Gather. Laugh. Repeat.
Your Guide to a fabulous Family Reunion – Planning Tips and Top Venues…
Few events are as enjoyable and meaningful as a family reunion. It’s a chance to reconnect, reminisce and create new memories with those you love. In the North State, we are fortunate to have a wide variety of venues for families to gather, from lakeside escapes to rustic retreats in the mountains to campsites along the river.
The key to a successful family reunion – like most events – is planning. The most important things to consider, of course, are the venue and the date. Word to the wise: If you’re hoping to have your reunion this summer, it may already be too late. Many of the more popular venues suggest making the reservation a year in advance.
Our large family gathers together every three years instead of annually. This simplifies the planning and accommodates for family members who need to travel long distances to attend.
We also rotate the responsibilities of hosting the reunion. Every three years, one branch of the family hands the baton to another branch. Every family has their own traditions – which is part of the fun of these joyful get-togethers.
Picking the Perfect Location
The right setting can make all the difference. In our neck of the woods, there are venues to suit any family’s needs. For those who love the outdoors, places like Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort provide cabins, RV sites and picnic areas with stunning waterfront views. If your family prefers a cozy mountain lodge, Mill Creek Resort near Lassen National Forest offers charming vintage cabins and an abundance of nearby hiking trails. From the serene Trinity Alps Resort to the picturesque Shasta View Lodge, there’s no shortage of scenic getaways.
Food: The Heart of Every Gathering
Nothing brings family together like food. Many resorts offer on-site catering or communal kitchen spaces where relatives can cook together. For a hassle-free option, consider hiring a local caterer specializing in family-style meals. A good old-fashioned barbecue or potluck is an option for those families who love to cook.
Planning Fun Activities for All Ages
A great family reunion blends relaxation with activities that appeal to all generations. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking, fishing and kayaking, while kids and grandparents might prefer storytelling around a campfire or an old-fashioned scavenger hunt. Some venues even offer on-site entertainment, such as guided nature walks or live music nights.
Capturing the Memories
A family reunion isn’t complete without a way to capture the moments. Make sure to take plenty of photos and share them on a family web page or social media site. Many families create reunion T-shirts to commemorate the occasion.
Making it a Tradition
The best reunions don’t end when everyone says goodbye – they set the stage for future gatherings. Assign a planning committee or set a tentative date before you leave.
6 Excellent Venues
Here are six excellent venues in our region to consider when planning your next family reunion.
1 Strawhouse Resorts
Strawhouse Resorts & RV Park is situated along the Trinity River and surrounded by the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area. The resort provides a variety of accommodations, including cottages, a glamping yurt, and large RV sites with full hookups. Guests can enjoy private river access for fishing, swimming and kayaking, as well as nearby hiking and mountain biking trails. There is an on-site café, a lodge, an extensive lawn area and a fireroom for the cooler days.
www.strawhouseresorts.com
2 Mill Creek Resort
Mill Creek Resort is nestled within 13 wooded acres near Lassen Volcanic National Park. The resort’s accommodations include vintage cabins, glamping sites and campsites. The historic 1930s lodge serves as a communal space and the resort’s proximity to the park provides opportunities for hiking, fishing and exploring geothermal wonders. Amenities include a wellness studio, a meeting room, playground and picnic areas.
www.millcreekresort.net
3 Shasta View Lodge
Shasta View Lodge features nine renovated cabins accommodating groups ranging from 12 to 40 guests. The lodge is minutes away from McCloud Falls, Mt. Shasta Ski Park, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Clear Creek route to summit Mount Shasta. The 2,400-square-foot indoor venue includes a commercial kitchen, built-in bar, and large outdoor patio with views of Mount Shasta. Guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as kayaking, fishing, biking, golf and waterfall hikes.
www.shastaviewlodge.com
4 Shatsa Lakeshore Retreat
Shasta Lakeshore Retreat is a collection of 18 well-kept homes at Shasta Lake that can accommodate up to 220 guests. All homes come equipped with heating, air conditioning, and reliable wi-fi. Perfect for families who enjoy boating on the lake, the retreat is a short walk to Sugarloaf Marina. Guests can even anchor their boats in front of their homes. Amenities include hot tubs at some homes, paddle boarding, kayaking, horseshoes, cornhole and a floating island.
shastalakeshoreretreat.com
5 Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort
Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort offers a picturesque setting for family reunions, combining natural beauty with modern amenities. The resort features cabins, RV sites and tent camping spots, ensuring space for families of all sizes. Enjoy lakefront access, hiking trails, fishing, boat rentals and a family-friendly beach. The resort also provides on-site dining options. There is also a general store, movie theater and a Splash Zone for kids.
lakesiskiyouresort.com
6 Trinity Alps Resort
Trinity Alps Resort sits along the Stuart Fork River in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The resort features 50 rustic cabins equipped with modern amenities. On-site facilities include the Bear’s Breath Bar & Grill and a general store. The resort offers a range of activities such as hiking, fishing, swimming hole, tennis, basketball, bocce, volleyball and cornhole. You can even hire a square dance caller! The resort also has a community center with a stage and on-site catering from the bar and grill.
www.trinityalpsresort.com •
