Best Dog-Friendly Camping near McArthur, CA

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near McArthur, CA

112 Reviews of 39 McArthur Campgrounds

• 

  Kelly N.

  Ranger

  Aug. 27, 2018

  Goose Lake State Recreation Area

  Where is the lake?

  Confused? This lake must be seasonal because we could not find it while traveling around this campsite. There is a small marshy area and grass as if the lake is there at other times of the year. The campsites have very little privacy, but there are bathrooms, amenities, nice day-use area, pet exercise area, etc. This park is on the border of California near Lakeview… so while I did not necessary think it was worth the drive to go see this campground, the nearby town is a great little American escape for groceries, a great little Saturday Farmers Market, a nice cup of coffee, or just to explore.

• 

  John L.

  Traveler

  Sep. 13, 2024

  Lesson Trail Marker Road Side Stop

  Lassen trail marker.

  Road side area, gravel surface. Step entry off road. Creek side good for stop over. State land.

• C

  Carolyn P.

  Guide

  Jul. 15, 2020

  Cave Lake Campground

  Isolated Gem

  Pros: Totally isolated (during the week). Stunning views of surrounding mountains and forest with a crystal clear lake (Cave Lake) for swimming and fishing. Sites equipped with fire pits and picnic tables. Pit toilets. Camped directly next to lake. Stargazing was absolutely breathtaking. One of our very favorite sites just over the Oregon-California border.

  Cons: No water. Difficult climb/drive without good tires or 4WD (very steep, high grade road that is mostly dirt and large rocks).

  Tips: 4WD/AWD is a must. And drive slowly (see above). We popped a tire in our SUV on the way up, but totally worth it.

• 

  Fatima V.

  Traveler

  Sep. 16, 2020

  Howards Gulch Campground

  Great place to stop for a night.

  Its ideal if you’re coming from California and headed to Oregon. A couple hours away from Crater Lake.

• 

  Ryan W.

  Legend

  Aug. 18, 2017

  Howards Gulch Campground

  Howard's Gulch Campground in Modoc National Forest

  Howards Gulch Campground • Modoc National Forest • $12

  Northern California • Basin & Range Birding Trail 15 Northeastern location

  Just past a hundred miles of farmfield coming from the North we enter the Modoc National Forest, and turn left against our GPS’ wishes into Howard’s Gulch Campground (Forest Service). Pay attention to the signs. It's analog but it's right. It’s a small, primitive camp in Northern California with 12 sites. Two which are walk in only and none which are for large RV’s. The fee is $12 which is significantly more than the next campground down the road which is free, but the consistency of the Forest Service sites makes it worth it. 

  The trees are tall and red, and according to a conveniently placed sign, coniferous. There are also signs indicating common birds of the area and their habitats, along with a 1.5 mile trail built by the U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and the California Department of Corrections. The trail has been dedicated “for your hiking pleasure…” This campground is also part of the Basin & Range Birding Trail system of Northern California and Southern Oregon.

  Like all forest service campgrounds there is a fire pit and a picnic table in each site. Most of the sites are spaced relatively privately, but since you’re in the middle of nowhere you’ll probably be sharing the camp with one, maybe two other campers. In addition, some sites have a stand alone charcoal grilling set-ups.

  Trails like this one lead right from camp. Bring your binoculars.

  There are plenty of water taps. At least five, but since it isn’t potable there isn’t really much benefit. Since the water is being “treated with chemicals” I wouldn’t even recommend boiling it for use leaving it for the dousing of fires, but the camp is under no-burn restrictions. Rightfully so, considering the summer California has had so far.

  Toilets are standard vaults, but there are three of them for 12 sites. Two of which are recent new builds. Being low in the gulch you’re surrounded by walls on three sides to the outer side of the camp loop. The inner loop still backs up to a cliff wall for an unusually located tall mound...and OHMYGOD MY WIFE JUST CHOPPED HER THUMB! SHIT! SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!

  ...

  The reason to camp here is…you’re on your way somewhere else most likely. Coming from Oregon to Yosemite or Tahoe or vice versa. But if you do you won’t be disappointed and if you like birds you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The nearest town is at least 20+ miles if you need anything so come prepared. My Wife's thumb is fine by the way. Despite a serious scare at the time. She field dressed it like a boss using our first aid kit (which we've since upgraded). She'll have a reminder scar, but her badass level went up like a million points. I give Howard’s Gulch 3 Tent Stakes of Awesomeness for being a solid campground with nice sites and trails leaving right from camp but not much else going on. Also, there is no indication of who Howard is. I certainly didn't meet him.

  Pro-Tip #1: Prepare for summer heat. You aren’t at elevation here.

  Pro-Tip #2: Bring binoculars.

  Pro-Tip #3: Bring water and anything else you might need. No place near by to get anything.

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• 

  Mary C.

  Legend

  Jun. 12, 2018

  Goose Lake State Recreation Area

  Open Campground

  This was a very open campground, very little privacy allotted for each site. There were some tree cover and grass. The lake was not very swimmable as it was dry, so we went to a nearby creek and enjoyed that.

  It was pretty awesome to be on the state lines of Oregon and California, able to be two places at once. The town of New Pine Creek spans both states and has lots of fun places to visit and see.

• V

  Virginia G.

  Traveler

  Aug. 3, 2025

  Lassen RV Park Campground

  Great Campground !

  I was only going to stay 3 nights and i have extended for 7 night. Great owner ! Wide open sites. There are lots of trails I can take my dog for walks. Couple of the trails takes you to a cliff where you can sit and watch the sunset. Clean sites and campground. Washers and dryers. This one of my favorite campground. Beautiful ride in. I will be back. Internet good.

• 

  Dani P.

  Guide

  Jul. 12, 2019

  Ramhorn Springs Campground

  Shaded campground with Juniper Trees and rugged rocks by a small stream

  Brilliantly quiet and peaceful campground. Hardly ever more than a few campers, never full. Located 3miles down a gravel road, drivable by even a compact car. Cottonwood and Willow trees surround small stream that runs through the entire campground. Easy access to OHV trails nearby. Each site has tables and a fire pit. Also, 2 contraptions to hang hunted animals. Spotty Verizon service, no ATT reception. Vault toilet bathroom very clean but smelly!! This is a FREE campground, and in order to keep it that way, we must collectively treat it well by following Leave No Trace principles. There are trash receptacles on site, but hunters are instructed to take animals remains and dump OUTSIDE of campground.

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• 

  tom P.

  Scout

  Jul. 23, 2024

  Rocky Point Dispersed Camping

  Suitable but barren

  There's signs acknowledging it's free camping. Large barren area with a toilet near the lake. Not great for a tent but can make it work. Good distance away from roads and houses. Lake view.