RV Parks In McCloud, California
41.2557° N, 122.1394° W
Quick Overview
McCloud is a small, historic lumber town on the southeast flank of Mount Shasta in far northern California, sitting at about 3,300 feet, and it is a genuinely scenic RV base for the Shasta high country. The camping splits between full-service private resorts in and around town and a national-forest campground on the river. The standout for RVers is McCloud RV Resort, a wooded park right in town with full hookups, 50-amp service, sewer and cable, making it the best choice for big rigs and anyone who wants full services with the mountains at the doorstep. Nearby, Fridays RV Retreat offers full-hookup sites in a quiet ranch setting with mountain views.
For a more rugged, riverside experience, Fowlers Campground in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest sits on the upper McCloud River about five miles east of town, near the famous McCloud Falls. It has paved spurs, piped water and vault toilets but no hookups, and it suits small to mid-size rigs rather than big coaches. You reserve it through Recreation.gov. Between the two styles you can choose full-service comfort or a self-contained stay beside the river.
The season is the big planning factor at this elevation. Summers, roughly June through September, are warm and dry by day with cool mountain nights, and that is the prime window for the McCloud River, the falls and Mount Shasta. Winters are cold and snowy, most public campgrounds close, and chains may be required on Interstate 5 over the Siskiyous. Big rigs do well at McCloud RV Resort but should skip the tighter forest campground, where the paved spurs suit small and mid-size units only. Below we cover the parks in detail, how to book, what it costs, the season-by-season picture, and the best things to do in the area, from the three waterfalls on the McCloud River to nearby Lake Siskiyou and the trails on Mount Shasta itself.
Top Rated Dump Stations in McCloud
All Dump Stations Near McCloud
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCloud RV Resort | 0.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mccloud RV Resort | 0.4 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Friday's RV Retreat And Fly Fishing Ranch | 5.5 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Railroad Park RV Resort | 9.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Cedar Pines RV Resort | 9.6 mi | 4.2 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Chateau Shasta Mobile Home And RV Park | 9.7 mi | 3.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mount Shasta City KOA | 10.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Abrams Lake Mobile Estates | 12.6 mi | 4.0 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Friendly RV Park | 15.9 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Trailer Lane Campground | 18.7 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
McCloud RV Resort
0.4 miMccloud RV Resort
0.4 miFriday's RV Retreat And Fly Fishing Ranch
5.5 miRailroad Park RV Resort
9.5 miCedar Pines RV Resort
9.6 miChateau Shasta Mobile Home And RV Park
9.7 miMount Shasta City KOA
10.3 miAbrams Lake Mobile Estates
12.6 miFriendly RV Park
15.9 miTrailer Lane Campground
18.7 miTraveling to McCloud by RV
McCloud is easy to reach but sits up in the mountains. Interstate 5 runs about 15 miles west through Mount Shasta city, and Highway 89 connects east from I-5 to McCloud and onward toward Lassen. I-5 over the Siskiyou mountains has long, steep grades, so use lower gears on the descents and check your brakes, and in winter chains may be required. Highway 89 is a good two-lane mountain road that handles RVs well in the warmer months. From the south, Redding is about an hour away and is the regions main service hub.
McCloud itself has a market, fuel and the basics, while Mount Shasta city, 15 miles west, covers propane, groceries and more, and Redding handles RV service and anything specialized. For the waterfalls and river, the Shasta-Trinity National Forest access along Highway 89 east of town leads to Fowlers Campground and the McCloud Falls trailheads. Lake Siskiyou and Mount Shasta city are a short drive northwest for more recreation and supplies.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to McCloud, California, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in McCloud
Camping costs in the McCloud area reflect its scenic, in-demand setting near Mount Shasta. Private full-hookup resorts like McCloud RV Resort and Fridays RV Retreat generally run in the $40 to $80 range for a site with 50-amp service and sewer, with summer weekends and premium wooded sites toward the top of that range. The price buys full hookups, town convenience and a forest setting, and these parks are the reliable choice for big rigs and for anyone wanting services in the mountains.
