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- Shasta Lake Houseboat Rentals
Shasta Lake Houseboat Rentals

Among the many sightseeing options in the area, the Bully Hill Mine ruins are one of the area's best. From 1905 to 1925, these mines extracted copper from the mines. The ruins at Bully Hill are currently the only mining ruins that remain above water. If you are a true thrill seeker, scuba diving through the other underwater mining ruins is an unforgettable experience.
Why Rent a Houseboat at Shasta Lake?
Other than the mining ruins, visitors can enjoy local amenities like the Shasta Caverns, the McCloud Arm, the Pit River Arm and the Sacramento Arm. The Shasta Caverns can be reached by houseboat on the north arm of the McCloud River. Meanwhile, the Pit River Arm offers the highest double-decker bridge in the United States and phenomenal views of Mount Shasta. At the Sacramento Arm, visitors can check out the red basalt rocks piled like the Devil's Postpile National Monument. The Sacramento Arm also includes the Indian Creek and a waterfall that is perfect for summertime picnics.
Explore Shasta Lake with Hiking, Golf & Houseboats
For hikers, Shasta Lake offers two exceptional wildlife trails. The Green Creek Trail runs 5.85 miles each way through limestone formations. It ends at the Bully Hill Mine ruins and offers panoramic views of the area. At the Samwel Cave Nature Trail, visitors can hike one mile from their boat to reach a natural cavern. On many hikes, visitors can enjoy viewing local wildlife like Rocky Mountain elk, osprey, otters, bald eagles and deer.
From golfing at the Aqua Golf Driving Range to fishing for king salmon, Shasta Lake is one of the best places to spend a vacation. For a more luxurious experience, check into one of the many houseboat rentals on the lake. Designed with amenities like water slides and staterooms, these houseboats are one of the best ways to experience the crystalline waters of the Shasta Lake.
Experience Our Shasta Lake Houseboat Rentals
With options available for 8 to 22 visitors, Shasta Lake houseboat rentals are like floating palaces. These houseboats stretch up to 65 feet in length and are equipped with all of the utensils, amenities and equipment that you need for the perfect vacation. Within each houseboat, visitors will discover refrigerators, stoves, coffeemakers and televisions. In one of the smaller houseboats, you can enjoy having air conditioning, spacious upper decks, outdoor gas grills and deck furniture.
With the larger houseboat rentals, visitors can enjoy a triple deck vessel that is complete with a full wet bar and a fireplace. A temperature-controlled wine cabinet in the main salon ensures that your drinks are cooled to the perfect sipping temperature. Boasting of a master suite and a private stateroom, the most luxurious Shasta Lake houseboats are designed with home theater systems, spiral tube water slides and hot tubs that fit eight people. During sunny days, relax in the crows nest dining area on the third deck or grab a drink from the wet bar. No matter what type of vacation you are looking for, these floating palaces are one of the best ways to experience Shasta Lake.
Houseboat Rental FAQ Shasta Lake, CA
What’s it Like on a Houseboat?
Renting a houseboat is like sleeping in a luxury hotel room on the open water. It offers a way to enjoy the peaceful serenity of America's lakes without the stress of traffic or hotel rentals. From barbecue grills to waterslides, your group can find the perfect amenities to suit your needs. Once you have found the right boat, all you have to do is reserve a spot and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.How Far in Advance Should We Book a Houseboat?
We recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance. Often, houseboat rentals are cheaper if they are scheduled for a few months in advance. At the very least, scheduling early will ensure that you can rent the right boat at the perfect destination. Popular spots tend to rent quickly, so you need to plan your vacation as early as possible. Call us 877-331-4421 to check availability.What Are the Booking Policies?
- MINIMUM RENTAL PERIOD: Houseboats may be rented for a minimum of three days and two nights.
- TAXES: Taxes are included in the rental rates.
- HOUSEBOAT BOOKING PROCEDURES: A booking deposit of $300 per boat is required at time the reservation is made. The balance of the rental, plus a $500.00 security deposit is due 45 days prior to your scheduled boarding date. The security deposit will be refunded when the houseboat is returned undamaged and with the inventory intact. Reservations that are booked within 45 days of arrival must be paid in-full with cash, money order, MasterCard, AMEX, Visa or Discover within 72 hours of making the reservation.
- A $25 surcharge will be added to the full rental fee for each person above the stated number that the boat sleeps. The passenger limit on a 6 sleeper is seven. On 8 sleepers, the passenger limit is nine. On 10 sleepers, the passenger limit is twelve. On 13 sleepers, the passenger limit is thirteen.
How Do I Operate the Houseboat?
