure Below

600+ FIVE STAR ReviewsWhat's Available?How much $?
Shasta Lake Boating
Shasta Lake Marina view from Shasta Lakeshore Retreat #1
Shasta Lake Tubing