Shasta Lake - Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of a houseboat vacation is based on a few variables: what time of year you plan to visit, what size of houseboat, how long of a trip, etc. See our Pricing Page for more details

Pricing for Jones Valley Marina and Silverthorn Resort is dynamic pricing. Prices can vary based on availability and several other factors. Prices quoted are a starting rate and are not guaranteed until booking is confirmed.

Generally, people reserve about 6-9 months in advance. But it's always a good idea to make a reservation as soon as you're ready, especially if you have specific dates in mind or if you're planning a trip over a holiday weekend or on a special promotion.

Give us a call at 888-454-8825. Our reservation agents are happy to check availability or confirm your vacation.

Alternatively, you may Contact Us Online with your availability request, and one of our agents will get back to you with the information you need.

For houseboats from the Jones Valley Marina

To reserve:

• A down payment of 20% is due at the time of booking. A security deposit ranging from $1,000 - $2,000 (varies by houseboat model) is due on arrival (excluding 3 / 4 night trips in May). This amount is above your total and is refundable at the end of your trip.
• Your full rental cost is due 75 days prior to your arrival

*For weekend trips taking place during the month of May, an additional CASH deposit (no credit cards or checks) of $3000 ($5000 for the Titan) will be due upon arrival for your houseboat vacation.

• If making a reservation more than 75 days rior to arrival - Can cancel within *5 calendar days of booking for no penalty (not business days)
• 6 days after booking until 75 days prior to arrival - forfeit 1/2 deposit
• 74-46 days prior to arrival - forfeit full deposit
• 45 days or less prior to arrival - forfeit full rental fee
  • THERE IS NO RECOURSE FOR REFUND AT THIS POINT DUE TO ANY EVENT INCLUDING EPIDEMIC, PANDEMIC, WEATHER, AND FIRE. RE-BOOKING VOIDS ALL DATE PARAMETERS. THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
• Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing
• Our office hours are Monday - Friday, and Saturdays only seasonally. If you have questions on a weekend that may lead to a cancellation, please contact the Jones Valley Marina directly at 800-332-3044. Our hours do not extend your cancelation deadline.

Change Policy (per Houseboat)

• All guests receive one free date push into the next year if the request is made at least 75 days prior to the original date. A second date push can be made at least 75 days prior to the new arrival date for a minimum charge of half the deposit ($250-$500)
• The entire security deposit will be forfeited if a reservation is cancelled after a date push but the cancellation must made at least 75 days prior to the new reservation date.
• At least half of the entire rental rate will be forfeited if any cancellations are made after a date push and if it is within 75 days of the new arrival date.
• Any changes made to reservations within 45 days prior to arrival will have a minimum administration charge of $500. (This does not include cancellations).

Houseboat Vacation Protection

• Houseboat Vacation Protection

  • To better protect your trip from unforeseen circumstances, we suggest you consider travel insurance. Get a quote online today.

For Houseboats from the Silverthorn Resort

To reserve:

• A down payment of 20% is due at the time of booking. A security deposit ranging from $500 - $2,000 (varies by houseboat model) is due on arrival (excluding 3 / 4 night trips in May). This amount is above your total and is refundable at the end of your trip.
• Your full rental cost is due 75 days prior to your arrival

**May Weekends have Cash deposit due upon arrival ($3000 Senator, and $5000 Queen, Queen I, Queen II)      

• If making a reservation more than 75 days rior to arrival - Can cancel within *5 calendar days of booking for no penalty (not business days)
• 6 days after booking until 75 days prior to arrival - forfeit 1/2 deposit
• 74-46 days prior to arrival - forfeit full deposit
• 45 days or less prior to arrival - forfeit full rental fee
  • THERE IS NO RECOURSE FOR REFUND AT THIS POINT DUE TO ANY EVENT INCLUDING EPIDEMIC, PANDEMIC, WEATHER, AND FIRE. RE-BOOKING VOIDS ALL DATE PARAMETERS. THE PURCHASE OF TRAVEL INSURANCE IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
• Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing
• Our office hours are Monday - Friday, and Saturdays only seasonally. If you have questions on a weekend that may lead to a cancellation, please contact the Jones Valley Marina directly at 800-332-3044. Our hours do not extend your cancelation deadline.