Most people learn to drive the houseboats in just a few minutes. You will have an orientation at the time you pick up the houseboat. That orientation includes a walkthrough of the boat and explanation of how everything works. Renters are instructed on how to operate (drive) the houseboat. All houseboats have manuals on board with information that was covered in the orientation and often more in depth. Renters are encouraged to ask questions during the orientation.Are There Operator Requirements for Piloting the Houseboat?
Houseboat rentals require the renter be a responsible adult at least 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license. Shasta Lake requires 2 individuals in the group be at least 21 years of age. A responsible adult must be on the houseboat during the entire rental period.What Are the Houseboat Rental Pickup and Drop Off Times?
Pick up and drop off times vary, but in GENERAL pick up and drop off times for Shasta Lake are:
- Pickup between 8 and 10 am on first day
- Drop off between 3 and 5 pm on final day
How Do I Get There?
Enter the following address into your GPS: Bridge Bay Marina 10300 Bridge Bay Road Redding, CA 96003 Exact Coordinates: N 40° 45.1503, W 122° 19.33008What Do We Do When Arriving at the Marina?
Renters should find the orientation office and get instructions from the marina staff on where to go to unload their belongings to start loading the houseboat. Wait for advice from the staff before unloading. Renters should be patient when they arrive as starting a houseboat vacation takes time and the staff wants to ensure everything is in order so that renters have everything they need. PLEASE PLAN ON 1-2 HOURS FOR YOUR PARTY TO BOARD THE HOUSEBOAT AND RECEIVE A COMPLETE ORIENTATION.Is Pre-Boarding (option to stay on the boat overnight the day before) Allowed?
Yes, pre-boarding is allowed at Shasta Lake for an additional fee. Fees vary based on the houseboat selected.What to Pack for a Houseboat Vacation?
Guests should plan on bringing attire appropriate to the activities they will enjoy during their houseboating vacation. For most, that means a couple of swimsuits, some shorts and loose shirts, and some flip-flops. A large brimmed hat and plenty of sun block are good ideas for protection from the sun.
If a guest is going to one of our destinations in the spring or the fall, a light jacket and a few pairs of pants are a good idea for the evenings.
Other ideas include some of your favorite DVD’s for night time watching, board games, playing cards, and of course your favorite music. See Our Planning a Houseboat Vacation Guide Here
What Equipment is on Board?
Equipment and amenities on board vary by houseboat. We list the specific amenities for each houseboat page. Standard equipment on houseboats include:
- Fully equipped kitchens with everything needed to prepare and serve meals
- Barbecue Grills
- Some cleaning supplies
- A supply of toilet paper and paper towels
- A fresh water tank
Where and When to Anchor the Houseboat?
Houseboats are not equipped with anchors as anchoring requires additional expertise and isn’t as safe as mooring a houseboat. Mooring is the process of securing the houseboat to the shore where there are no underwater obstructions. Renters will be provided with all the equipment and instructions on how to moor the houseboat. We recommend beaches or coves where there will be some shelter from the wind, especially at night while you’re sleeping. Renters should plan to moor the houseboat to the shore at least 2 hours prior to sunset.How Much Should I Budget for Fuel?
Each destination requires that renters pay for fuel that they use during their trip. Fuel expenses can vary widely depending on how a renter conducts their trip. We recommend budgeting between $50 and $100 per day. (3 days $300, 4 days $400, etc.) Containers of fuel may NOT be brought aboard any type of boat. No exceptions!Do You Have Any Meal Planning Tips?
"]We absolutely recommend meal planning. All of our destinations have shopping nearby. We recommend bringing dry goods (cereal, pancake mix, spices, etc.) from home if you’re driving and shopping locally near your destination for refrigerated items like milk, meats, eggs, etc. Many of our destinations have shop and stock services. Ask us about these convenient services while scheduling your houseboat vacation with one of our experts.Can You Water Ski Behind a Houseboat?
Houseboats travel at a maximum of around 10 miles per hour, which isn’t fast enough for water skiing.Can I Add on a Watercrafts or Water Toys? Can I Bring My Own?
Speedboat, personal watercraft (jet ski) and water toy rentals are popular additions to a houseboat rental vacation, and we have these items at most of our destinations. Water toys can include water skis wake boards, ski tubes, kayaks and paddleboards. You are welcome to bring your own speedboats, personal watercraft and water toys, but please inform our staff if you are planning to bring these items when you are scheduling your trip so we can advise you of any requirements.Will Cell Phones Work and Will There Be WIFI Internet?
Cell phones will work, although sometimes reception can be spotty or just not available depending on your proximity and line of site to a cell tower. WIFI is not available to houseboat renters while out on the lake.Can You Lock the Doors on a Houseboat for Security?
Yes, you can lock the doors on a houseboat.What Can You Do on a Houseboat?
