Cattle Camp Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Typically open May through October 15th.

About

Located at 3,700 feet elevation on the Upper McCloud River, Cattle Camp Campground is one of two developed campgrounds in this scenic area of Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The facility offers 27 campsites, including double sites suitable for large families or small groups, with concrete picnic tables, fire rings, and bear-resistant food lockers at every site. The campground accommodates both tents and larger RVs or trailers, with some pull-through sites available for bigger rigs. Six vault toilets serve the campground, and piped drinking water is available from faucets throughout. The Upper McCloud River is the primary attraction, featuring a popular swimming hole with a large pool and small beach area that draws visitors throughout the summer. This portion of the river is designated for sport fishing only, with catch-and-release regulations using artificial lures with barbless hooks. A 15-mile non-motorized multi-user trail follows the McCloud River from Lower Falls to Algoma Campground, rated as easy with one short switchback section near Middle Falls that includes stairs. The campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations accepted. A 14-day stay limit applies, and check-out time is 2:00 p.m. Visitors should bring cash or check for the self-registration fee station at the entrance. The adjacent Cattle Camp Swimming Hole is a day use only area where camping is not permitted. To protect the river ecosystem, visitors are asked not to dam up the river with rocks, which disrupts natural flow and encourages algae growth.

Directions

From the McCloud Ranger Station, turn left on Highway 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.

Nearby Campgrounds