Mcbride Springs Campground
Quiet, fcfs, self check-in envelops at the entrance. Vault toilets (2) and a hand water pump. Direct access to MTB trails and short drive to the town.
1 campground with availability next weekend
Tent campgrounds near Montague, California range from primitive sites to established campgrounds that offer basic amenities for tent campers. Several options exist including Martins Dairy Campground, located in the Klamath National Forest, which operates from June to October and receives high ratings from visitors for its serene setting. Mount Ashland Campground, situated just north across the Oregon border, offers free tent camping with spectacular views of Mount Shasta.
Most tent sites in the Montague region have limited amenities, with vault toilets being the most common facility. Martins Dairy provides drinking water, picnic tables, and fire pits at each of its six sites, while more primitive areas like Castle Lake Dispersed Camping have no facilities whatsoever. Campers should bring their own water when heading to Mount Ashland Campground as it lacks potable water sources. The region experiences seasonal closures, with many higher-elevation tent campgrounds only accessible during summer and early fall due to snow conditions. A visitor noted, "This campground is on top of the world. You can see Mt. Shasta in the distance and mountains for days! It's pretty high up therefore there's usually really cold wind."
Walk-in tent sites are available at several locations, including Panther Meadows on Mount Shasta and Etna City Park. The terrain at most tent campgrounds consists of uneven, natural surfaces that may require careful tent placement. According to one camper, Martins Dairy Campground offers "ample sites with awesome picnic benches and fire pits" and maintains "the cleanest public bathroom I have ever encountered." For those seeking more seclusion, primitive tent camping options like Toad Lake require a challenging drive on rough roads followed by a 15-minute hike to reach the lake, where dispersed camping is permitted. Tent campers should be prepared for variable conditions including strong winds at higher elevations and limited cell service in more remote locations.
"Shasta in the distance and mountains for days! It’s pretty high up therefore there’s usually really cold wind, keep that in mind for sleeping and fires."
"I was there this past weekend, and while I saw a lot of folks driving through (to the summit, to Grouse Gap, maybe to other destinations), there were few people camping."
"The trail is moderate difficulty but could be done in 2-wheel drive just fine; If you pull-off right away."
"Nice campground in remote location 4 miles north of Hwy 96. Limited amenities: campground has one vault toilet, with a picnic table, and fire ring at most of the campsites. No fee to camp here."
"It’s free to stay here, but there is no water or camp host. Plenty of firewood laying around if you need it. Bring an ax or a chainsaw, I’m sure the forest service won’t mind the help."
"All sorts of wildlife loves to visit, even deer. The camp is surrounded by a barbed wire fence to keep cows out, I’m assuming. There are cattle guards at both entrances of the site as well. "
"This is almost a, “I don’t wanna share with others” kind of a spot. One of the first most breath-taking spots we’ve found with views of Mount Shasta."
"Castle Lake Campground was full so we went back down toward town and found this turnoff 0.7 miles from the campground. Maybe 5- 10 spots in here."
"This is a well-maintained city park that is friendly to tent camping. They ask for a $5 fee. Shower tokens can be purchased at Ray's Market, located a few blocks away."
"We're new to the van life, having lived mostly overseas, and are not RV-oriented, so we've been a little careful about choosing sites with adequate peacefulness, space and privacy."
"The covered camping and the cabin style rooms are both fantastic - clean area , and very friendly staff"
"Good wild camping area off the main road with lots of pull outs and flat spaces"
"Shasta is a long and dull 4.5-5 hour drive."
"Adjacent to the beautiful Panther Meadows and the beautiful Grey Butte Trail. The Lower Ski Bowl parking lot (~1 mile further up the road) allows dispersed camping."
"Hiking up higher may seem tempting, but some local guides told us that the wind will keep you up all night and you’ll be cold."
Quiet, fcfs, self check-in envelops at the entrance. Vault toilets (2) and a hand water pump. Direct access to MTB trails and short drive to the town.
We stayed two nights here and were able to walk to the Apple harvest festival across the street. You are definitely packed in here but the park is really nice. We stayed in spot 29.