All houseboats have a swimming platform on the back of the houseboat with a ladder that comes down into the water for easy re-entry onto the houseboat. Many of our houseboats have swim slides. Some of our houseboats have hot tubs, covered top deck sitting areas, wet bars, and premium onboard sound and video systems. Some houseboats even have satellite television.Is Smoking or Alcohol Allowed on the Houseboat?
All our houseboats are non-smoking. Alcohol is allowed onboard all houseboats. Normal “rules of the road” apply to operation/piloting of the houseboat. There shouldn’t be open containers near the helm while the houseboat is being piloted. Houseboat pilots should not be under the influence while operating a houseboat.Are Firearms Allowed on the Houseboat?
We respect gun owners, hunters, and target shooters, but firearms are not allowed on the houseboats. If you’re a concealed or open carry permit holder, please ask us about the rules specific to the destination you are visiting.Do You Need a Small Boat? Can You Tow a Small Boat with the Houseboat?
Small boat rentals make a great recreation option allowing for water sports as well as faster/more economical exploration of the destination. There is a two hour minimum on all small boat rentals and on all equipment rentals.Will I Get Seasick?
Motion or seasickness is very rare on inland bodies of water because if there are any waves, they are very small.How Do I Refuel the Houseboat?
Most of our houseboats have very large fuel tanks that provide enough fuel for a full weeklong trip. If a renter does need to refuel, they would need to find a marina with a fuel station for refueling. The staffs at most marinas are very helpful and will even board your houseboat so that you can safely pull in and out of the fueling station.What to Do in Case of an Emergency in the Middle of a Lake?
Every houseboat is equipped with a CB radio where a special channel is reserved strictly for emergencies. Instructions on how to call in an emergency are part of the rental orientation.Are There Extra Precautions for Children?
Water safety is paramount with children and adults alike. For young children, a life vest should be worn at all times when the child has access to the water. Life vests are provided at all destinations at no charge. However, we do recommend that you consider purchasing a life vest for your child at a local sporting goods store prior to you houseboating vacation so you can ensure a well fitted and comfortable life vest.Are Boats Wheelchair Accessible?
We have specific houseboats at Lake Mead, Lake Powell and Lake Mohave that are wheelchair accessible.Are Dogs Allowed? Are There Size/Breed Requirements?
Houseboats at Shasta Lake are pet-friendly. There are no size or breed requirements.Are Life Vests Required?
Life vests are provided on every houseboat and you are encouraged to wear a life vest if you’re not a confident swimmer when you have access to the water. Children should wear life vests at all times that they have easy access to the water.How Do I Know Where I’m Going?
Every houseboat has a map and navigational instruction is provided as part of the orientation. Some houseboats have GPS, but most do not. View Voyageurs National Park Houseboat Maps Here.
2017 Summer Rates
June 1 through August 13
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night | 6 day/5 night | 7 day/6 night |
$1100 | $1400 | $1600 | $1750 | $1850 |
2017 Value Rates
January 1 to May 31 (Excluding May Weekends) and August 13 to December 31
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night | 6 day/5 night | 7 day/6 night |
$1050 | $1350 | $1500 | $1650 | $1750 |
2017 May Weekend Rates
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night |
$1350 | $1650 | $1800 |
2017 Summer Rates
June 1 through August 13
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night | 6 day/5 night | 7 day/6 night |
$1400 | $1800 | $2000 | $2200 | $2300 |
2017 Value Rates
January 1 to May 31 (Excluding May Weekends) and August 13 to December 31
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night | 6 day/5 night | 7 day/6 night |
$1350 | $1700 | $1950 | $2100 | $2200 |
2017 May Weekend Rates
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night |
$1650 | $2100 | $2300 |
2017 Summer Rates
June 1 through August 13
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night | 6 day/5 night | 7 day/6 night |
$2100 | $2600 | $2800 | $3000 | $3200 |
2017 Value Rates
January 1 to May 31 (Excluding May Weekends) and August 13 to December 31
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night | 6 day/5 night | 7 day/6 night |
$1950 | $2450 | $2650 | $2800 | $2900 |
2017 May Weekend Rates
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night |
$3000 | $3500 | $3600 |
2017 Summer Rates
June 1 through August 13
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night | 6 day/5 night | 7 day/6 night |
$2750 | $3300 | $3500 | $3750 | $4000 |
2017 Value Rates
January 1 to May 31 (Excluding May Weekends) and August 13 to December 31
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night | 6 day/5 night | 7 day/6 night |
$2500 | $3000 | $3150 | $3300 | $3500 |
2017 May Weekend Rates
3 day/2 night | 4 day/3 night | 5 day/4 night |
$3700 | $4000 | $4250 |