The national forest is the value and the adventure. Fowlers Campground charges a modest nightly fee, typically in the $20 to $30 range, for a riverside site with paved spurs, piped water and vault toilets but no hookups, plus a Recreation.gov reservation fee. For self-contained campers it is a beautiful, affordable spot right by the falls. Note that there is no sewer or electric, so plan your tanks and power accordingly. Overall, expect resort prices for full hookups in town and budget rates for a rugged, scenic stay on the river.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit McCloud by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
25F - 43F
Crowds: Low
Cold and snowy at 3,300 feet; most public camps close and chains may be required on I-5. Base at an open resort with heat.
Spring
Mar - May
33F - 58F
Crowds: Low
Cool with lingering high-elevation snow. Parks open as the snow melts; check ahead and expect chilly nights.
Summer
Jun - Aug
48F - 82F
Crowds: High
The prime season, warm dry days and cool nights. Book full-hookup resorts early; the McCloud River and falls are the draw.
Fall
Sep - Oct
36F - 63F
Crowds: Medium
Crisp days and fall color with thinning crowds. A beautiful, quiet window before the snow returns; pack warm layers.
Explore the McCloud Area
Book early if you want a full-hookup site in summer. McClouds season is short, running mainly June through September, and the Mount Shasta area is popular, so McCloud RV Resort and the other private parks fill on summer weekends. Reserve well ahead for those dates. If you are bringing a big rig, plan on a resort in town rather than Fowlers Campground, which has tighter sites and paved spurs better suited to small and mid-size rigs, and no hookups.
Pack for the mountains regardless of the calendar. At 3,300 feet, nights are cold even in July, often dropping into the 40s, so bring layers and be ready to run the furnace overnight. The reward is warm, dry days perfect for hiking the McCloud Falls trail, swimming in the river holes and exploring Mount Shasta. In the shoulder seasons, watch for lingering snow at higher elevations and check that your chosen campground is open. Winter is for the prepared only: most public camps close, snow is deep, and chains may be required on I-5, so off-season visitors should base at an open resort with full hookups and good heat.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in McCloud
What are the best RV parks in McCloud, CA?
The standout for full services is McCloud RV Resort, a wooded park right in town with full hookups, 50-amp power, sewer and cable, which makes it the best choice for big rigs and anyone wanting comfort in the mountains. Fridays RV Retreat offers full-hookup sites in a quiet ranch setting nearby. For a rugged, riverside experience, Fowlers Campground in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest sits on the McCloud River near the falls, with no hookups and sites suited to small and mid-size rigs. Choose a private resort for full hookups and big-rig space, or the forest campground for a scenic, self-contained stay.
Does McCloud have full-hookup RV sites?
Yes, at the private resorts. McCloud RV Resort offers full hookups with 50-amp and 30/20/15 amp service, sewer at the site, and even cable and satellite, and Fridays RV Retreat also provides full-hookup sites. These are the places to stay if you want water, sewer and strong power in the mountains. The public option, Fowlers Campground in the national forest, has no hookups at all, offering only paved spurs, piped water and vault toilets, so you camp self-contained there. If full hookups matter, book one of the private resorts in or near town.
How much does RV camping cost in McCloud?
It varies by style. Private full-hookup resorts like McCloud RV Resort and Fridays RV Retreat generally run $40 to $80 a night for a site with 50-amp service and sewer, with summer weekends and premium wooded sites at the top of the range. Fowlers Campground in the national forest is the value option, typically $20 to $30 a night for a riverside site with no hookups, plus a Recreation.gov reservation fee. For full hookups and big-rig space you pay resort prices in town, while the forest campground offers a beautiful, budget stay by the river for self-contained campers.
How far ahead should I reserve a campsite in McCloud?
