The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

Don't know if anyone remembers me but I'm an old member from way back. The wife and I had kids and I put the rod aside for the last 5 years. In any case......

We are taking a family vacation to Bend, Oregon (from east bay area) and I was thinking it would be great to camp somewhere in between. It would only be for 1 night(this Wed) and we wouldn't be fishing. Not looking for a secret fishing spot or anything. Ideally it would be by a small river with no crowds. We're just looking to have some peaceful family time for a night under the stars. We'd probably just bring sandwiches for dinner.

Any suggestions?

The Upper sac has one tiny problem at most camping spots. The Train.

I have never seen Sims Campgroud very full. There are also a couple of campground on Shasta Lake on e the Sac River Arm. Check out the camps in Lakeview

Paul

I agree - Sims,

or Castle Crags park, just south of Dunsmuir

or splurge and try the Cold Creek Inn in Mt Shasta - pretty good rates the last time I was there.

The other thing, is that a lot of that area is National Forest. Most places in National Forest, you can camp anywhere you want. Sims is pretty primitive, but it does have water and toilets. Castle Crags is some better, as I recall. The Forest has trees, and you might be able to get away from the train. It can be loud in Sims.

Best of luck!

Thanks guys. Any thoughts on Fowler Campground next to McCloud? It's not on the river but close and then we could hike. What kind of crowd do they get there?

Last time I rolled in there on a weekend afternoon no problem getting a spot. Easy walk to the [very small] McCloud. Cattle CG [towards burney] is okay, but Algoma [still further] has no water, I hear.

Good luck!

As Carpy said the train is LOUD at Sims. Fowler is a good choice but I have seen it full or the few sites left are right at the entrance. I'd check out Fowler and if it isn't happening there is Cattlemans at the east end of the McCloud loop. Great swimming/wading hole nearby. There is also Lake Siskiyou a large camp ground with good privacy and hot showers a short drive from Shasta. Have fun.