These spots seem to have shade all day long: 25-34 47-70
Spots we saw that we would like to stay in next time: 18, 19, 83A, 113
Also good: 80-83 and 105-113
36-47 have no shade in the afternoon/early evening
The bathrooms were old but clean. I wish the outdoor cooking facilities were better maintained. I’m not quite sure they are usable, but my husband says they are.
We definitely will return to this Park. I appreciate the tight ship they run. We let them know that our cable box was broken when we arrived, and even though we don’t use the cable, they had somebody there within five minutes to fix it. Strict 10pm quiet rule, which I also appreciated. Some highway noise, but it was not that bad. The little town of McCloud is so very cute and easily walkable. We recommend Sage for a fancy dinner.
I showed up for a first come first served site. It wasn’t clear when I drove in that you can look at the dates on the reservation tags and use the site if you’re between days it is reserved. Nice shady wooded campground right next to the river with easy access to a gorgeous trail.
The campground sits right on the river and even though it is near the road, there is not much traffic. At night it was super quiet. The camp host was friendly and the bathrooms were clean and there is a nice trail along the river.
It's a beautiful camp, but there is a conflict between their (gov run) website information and in park board. Some sights are first come first serve, but some can be reserved online, but aren't marked, so there can be a reservation for a first come first serve spot. I've been there three times, the last wasn't bad, but twice the above issues caused inconvenience to my camp. Still a beautiful place, though
Spent 3 nights here while going to the Shakespeare festival in Ashland. Overlooking Emigrant lake which was pretty low. Recommend trying to book sites 1-14 as there is shade trees. Sites were level but water and electric was towards the front of the site and our hook ups are at the back of the trailer so we weren’t able to back into as far as we would have liked but it worked showers and bath were clean and hot water.
Asphalt paved roads / sites appear relatively new. 10% occupied on Friday night in early October. Very quiet except for occasional birds and honking geese. Very dark at night with stars. Get shower code from Host at entrance station. Most sites close to level but used blocks to fine-tune. Site pavement a little narrow but all wheels fit for 24' Class C dually. Nice Views but water Very low this time of year.
The access is right off of hwy 97, the gravel road is fine for low clearance vehicles, and the campsites are just off of the gravel road. Be prepared for getting fine sand everywhere. There are nice views of Mt. Shasta and options for open sky or shaded areas to choose from. Traffic is minimal but you will hear a train at least once a day or night.
Highway noise, lots train noise, cement picnic tables can’t move, gravel, not level.
Tent camping opportunities in the Montague area of Northern California range from established forest campgrounds to primitive walk-in sites, with Mount Shasta visible from many locations. Martins Dairy Campground offers secluded tent sites in Klamath National Forest, approximately 10 miles west of Montague, while Mount Ashland Campground provides free tent camping across the Oregon border with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
Most primitive tent campgrounds near Montague have basic amenities and require campers to be self-sufficient. According to one visitor, "Bring your own water or you can walk to the bottom of the road and filter in a slow seasonal stream." Many sites feature fire pits and picnic tables, though fire restrictions are common during summer months. The terrain typically consists of uneven forest floor with some sites requiring a short walk from parking areas to reach suitable tent pads. Vault toilets are available at established campgrounds like Beaver Creek, but facilities are minimally maintained. Dispersed camping areas such as Castle Lake have no facilities and operate under a strict pack-in, pack-out policy.
Tent sites in higher elevations provide relief from summer heat but may experience strong winds. A camper noted that Mount Ashland Campground is "on top of the world" but warned about "really cold wind" affecting sleeping and fires. Walk-in tent sites offer greater privacy and are often situated near small streams or meadows. Panther Meadows provides walk-in tent camping with proximity to hiking trails, though vehicle traffic can be noticeable as climbers come and go at all hours. Seasonal considerations are important when planning a trip, as many tent campgrounds are only accessible from June through October due to snow conditions. The more remote tent camping areas require high-clearance vehicles to access but reward visitors with greater solitude and pristine environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Montague, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Montague, CA is Mount Ashland Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 17 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Montague, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 53 tent camping locations near Montague, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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