Book early for summer. McClouds camping season is short, mainly June through September, and the Mount Shasta area is a popular mountain destination, so the private resorts fill on summer weekends and Fowlers Campground sites go quickly through Recreation.gov. Reserve several weeks ahead for peak-season dates, especially holiday weekends. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall are easier to book, though you should confirm that your chosen campground is open and check for lingering snow. Outside summer, availability is generally good, but options narrow as public camps close for winter.
When is the best time to go RV camping in McCloud?
June through September is the prime season. Those months bring warm, dry days perfect for hiking the McCloud Falls trail, swimming in the river holes and exploring Mount Shasta, with cool, comfortable nights for sleeping. Early fall is also lovely, with crisp days, fall color and thinning crowds, though nights get cold. Spring is cool with lingering snow at higher elevations as parks reopen. Winter is for the well-prepared only: it is cold and snowy at 3,300 feet, most public campgrounds close, and chains may be required on Interstate 5 over the mountains.
Can big rigs camp in McCloud?
Yes, but choose your park carefully. McCloud RV Resort is the big-rig choice, with full-hookup sites, 50-amp power and room for large motorhomes and fifth wheels right in town, and Fridays RV Retreat also accommodates larger rigs. Fowlers Campground in the national forest is not suitable for big rigs, since its sites are paved spurs sized for small to mid-size units and large RVs are not recommended. The drive in is fine on Highway 89, but Interstate 5 over the Siskiyous has long grades, so use lower gears. For a large rig, base at a resort in town and day-trip to the river.
Is Fowlers Campground good for RVs?
It is good for smaller, self-contained RVs that value scenery over hookups. Fowlers Campground sits on the upper McCloud River about five miles east of town in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, near the three McCloud Falls, with paved parking spurs, piped drinking water and vault toilets. There are no hookups, no electric, water or sewer at the sites, so you run on your tanks and battery or generator. The sites suit tents and small to mid-size rigs, and large RVs are not recommended. For a beautiful, affordable riverside stay with the falls nearby, it is a gem, just come prepared to dry camp.
What is there to do in McCloud while camping?
The scenery is the main event. McCloud Falls, just east of town, is a series of three waterfalls on the McCloud River linked by a trail, with swimming holes for hot days. Mount Shasta, the 14,179-foot volcano, dominates the area with hiking, climbing and alpine views, and Lake Siskiyou near Mount Shasta city offers swimming, paddling and fishing in clear mountain water. McClouds historic downtown preserves its lumber-town main street and railroad heritage. Between the river, the falls, the mountain and the lake, the area is a paradise for hikers, anglers and anyone who loves the high country.
Are McCloud RV parks open in winter?
Mostly the private resorts only. At 3,300 feet, McCloud gets real winter, with cold temperatures and significant snow, and the national forest campground at Fowlers closes for the season. Some private resorts, like McCloud RV Resort, may stay open for winter visitors, but you should confirm directly and be prepared for snow, cold nights and the need for good heat and freeze protection. Chains may be required on Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou mountains during storms. For most RVers, the McCloud camping season runs late spring through fall, with winter suited only to well-equipped, cold-weather travelers.
Are the RV parks near McCloud pet friendly?
Generally yes. McCloud RV Resort and the other private parks typically welcome pets, and the national forest is excellent for walking dogs on the McCloud Falls trail and forest roads, where leashed pets are usually allowed. The mountain setting is comfortable for animals in summer, though you should carry water on the trails and watch for wildlife. Cool nights mean dogs appreciate a warm spot in the rig. As always, keep pets leashed, clean up after them, and confirm any breed or number limits when you book, especially at the private resorts, and never leave an animal in a hot vehicle on warm afternoons.
How do I get to McCloud with an RV?
