Overview
This group site is nestled in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest on the Upper McCloud River, popular for its three stunning waterfalls.
Camp 4 is typically open from mid-spring through mid-fall, offering primitive accommodations near a variety of recreational activities and magnificent scenery.
Note: This is not Camp 4 in Yosemite National Park. Learn more about the Camp 4 daily lottery in Yosemite National Park.
Recreation
During the late spring, summer and early fall, the McCloud River is the most popular attraction in this area, offering fishing, swimming, camping, kayaking and plenty of photography opportunities.
The Upper McCloud River, located from the point the river dumps into the McCloud Reservoir to its source, is a popular spot for trout fishing. Anglers can find rainbow, brook and McCloud River red band trout. The Lower McCloud River, which begins below the dam at the McCloud Reservoir, offers many additional angling opportunities as well.
The nearby McCloud River Falls Trail offers hikers the opportunity to view all 3 of the waterfalls, as well as take in breathtaking views of Mt. Shasta.
For hikers looking to cool off in the summer heat, the Middle Falls and Lower Falls both offer popular swimming holes, for those brave enough to take on the cool waters.
Facilities
Vehicle access to Camp 4 is mostly on paved roads, but the last 1/4 mile is gravel. The facility can accommodate 10 vehicles and up to 30 guests, with a maximum of 10 tents plus 5 RV or motor homes.
The campground has no water or electricity, but there are picnic tables, vault toilets and campfire rings provided, as well as trash collection-visitors are expected to bring their own trash bags.
Water is available at the McCloud Ranger Station.
Natural Features
The Shasta-Trinity encompasses 2.1 million acres with over 6,278 miles of streams and rivers. It ranges from 1,000 ft. in elevation at Shasta Lake, to the spectacular Mt. Shasta with an elevation of 14,179 feet.
The Shasta-Trinity includes portions of 5 designated Wilderness Areas: Castle Crags, Chanchelulla, Mount Shasta, Trinity Alps and Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel.
It also sits among 7 major geographic and botanic regions: the Coast Range, Klamath Mountains, Willamette Valley, te Cascade Mountains, the High Desert, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Central Valley.
The Upper McCloud River features the Upper, Middle and Lower Falls, which cascade over basalt lava flows, impressing visitors and kayakers alike.
Nearby Attractions
The nearest services and amenities are 9 miles from Camp 4 in McCloud, a historic mill town that offers opportunities for golfing, eating out, shopping and sightseeing.
Throughout Shasta-Trinity National Forest, there are access points for the Pacific Crest Trail, a 2,663-mile trail stretching from Mexico to Canada.
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area