California / San Joaquin County

Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area

Closed — Closed for the season. Operates from late May through September. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

McHenry Avenue Recreation Area is part of the Stanislaus River Parks system, a collection of recreation areas along the lower Stanislaus River within the Sierra Nevada foothills. This environmental campground features walk-to tent sites approximately 50 meters from the parking area, offering a quiet, peaceful camping experience close to the river's edge. The scenic setting includes Fremont cottonwoods, Valley Oaks, and elderberry bushes providing excellent shade, with grasses, shrubs, and seasonal wildflowers filling open spaces. The park serves as an excellent base for exploring the lower Stanislaus River. Recreation opportunities include hiking and walking trails, river access for fishing and boating, and picnic areas. During summer months, the river is popular for guided and self-guided rafting trips, while fall brings advanced whitewater opportunities in Goodwin Canyon and thousands of Chinook salmon returning to spawn. Wildlife viewing is rewarding year-round, with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes, and squirrels commonly spotted. Within a 35-minute drive, campers can explore the historic gold rush town of Knights Ferry, home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River, a National Historic Landmark. The area features additional trails, river access, and a visitors center with a museum highlighting local natural and cultural resources. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire ring, and lantern holder, though campers should bring wagons for transporting gear from the parking area.

Directions

From Modesto, take McHenry Avenue north. Turn left on East River Road and continue for approximately 1 mile, then turn left into McHenry Avenue Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance station and stop sign to the parking lot. From Escalon, take McHenry Avenue south. Turn right on East River Road and continue for approximately 1 mile, then turn left into McHenry Avenue Recreation Area.

Nearby Campgrounds