If you love hanging out on the water, there’s no better place in all of Northern California than the largest reservoir in the whole state. Shasta Lake is the best destination in Northern California for boating and family fun in the sun. Whether you paddle around in a kayak, go tubing, or rent a houseboat, you will leave Shasta Lake feeling satisfied and relaxed.
Shasta Lake is a 30,000-acre/12,140-hectare reservoir located right off - and under - Interstate-5. The major freeway zooms right over it on a bridge that crosses one of the reservoir’s many “fingers.”
Flickr/ Ron Kroetz
Shasta Lake is great for all types of recreation, but the most iconic way to vacation on this lake is to rent out a houseboat.
Flickr/ John Mundy
Houseboat rentals around the lake offer everything from basic models with comfortable camping-like accommodations to multi-tiered, floating palaces, with whirlpool spas, gourmet kitchens, and master suites with flat-screen TVs.
Flickr/ John Mundy
Houseboats make for an incredible home base while you stay at the lake.
Flickr/ John Mundy
You and your family can relax and soak in the sparkling blue waters of Shasta Lake and the surrounding hills from the deck of your houseboat while you cruise around.
Flickr/ Rebecca Price
It’s an experience that is as relaxing or as exciting as you want it to be.
Flickr/ respiritu
If you feel like a dip, you can go tubing…
Flickr/ 23 Images Photography
…Or just float around.
Flickr/ 23 Images Photography Many visitors also tour the Shasta Dam or explore the Shasta Caverns. Both are a thrill that will leave you awe-inspired and totally in love with this Northern California slice of paradise.
With almost 370 miles of shoreline that is full of secluded coves, hiking trails, and red dirt that strikingly contrasts with the emerald water of the lake, Shasta is an ideal place to get away from other people if you are seeking a remote, relaxing vacation.
Flickr/ John Mundy
But, of course, it’s also a very social place if that’s what you are seeking. Many families rent out a few houseboats as a group so there are plenty of siblings, cousins, and friends to play and explore with throughout the entire visit to the lake.
Flickr/ USFS Region 5
Boaters are also notoriously friendly, so if you like meeting people on your vacations, just pull up and say howdy!
Flickr/ 23 Images Photography
There’s really nothing like a Shasta Lake houseboat vacation. Take a look at this fun filled vacation to see what we are talking about:
Flickr/ Ron Kroetz
Flickr/ John Mundy
Flickr/ Rebecca Price
Flickr/ respiritu
Flickr/ 23 Images Photography
Many visitors also tour the Shasta Dam or explore the Shasta Caverns. Both are a thrill that will leave you awe-inspired and totally in love with this Northern California slice of paradise.
Flickr/ USFS Region 5
For more information on renting a houseboat on Lake Shasta, click here.
Have you ever stayed overnight in a houseboat? How about visited Shasta Lake? In either case, let us know what you think about this vacation idea by sharing your thoughts with us on Facebook!
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