McCloud Area Recreation

The McCloud River Loop OPEN

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

For information on the McCloud River Loop Dispersed Camping Restrictions please select the link below:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd910413.pdf

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 reservation only and 8 first come, first served sites. (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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	.
Operational Hours:	The McCloud Ranger District Office is open. You may find more on the Shasta-Trinity National Forests web page or call 530-964-2184.
Reservations:	Camp 4 is a reservable group campsite. Make a reservation online through recreation.gov Open June 1st. It is situated between Upper Falls and Cattle Camp Swimming hole along the McCloud River. Fowlers is our most popular campground and has 31 reservable sites. You may reserve dates/sites at either campground at recreation.gov. Camp 4 is closed in winter months.
Rentals & Guides:	Rental - Little Mount Hoffman and Girard Ridge Lookouts - you may find its description and method of reserving it at recreation.gov.
Fees:	The fee for Fowlers is $15 per night, AhDiNa is $10, Cattle Camp is $15. All other campgrounds or camping areas such as Algoma, Trout Creek, Ash Camp are free. Ash Camp, Algoma, and Trout Creek are undeveloped camping areas though they each have vault style toilets. Ash Camp is walk-in only due to the 11 Road being closed to vehicular traffic.
Permit Info:	Wilderness permits are required to camp in the Wilderness Area or if you are going to venture over 10,000 ft on Mount Shasta. These permits can be attained at the McCloud District Office Kiosk or the Mount Shasta District Office. They are free of charge.
Restrictions:	The River Loop Road open to Upper Falls Please be advised that vehicle travel is not possible between the Bigelow Road and Cattle Camp. Heavy snowdrifts exist on this section. The 11 Rd. to Big Bend is closed due to road hazards and road base degradation from the McCloud Dam to Big Bend.
Closest Towns:	McCloud, Mount Shasta City, Dunsmuir, Weed
Passes:	Summit passes to climb Mount Shasta can be attained by calling the McCloud Ranger District 530-964-2184 or by emailing me at Steven.Pyles@usda.gov or call the Mount Shasta Ranger District 530-926-4511 The prices are $25 for a 3 day pass or $30 for a Season Pass. Boat Ramp passes are $25. Senior, military, or access passes get you 50% off.
Information Center:	You may get more information from the McCloud Ranger District by emailing Steven.Pyles@usda.gov or call 530-964-2184