Houseboating on Shasta Lake, California
One of my fondest childhood memories is houseboating on Shasta Lake in northern California. My parents, my brother and I putted around the large lake, exploring the coves and inlets of this beautiful lake and stopping frequently for a dip in the 78-degree water because the temperatures hovered around 100 degrees. Often it seemed like we had the lake to ourselves because it was so easy to get out of sight and sound of other boats.
Shasta Lake is a man made lake a few miles north of Redding, California. It is fed by the Sacramento, McCloud, and Pitt Rivers. It has about 360 miles of shoreline, most of it wild. Animal life along the shore includes the black tailed mule deer, the bald eagle, osprey, ring tailed cat, California black bear, and rattlesnakes. When on shore watch where you put your hands and feet and you will be safe from the snakes. The fishing on the lake is very good and includes bass, trout, crappies, catfish, and sturgeon. Children can easily catch bluegill in the shallower coves.
Houseboating on Shasta Lake is a wonderful way to vacation. Most houseboats sleep many people and are rented by groups. Rentals seem very expensive but are actually quite reasonable when you realize you will split the cost between 12 to 16 of your best friends. This is also the downside-are you the kind of person who will enjoy being with your friends and relatives for several days in a rather small area? If not, you might want to consider a bare bones houseboat or take your camping gear and rent a pontoon boat.
Houseboating on Shasta Lake is a luxury vacation. The houseboats are like very large luxury motor homes or condos. Most have full or queen-sized beds, full baths, staterooms, penthouses, flat screen TV, dishwasher, trash compactor, full refrigerator and waterslides. Many include air conditioning, big hot tubs, fireplaces, and surround sound.
What follows are only a few of the resorts that rent houseboats. Rates are for the high season. Off-season is much cheaper.
BRIDGE BAY RESORT 800 752 9669
This is one of the largest and oldest resorts on the Lake. They have a big choice of houseboats including the following:
The Grand Sierra sleeps 13 to 16 and has air conditioning. The Grand Sierra costs $1350 for 3 days 2 nights; $1700 for 3 nights 4 days; and $2200 for 6 nights 7 days.
The Summit sleeps 10 to 12 and has air conditioning. It goes for $1200 for 2 nights 3 days; $1700 for 3 nights 4 days; and 22 hundred for 6 nights 7 days.
The Cascade sleeps 8 to 9 and costs $750 for 2 nights 3 days; $950 for 3 nights 4 days; and $1250 for 6 nights 7 days.
ANTLERS 800 283 3972
Antlers rents only by the week during peak season. Their houseboats are very luxurious and very pricey. They feature large hot tubs and fireplaces.
The Orion sleeps 18+ and goes for $7895 per week.
The Genesis sleeps 14 and costs $7095 per week.
The Mirage sleeps 14 and is $5795 weekly.
The Deluxe Lakecruiser sleeps 12 and costs $3360 per week.
SHASTA MARINA RESORT 800 331 3177
The Marina Resort rents luxury houseboats for 3, 4, and 7 nights.
The Thorobred sleeps 16 and is $3810 for 3 nights; $4660 for 4 nights and $7400 for 7 nights.
The Mirage sleeps 16 and is $3375 for 3 nights; $3980 for 4 nights, and $6300 for 7 nights.
The Sleeper Mirage sleeps 14 and is $3240 for 3 nights; $3660 for 4 nights and $5800 for 7 nights.
The Sleeper #2 sleeps 12 and is $2055 for 3 nights; $2300 for 4 nights; and $3650 for 7 nights.
Bon voyage!
