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McCloud Area

Are you interested in camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, boating, picnicking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, or sightseeing?  The choices for recreation are almost unlimited on the McCloud District.

During the late spring, summer and early fall, the McCloud Area offers fishing, hunting, swimming, camping, hiking, photography opportunities, and spectacular scenery. During the winter months, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snow- shoeing, hunting, fishing, and downhill skiing are the top-ranking outdoor opportunities. 

There are a number of developed campgrounds and day use facilities located along the scenic McCloud River, that includes Fowlers, Cattle Camp, and Camp 4. Fowlers CG has 31 sites that are reservation only and 8 sites that are first come, first served. (All walk-in until May 15th) Camp 4 is a reservation only group campground.  You can reserve a site at recreation.gov.  There is a 14 day stay limit at our campgrounds.  Cattle Camp is first come first served.

The McCloud River parallels Highway 89 from its source near Dead Horse Summit to Fowlers Campground. There it turns south and continues through private property to the McCloud Reservoir. At the "Res" as it is known locally, the river again flows through National Forest lands to a point several miles below AhDiNa Campground, plus several other areas downstream to the Nature Conservancy's McCloud River Preserve. From here, the river passes through mostly private property and public access from the banks is extremely limited until the river enters the McCloud Arm of Shasta Lake. 

General Information

Dispersed camping is restricted along McCloud Falls and has stay limits in other areas of the forest. Visit Alerts for current restrictions.

McCloud Area Recreation Guide

Medicine Lake Highlands Volcanic Area Guide

Upper McCloud River Area Guide

Recreation Sites

Showing: 1 - 10 of 16 results

AhDiNa Campground

Site Closed
Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
 AhDiNa Recreation Opportunity GuideDescription:   Located on the Lower McCloud River at an elevation of 2300 feet, this remote campground has 16 sites with tables and fire rings, flush toilets,…

Algoma Campground

Site Open
Algoma Campground OPEN.Description: Located on the Upper McCloud River at an elevation of 3800 feet, this is a small undeveloped camping area with 8 user-created sites and a vault toilet. No drinking…

Camp 4 Group Campsite and Day Use Area

Site Closed
This is a group Campsite for parties ranging from 2-30.  It is a developed campground with tables, fire pits, restroom with vault toilet and garbage pick up.  The rate is $30 per night and can…

Cattle Camp Campground

Site Closed
Description: 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, vault toilets, and piped drinking water.…

Fowlers Campground

Site Closed
Hiking
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…

Girard Ridge Lookout

Site Closed
Outdoor Science and Learning
The Girard Ridge Lookout was constructed in 1931 and used by the Forest Service on a regular basis until 1981. Located above the Sacramento River Canyon at a height of 4,809 feet, the views are…

Harris Spring Campground

Description: This is an undeveloped camping area located approximately 15 miles north of Highway 89. There are about 15 user-created sites and a vault toilet. Bring your own drinking water. No Fee.…

Lakin Dam

This day use area is a popular site for viewing all sorts of wildlife as well as fishing. There is a wooden deck over the water with handicap access.The new fishing platform is finished and in…

Little Mt. Hoffman Lookout

Site Closed
No Campfires - Fire Restrictions are in effect for the Shasta-Trinity NF.The Little Mt. Hoffman lookout was constructed in the 1920's and was used by the Forest Service on a regular basis until 1978.…

Lower Falls Picnic Area

Site Closed
Picnicking
Description: Located on the Upper McCloud River about ½ mile below Fowlers Camp. There are nine picnic sites with tables and vault toilet. Drinking water available. No fee. Day use only. Parking…

Last updated April 9th, 2025