Shasta Lake Boat Ramps: Which Ones Stay Open at Low Water
Ramp-by-ramp clearance elevations, drawdown behavior and the launch order locals use from May to October.
Dana WhitfieldBoat captain & Shasta ramp watcherJune 30, 2026 10 min read
Drawdown is the whole story
Shasta is a working reservoir. It fills with the snowmelt and gets drafted all summer for downstream demand. By late September, ramps that were 8 feet under water in May are dry concrete with a gravel drop-off at the end.
The launch order that works
- May–June: every ramp is open. Launch wherever you're camped.
- July–August: the shallower McCloud Arm ramps start to shorten. Check the daily elevation before you tow.
- September–October: Jones Valley and the deeper Sacramento Arm ramps are your reliable bets.
Trailer tip: In low water, back in with a spotter. The concrete ends abruptly and a rear tire off the lip means a tow truck day.
What the elevation number means to you
Full pool is 1,067 ft. Once the lake drops under roughly 1,000 ft, expect closures and posted warnings at the shallowest ramps. Under 960 ft, plan on the deep-water ramps only.
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Campgrounds mentioned in this guide
Jones Valley Campground
Pit River Arm · Max 36 ft · Dry Camping (No Hookups)
Antlers Campground
Sacramento Arm · Max 40 ft · Dry Camping (No Hookups)
Bailey Cove Campground
McCloud Arm · Max 30 ft · Dry Camping (No Hookups)
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