Rene Agredano, Demand Media - McCloud is a rustic alpine community with a colorful past as a prosperous lumber town. Situated in the shadow of Mount Shasta at 3,200 feet above sea level and surrounded by over 1 million acres of national forest lands, today McCloud is no longer a hub of commercial logging activity; instead, its bustling downtown area serves as a year-round base camp for anglers, hikers, hunters, campers and off-road enthusiasts.
Private Campgrounds
McCloud has a few private, seasonal RV parks with amenities that include full hookups, laundry facilities and wireless Internet access. McCloud Dance Country RV Resort (mccloudrvpark.com) is the largest park and the most convenient to downtown, while Friday's RV Retreat (fridaysrvretreat.com) is a rural, rustic facility located 6 miles south of town on 400 wooded acres. Campers who want a more park-like retreat may prefer staying at Friday's, while those who want to be close to McCloud's most-popular activities, such as the weekly summertime farmers market and the annual Lumberjack Fiesta, may find Dance Country a better choice.
Public Campgrounds
McCloud's public campgrounds are often overlooked by outdoor lovers who want to be closer to the imposing 14,162-foot-tall peak of nearby Mt. Shasta. As a result, public campgrounds in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest (fs.usda.gov/stnf) near McCloud often have fewer campers. Most of the developed campgrounds are set along the McCloud River and near hiking trails, fishing spots and within easy access of three picturesque waterfalls. The only camping area suitable for larger recreational vehicles is Cattle Camp, while Ah-Di-Na, Ash Camp, Fowlers Camp and Algona are developed campgrounds with fire rings, picnic tables and vault toilets for tent campers and small RVs. Nearby swimming holes are plentiful and fishing for brown trout is a popular pastime.
Dispersed Camping
McCloud is surrounded by vast stretches of rugged mountains, creeks and rivers. Adventurous campers looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination are encouraged to try dispersed camping within the surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest. As long as campers don't mind the lack of amenities, the Forest Service allows individuals to camp at no charge for up to 30 days at a time in one spot. There are many parcels of privately-owned property within the forest, so campers are advised to consult a U.S. Forest Service map or check in with the downtown McCloud ranger station to verify what areas are privately owned.
Safety Tips
Camping in McCloud presents many climate-related challenges throughout the year, such as avalanches and wildfires. The best way to stay safe is by understanding the risks of camping in the area. Talk with the McCloud ranger district office before beginning your outdoor camping trip. Learn what permits are required, which unpaved roads are safe to travel on and what the weather is expected to be like during your stay. If you plan on camping during winter, the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center (shastaavalanche.org) can teach you avalanche awareness and keep you updated on the latest conditions.
SOURCE: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/camping-mccloud-california-53380.html