McCloud is reached via Highway 89, which connects to Interstate 5 about 15 miles west at Mount Shasta city. Most RVers travel I-5 to the Highway 89 junction, then drive east into McCloud. Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou mountains has long, steep grades, so use lower gears on the descents, check your brakes, and in winter be ready for chain requirements during storms. Highway 89 is a good two-lane mountain road suited to RVs in the warmer months. Redding, about an hour south on I-5, is the nearest large service center if you need supplies or repairs before heading up.
Is McCloud a good base for Mount Shasta?
Yes, it is one of the best. McCloud sits on the southeast side of Mount Shasta at the doorstep of the high country, with the McCloud River and falls right there and the mountain itself just 15 miles away. From a base here you can hike and explore Mount Shasta, swim and paddle at Lake Siskiyou, fish the McCloud River, and enjoy a quieter, more scenic setting than the busier corridors. McCloud RV Resort offers full hookups in town, making it a comfortable home base. For anyone drawn to Mount Shasta and the northern California mountains, McCloud is an ideal RV destination.
What are the best RV parks in McCloud, CA?
The standout for full services is McCloud RV Resort, a wooded park right in town with full hookups, 50-amp power, sewer and cable, which makes it the best choice for big rigs and anyone wanting comfort in the mountains. Fridays RV Retreat offers full-hookup sites in a quiet ranch setting nearby. For a rugged, riverside experience, Fowlers Campground in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest sits on the McCloud River near the falls, with no hookups and sites suited to small and mid-size rigs. Choose a private resort for full hookups and big-rig space, or the forest campground for a scenic, self-contained stay.
Does McCloud have full-hookup RV sites?
Yes, at the private resorts. McCloud RV Resort offers full hookups with 50-amp and 30/20/15 amp service, sewer at the site, and even cable and satellite, and Fridays RV Retreat also provides full-hookup sites. These are the places to stay if you want water, sewer and strong power in the mountains. The public option, Fowlers Campground in the national forest, has no hookups at all, offering only paved spurs, piped water and vault toilets, so you camp self-contained there. If full hookups matter, book one of the private resorts in or near town.
How much does RV camping cost in McCloud?
It varies by style. Private full-hookup resorts like McCloud RV Resort and Fridays RV Retreat generally run $40 to $80 a night for a site with 50-amp service and sewer, with summer weekends and premium wooded sites at the top of the range. Fowlers Campground in the national forest is the value option, typically $20 to $30 a night for a riverside site with no hookups, plus a Recreation.gov reservation fee. For full hookups and big-rig space you pay resort prices in town, while the forest campground offers a beautiful, budget stay by the river for self-contained campers.
How far ahead should I reserve a campsite in McCloud?
Book early for summer. McClouds camping season is short, mainly June through September, and the Mount Shasta area is a popular mountain destination, so the private resorts fill on summer weekends and Fowlers Campground sites go quickly through Recreation.gov. Reserve several weeks ahead for peak-season dates, especially holiday weekends. The shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall are easier to book, though you should confirm that your chosen campground is open and check for lingering snow. Outside summer, availability is generally good, but options narrow as public camps close for winter.
When is the best time to go RV camping in McCloud?
June through September is the prime season. Those months bring warm, dry days perfect for hiking the McCloud Falls trail, swimming in the river holes and exploring Mount Shasta, with cool, comfortable nights for sleeping. Early fall is also lovely, with crisp days, fall color and thinning crowds, though nights get cold. Spring is cool with lingering snow at higher elevations as parks reopen. Winter is for the well-prepared only: it is cold and snowy at 3,300 feet, most public campgrounds close, and chains may be required on Interstate 5 over the mountains.
Can big rigs camp in McCloud?
Yes, but choose your park carefully. McCloud RV Resort is the big-rig choice, with full-hookup sites, 50-amp power and room for large motorhomes and fifth wheels right in town, and Fridays RV Retreat also accommodates larger rigs. Fowlers Campground in the national forest is not suitable for big rigs, since its sites are paved spurs sized for small to mid-size units and large RVs are not recommended. The drive in is fine on Highway 89, but Interstate 5 over the Siskiyous has long grades, so use lower gears. For a large rig, base at a resort in town and day-trip to the river.
