Boat ramp guide
Antlers Public Boat Ramp
Lakehead, Shasta County, CA
Overview
The Antlers Public Boat Ramp is a Forest Service launch on the upper Sacramento Arm of Shasta Lake, about half a mile east of I-5 at Lakehead. It's the natural launch for boaters staying at the Antlers campground, Antlers Marina or the RV parks around Lakehead.
The ramp
Antlers has four paved lanes and an accessible loading platform. It's a high-water ramp: it stays open daily until the lake is drawn down about 75 feet, then closes. Launching moves to the Sugarloaf low-water ramp, which serves drawdowns from about 75 to 160 feet. Day use is $18 per vehicle, and holders of Senior and Access passes get 50% off.
Facilities
The site has flush toilets, potable water, an accessible drinking fountain, picnic tables, an information station and accessible parking. Horses and pack animals aren't allowed.
Before you go
The ramp can close when the parking lot fills or when floating debris makes launching hazardous, which is most common in spring. Complete the mussel self-certification and make sure your boat is fully dry before you arrive. The Shasta Lake Ranger Station has current conditions.
Getting there & access
By road
Leave I-5 at Exit 702 (Lakeshore Drive/Antlers Road) and drive about half a mile east to the ramp.
Launching
Four lanes are usable until the lake is drawn down about 75 feet. After that Antlers closes and launching shifts to the Sugarloaf low-water ramp, which also uses Exit 702.
Closures
The ramp may close when the parking lot fills or when debris on the lake makes launching hazardous, especially in spring. Call the Shasta Lake Ranger Station, (530) 275-1587, for current status.
By water
Antlers sits near the head of the Sacramento Arm. Antlers Marina and the Antlers campground are next to the ramp.
Amenities
- Launch lanes — Four paved lanes at high water
- Accessible loading platform — For boarding at the ramp
- Restrooms — Flush toilets
- Drinking water — Potable water and an accessible fountain
- Parking — On-site parking with accessible spaces and paths
- Picnic tables and info station — Picnic tables and an information station
- Nearby — Antlers campground, Antlers Marina, an RV park and a summer amphitheater
Rules & official resources
- Day use at Antlers is $18 per vehicle; Senior and Access pass holders receive a 50% discount, and season passes are sold by Shasta Recreation Company
- Follow clean, drain and dry protocol and complete the mussel self-certification before launching
- 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
- Horses and pack animals are not allowed at the Antlers ramp
- 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
Trailer and engine checkups
Antlers is a trailer-boat ramp off I-5, and many users tow in from out of the area. Bearings, brakes, lights and engines all benefit from a check before long tows in summer heat.
Find Marine Mechanics & Engine Service providers →Wash and dry between lakes
Shasta's mussel rules require boats to arrive clean and completely dry, with a 30-day dry period or professional decontamination if they've been in golden-mussel waters. A thorough wash and dry-out is part of every trip.
Find Boat Detailing & Washing providers →Low-water transport
When Antlers closes at low water, owners shift to Sugarloaf or other ramps, or pull their boats for the season. Towing and transport help is common in late summer and fall.
Find Boat Transport, Towing & Delivery providers →Guides & FAQs
Nearby providers
No providers listed near this location yet — check back soon.
Sources
Last verified October 8, 2026