Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, McArthur, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. McArthur is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near McArthur, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.
"Inexpensive free shower and had access to do laundry. Worked well for our camper van.
Close to the wild refuge. Walked the 3 mile loop before heading out of town."
$70 / night
"Located above the lake within easy walking distance. Very well cared for with camp hosts present and ready to enforce rules."
"It is a nice campground on a beautiful lake. There is a trail that circumnavigates the entire shoreline and is some of the best birding on the Modoc National Forest."
"Tucked away, this place was great! We didn’t have too many people there but it was a gorgeous sight!"
"This campground is not far from the highway, on a nicely maintained gravel road. Some private homes not too far from the grounds. There were about 10 sites here, each had fire pit."
$60 / night
"Camp Freedom has a prime location for those who enjoy the outdoors, check out the list of nearby activities to do during your stay! Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!"
$20 - $42 / night
"The park was easy to find, but a slow drive from the turn off in Likely due to the road being a little rough."
"Not only is the Falls beautiful but the trek up to Clear Lake is breathtaking! Serene and tranquil. Worth the hike for those wanting to get in touch with Nature! Highly Recommend!"
"Quiet little campground next to a small creek. Warm but well shaded. We were the only ones there and it looked like someone had been there maybe a couple weeks before us."
$15 / night
"No hookups but there’s water around the campsites and picnic tables and fire pits. Excellent little campground with maybe a dozen or so sites. Clean & well maintained."
"Other than the snow the road was in good condition and easy to drive in our class c."
RangerConfused? 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.
TravelerRoad side area, gravel surface. Step entry off road. Creek side good for stop over. State land.
GuidePros: 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.
TravelerIts ideal if you’re coming from California and headed to Oregon. A couple hours away from Crater Lake.
LegendHowards 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!
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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.
LegendThis 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.
TravelerI 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.
GuideBrilliantly 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.
ScoutThere'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.
Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near McArthur, California, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a variety of amenities and activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near McArthur, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near McArthur, CA is Sully's RV Park with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near McArthur, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 dog-friendly camping locations near McArthur, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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