Marina guide
Shasta Marina at Packers Bay
Lakehead, Shasta County, CA
Overview
Shasta Marina at Packers Bay is a privately run houseboat marina on the Sacramento Arm of Shasta Lake, at 16814 Packers Bay Road in Lakehead. It sits just past the Forest Service's Packers Bay Public Boat Ramp, so trailer boaters and houseboat renters share the same short access road off I-5.
Marina services
The state boating facilities directory lists boat rentals, fuel sales, ice, lodging, restrooms, and water, power and phone service on the docks. It is one of several houseboat bases on the lake.
The public ramp
The Packers Bay ramp is paved, with four lanes until about 50 feet of drawdown and two lanes until about 115 feet. An accessible loading platform sits beside the ramp, and the lighted lot holds roughly 180 to 188 vehicles. It's open all year but gets very busy on holidays. Trails, including Waters Gulch and Overlook, start from the area.
Getting there
Packers Bay is reached from the northbound side of I-5 at Exit 695; southbound drivers continue to the exit and turn around to rejoin. Lake levels drive everything here, so check Forest Service ramp conditions before you tow up, especially in late summer and fall.
Getting there & access
By road
Take I-5 to Exit 695. The Forest Service guide notes the ramp is accessed from northbound I-5; southbound traffic uses the exit and turns back to rejoin. The marina entrance is just past the public ramp on Packers Bay Road.
Launching
The Forest Service ramp is paved and open year-round, with four lanes until about 50 feet of drawdown and two lanes until about 115 feet. An accessible loading platform is available. Expect long lines on holiday weekends.
Launch fee
Day passes are bought on site through the Recreation.gov app: scan the QR code at the fee board, drop the envelope in the fee tube and display the stub on your dash. Passes don't guarantee parking.
By water
Packers Bay opens onto the Sacramento Arm. Call the marina before arriving for fuel or dock space.
Amenities
- Public launch ramp — Forest Service, 4 lanes at high water, accessible loading platform
- Fuel — Fuel sales at the marina
- Boat rentals — Houseboat and small-boat rentals
- Dock utilities — Water, electricity and phone service on the docks
- Lodging — Listed lodging at the marina
- Ice and restrooms — Ice vending; restrooms at ramp and marina
- Trails — Waters Gulch, Fish Loop, Overlook and Eastside trails nearby
Rules & official resources
- Forest Order 14-25-29 (effective December 4, 2025 through December 4, 2027) prohibits possessing or transporting golden, zebra or quagga mussels below the high-water mark of Shasta, Trinity and Lewiston lakes or on any ramp that serves them; violations carry fines up to $5,000 for individuals
- All watercraft must be cleaned, drained and completely dried before launching at Whiskeytown, Shasta, Trinity and Lewiston lakes: at least 5 days dry if last used outside the NRA, at least 30 days dry (or professional decontamination) if used in a county or waterbody with known golden mussels
- A signed Mussel-Free Self-Certification (form version dated July 1, 2026) displayed through the windshield speeds up launching at Shasta, Trinity, Lewiston and Whiskeytown lakes
- Packers Bay ramp passes are sold on site via the Recreation.gov app, are valid only for the date and vehicle shown and don't guarantee parking; parking outside designated areas can bring fines and towing
- Boats 26 feet and longer may not tie up to the summer courtesy docks at Forest Service public ramps
- A current California Mussel Fee sticker is required on motorized watercraft operated in fresh water
- California Boater Card required for all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, since January 1, 2025
Common boat service needs here
Engine and generator service
Houseboats and rental-season boats here log long summer days. Generator, outboard and sterndrive service before the season and after heavy use keeps trips from ending early far up the Sacramento Arm.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Wash, drain and dry
Shasta's mussel rules require boats to arrive clean and completely dry. A professional wash and dry-out between lakes saves time at the ramp.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Gelcoat care
Strong summer sun on the lake fades and chalks gelcoat on boats kept in the water or on trailers outdoors. Regular compounding and waxing keeps hulls protected.
Find Gelcoat, Oxidation & Paint Correction providers →Slip and storage
Rising and falling water means docks move and ramps change. Many owners keep boats in a marina slip or in storage rather than towing to the lake each time.
Find Marinas, Storage & Dock Services providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026