Algoma Campground sits along the Upper McCloud River in Hat Creek, Shasta County, at 3,800 feet elevation—high enough that you’ll notice the cooler temps, especially in shoulder seasons. This is genuinely undeveloped camping, the kind of place where you show up and pick from eight user-created sites scattered through the trees. There’s a vault toilet but no drinking water, so bring what you need.

What makes this spot worth the drive is the McCloud River Trail trailhead right here. The 12-mile path stretches down to Lower Falls and honestly showcases some of the best water scenery in the Shasta Cascade region. The river itself is stunning—clear, cold, and lined with old-growth forest. You’ll see the water from various angles as you hike, which beats walking past a river you can barely see through trees. If your dog handles rocky terrain well, this trail is doable, though the elevation and distance mean you’re looking at a solid day hike.

The campground itself has that quiet, low-impact feel that appeals to people who actually want to camp rather than park at a developed facility. No generators running, no crowds. Just the sound of the river and whatever wildlife moves through at dawn and dusk. Because there’s no fee and no reservations system, you technically just show up—though in peak summer weekends, the eight sites do fill. The nearest supplies are back in Hat Creek, so stock up before you arrive.

Dogs do fine here since it’s so mellow and quiet. The sites are spread out enough that your dog won’t be stressed by neighbors. Just keep in mind the lack of water means you’re carrying extra for drinking and washing. If you’re after a genuine back-to-basics camping experience with access to a legitimately scenic trail, this delivers without pretense or fuss.