Change Policy (per Houseboat)

• All guests receive one free date push into the next year if the request is made at least 75 days prior to the original date. A second date push can be made at least 75 days prior to the new arrival date for a minimum charge of half the deposit ($250-$500)
• The entire security deposit will be forfeited if a reservation is cancelled after a date push but the cancellation must made at least 75 days prior to the new reservation date.
• At least half of the entire rental rate will be forfeited if any cancellations are made after a date push and if it is within 75 days of the new arrival date.
• Any changes made to reservations within 45 days prior to arrival will have a minimum administration charge of $500. (This does not include cancellations).

Houseboat Vacation Protection

• Houseboat Vacation Protection

  • To better protect your trip from unforeseen circumstances, we suggest you consider travel insurance. Get a quote online today.

For houseboats from the Bridge Bay Marina

To reserve:

• A $300 down payment is required at the time of booking by credit card over the phone. This amount applies toward your total.
• Final payment is due 45 days prior to departure. A $750 refundable deposit is due on arrival (see May exceptions below).

Bridge Bay May Pricing Notes: *Damage Deposit increases to $1000 Cash (no checks or cards) for all trips taking place in May. 

Cancellations:

• More than 45 day notice: full refund of deposit minus $50 cancel fee
• 45-7 days notice: forfeit $300 deposit plus $50 cancel fee
• Less than 7 days notice: forfeit full rental

Basics such as cookware and serve-ware (pots, plans, plates, glasses, utensils, etc.) come equipped on the houseboat. You are responsible for bringing all of your linens, food, beverages, and spices down to salt and pepper.

Fuel is not included in the houseboat rental. Like a rental car, you'll pick up the houseboat full and you'll be responsible for the final refueling at the end of your trip to pay for what you've used.

Typically, we recommend that you budget about $100 per day for fuel. Of course, it may be more or less based on how much you drive the houseboat each day and how much you run the generator.

Linens are not included on any houseboats at Shasta Lake. You will need to provide your own bed linens as well as bath and swim towels.

Linen packages may be available from Jones Valley marina for an additional cost. Call for details.

For houseboats departing from Jones Valley Marina:

• You may pick up the houseboat as early as 2pm, and it is not due back at the marina until 9am on your final day

For houseboats departing from Silverthorn Marina:

• You may pick up the houseboat as early as 3-5pm, and it is not due back at the marina until 9am on your final day

For houseboats departing from Bridge Bay Marina:

• You may pick up the houseboat as early as 8am, and it is not due back until 4pm on your final day.
• Early Boarding after 7pm the evening before may be an option for $200 based on availability.

If you arrive at the marina after hours, the marina staff will leave your name and houseboat number on the office door with information about where it’s docked.

You can load the houseboat and sleep on it that night in the marina, then go through the check in and orientation process the next morning before you go out on the water.

For an additional cost, Early Boarding the evening prior to your trip may be an option based on availability.Give us a call at 888-454-8825 for details. *For houseboats departing from Bridge Bay Marina only

We have several options: Watercraft Rentals

Shasta Lake is located in northern California, within a 15 minute drive north of Redding. See our Map & Directions page to view a map and directions to the Shasta Lake area.

Jones Valley Marina
22300 Jones Valley Marina Dr, Redding, CA 96003

Silverthorn Marina
16250 Silverthorn Rd, Redding, CA 96007

Bridge Bay Marina
10300 Bridge Bay Rd, Redding, CA 96003

*The above addresses are for driving directions only. Do not mail payments to these addresses

The closest grocery stores are in Redding, CA, about a 15 minute drive from any marina.

The marinas have a marina store stocked with limited convenience items and ice.

You will want to come fully prepared with all groceries as there are no grocery or restaurant opportunities along the lake.

Yes! There is fishing at Shasta Lake!

There are a variety of fish found in these waters including: Bass, Salmon, Crappie, Trout, Catfish, and even Sturgeon!

A California state fishing license is required and will allow you to fish anywhere on Shasta Lake. Be sure to purchase a license online ahead of time.

Seasickness is very uncommon on fresh water because the lake is mostly calm and houseboats are wider and more stable than smaller boats. However, if you get sick easily we recommend that you take necessary precautions.