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Recreation Region: McCloud Area

Fowlers Campground

The most popular campground on the unit. Located on the Upper McCloud River at an elevation of 3400 feet, it has 39 sites with tables, fire-rings, vault toilets, and piped drinking water. Suitable for tents and mid-sized RV's or trailers. 14 day limit. The CG has been converted mostly to a reservation system (see below); there are only eight sites that are first come first served.

Features: This campground is situated near three waterfalls on the river, which adds to its popularity. The McCloud Falls vary in height from 15 to 50 feet. A river-side trail from the campground provides access to the falls. It is approximately three miles round trip to see all three. Swimming and fishing are other popular activities. This section of river has no special restrictions for fishing.  The McCloud River Loop, a paved road approx. 12 miles in length provides access to the Middle Falls and Upper Falls parking lots and overlooks if you do not wish to hike the trail.

Double sites: 12 people maximum.  No discounts.

Current Conditions
Please stay safe while near the McCloud River. This campground has been visited by black bears. A fed bear is a dead bear. Keep your site clean and store food in the bear box. Discourage bears by voice commands.

General Information

The campground is typically open between May and October. 

Open 24 hours/day

Interagency Recreation Passes: Holders of Senior and Access Passports are entitled to a 50% discount of the posted fee at Forest Service facilities.  You cannot use these passes on group or double sites. 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 fee for Senior Passports.  For more information on these passes, please check with the Interagency Recreation Passes website.  Discounts DO NOT apply to group or double sites.

Dogs must be on a leash, no longer than six feet, non-aggressive, and quiet.

Overnight Use:
Single Site: $15 per night

Check out time is 2:00 P.M.

Must remain on leash at all times in developed recreation facilities.

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: 41.24485508

Longitude: -122.0232549

Directions

From the McCloud Ranger Station, turn left on Highway 89.  Drive 5 miles and look for a sign on the left side of the highway for Fowlers/Lower Falls. Turn right just after the sign and drive approximately 1 mile. Once you cross the River Loop Road take the left fork into the campground.  The right fork will take you to the day use/parking area for Lower Falls and the beginning of the River Trail. 

Parking

No overflow parking allowed in campground.  Additional parking is outside of main gate entrance.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is available at this site.

Picnic Tables

Picnic tables are available at this site.

Concrete

Horse/Pack Animal Information

Horse/Pack animals are not allowed at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Fishing - River/Stream Info

McCloud River access

Swimming Info

Lower Falls attracts swimmers during warm summer days. There are no lifeguards, no exit structures, and river current can be swift. Diving is not recommended. Please pack out your belongings and trash.

Last updated August 5th, 2025