Is Fowlers Campground good for RVs?
It is good for smaller, self-contained RVs that value scenery over hookups. Fowlers Campground sits on the upper McCloud River about five miles east of town in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, near the three McCloud Falls, with paved parking spurs, piped drinking water and vault toilets. There are no hookups, no electric, water or sewer at the sites, so you run on your tanks and battery or generator. The sites suit tents and small to mid-size rigs, and large RVs are not recommended. For a beautiful, affordable riverside stay with the falls nearby, it is a gem, just come prepared to dry camp.
What is there to do in McCloud while camping?
The scenery is the main event. McCloud Falls, just east of town, is a series of three waterfalls on the McCloud River linked by a trail, with swimming holes for hot days. Mount Shasta, the 14,179-foot volcano, dominates the area with hiking, climbing and alpine views, and Lake Siskiyou near Mount Shasta city offers swimming, paddling and fishing in clear mountain water. McClouds historic downtown preserves its lumber-town main street and railroad heritage. Between the river, the falls, the mountain and the lake, the area is a paradise for hikers, anglers and anyone who loves the high country.
Are McCloud RV parks open in winter?
Mostly the private resorts only. At 3,300 feet, McCloud gets real winter, with cold temperatures and significant snow, and the national forest campground at Fowlers closes for the season. Some private resorts, like McCloud RV Resort, may stay open for winter visitors, but you should confirm directly and be prepared for snow, cold nights and the need for good heat and freeze protection. Chains may be required on Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou mountains during storms. For most RVers, the McCloud camping season runs late spring through fall, with winter suited only to well-equipped, cold-weather travelers.
Are the RV parks near McCloud pet friendly?
Generally yes. McCloud RV Resort and the other private parks typically welcome pets, and the national forest is excellent for walking dogs on the McCloud Falls trail and forest roads, where leashed pets are usually allowed. The mountain setting is comfortable for animals in summer, though you should carry water on the trails and watch for wildlife. Cool nights mean dogs appreciate a warm spot in the rig. As always, keep pets leashed, clean up after them, and confirm any breed or number limits when you book, especially at the private resorts, and never leave an animal in a hot vehicle on warm afternoons.
How do I get to McCloud with an RV?
McCloud is reached via Highway 89, which connects to Interstate 5 about 15 miles west at Mount Shasta city. Most RVers travel I-5 to the Highway 89 junction, then drive east into McCloud. Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou mountains has long, steep grades, so use lower gears on the descents, check your brakes, and in winter be ready for chain requirements during storms. Highway 89 is a good two-lane mountain road suited to RVs in the warmer months. Redding, about an hour south on I-5, is the nearest large service center if you need supplies or repairs before heading up.
Is McCloud a good base for Mount Shasta?
Yes, it is one of the best. McCloud sits on the southeast side of Mount Shasta at the doorstep of the high country, with the McCloud River and falls right there and the mountain itself just 15 miles away. From a base here you can hike and explore Mount Shasta, swim and paddle at Lake Siskiyou, fish the McCloud River, and enjoy a quieter, more scenic setting than the busier corridors. McCloud RV Resort offers full hookups in town, making it a comfortable home base. For anyone drawn to Mount Shasta and the northern California mountains, McCloud is an ideal RV destination.
What is the highest-rated dump station in McCloud?
The highest-rated station is KOA - Mount Shasta City KOA Campground with a rating of 4.1/5 stars.
Are there free dump stations in McCloud?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near McCloud.
All Dump Stations Near McCloud (40)
RV ParkMcCloud RV Resort
RV ParkMccloud RV Resort
RV ParkFriday's RV Retreat And Fly Fishing Ranch
RV ParkCedar Pines RV Resort
RV ParkRailroad Park RV Resort
RV ParkChateau Shasta Mobile Home And RV Park
RV ParkMount Shasta City KOA
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