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Recreation Region: McCloud Area

Cattle Camp Campground

At an elevation of 3700 feet, this is one of two developed campgrounds on the Upper McCloud River. There are 27 sites with tables and fire rings, 6 vault toilets, and piped drinking water. Suitable for tents and larger RV's or trailers. Double sites for large families or small groups. 14 day limit. No reservations. 
Features: The Upper McCloud River is one of the primary attractions in the area. In addition to swimming and fishing, there is 15 miles of river-side trail to explore. 

Cattle Camp Swimming Hole is a Day Use Area, no Camping.

Please do not dam up the river with rocks, this prevents the natural flow of the McCloud River and encourages algae growth in the swimming hole when the water is low. 

 

General Information

The campground is typically open between May and October. 

Check-out is at 2:00 p.m.  If checking in at night please be courteous to fellow campers, and keep the noise down. 

Interagency Recreation Passes: Holders of Senior and Access Passports are entitled to a 50% discount of the posted fee at Forest Service facilities. These passports are available at Ranger Stations and visitor information centers. Persons over 62 years of age or the permanently disabled are eligible for these passports.  There is a $20 fee for Senior Passes.  For more information on these passes, please check with the Interagency Recreation Passes website.

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night

The facility has a self-registration/fee station at the entrance. 

Must remain on leash at all times inside developed recreation sites.

Phtoo of McCloud Ranger Station

Address: 2019 Forest Road McCloud, CA 96057
Phone: 530-964-2184
Hours: Friday and Saturday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 41.25937011

Longitude: -121.9396524

Elevation

3700'

Directions

From the McCloud Ranger Station, turn left on Hwy 89. Drive 10.5 miles and look for a sign on the left side of the highway for Cattle Camp Campground. At the sign, turn right and go approximately 1/3 mile and turn left into the campground.

Parking

Overflow parking is available in campground but limited

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Drinking water is available from faucets.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Concrete

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.

Other Amenities

Bear-resistant food lockers at every campsite

Recreation Opportunities

Day Hikes Info

The non-motorized multi-user trail follows the McCloud River for approximately 15 miles beginning at 
Lower Falls until its terminus at Algoma Campground.  It is rated as an ‘Easy’ hike, but there is one 
place along the trail that could prove difficult to some hikers and cyclists, which is the short section of 
trail from Middle Falls to the Middle Falls overlook. This is a short switchback section of trail and 
involves a little bit of an uphill climb, including stairs. 

Swimming Info

Cattle Camp Swimming Hole and Day Use Area is one of our most popular recreation sites. The large pool and small beach area are perfect for a day in the sun. 

Fishing - River/Stream Info

This portion of Upper McCloud River offers sport fishing only. It's catch and release only, using artificial lures with barbless hooks.

Please check fishing restrictions at California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

 

Last updated August 5th, 2025