Friday’s RV Retreat and Fly Fishing Ranch sits six miles from McCloud on Squaw Valley Road, with Mount Shasta’s 14,179-foot peak rising dramatically in the background. Bob and Maylon Friday started this family-run operation back in 1983, and it’s remained a quiet base for people who want to combine RV camping with outdoor activities in this corner of Siskiyou County.

The property has real character. Squaw Valley Creek runs through the grounds, and if you’re interested in fly fishing, there are ponds right on site for practice or actual fishing. The McCloud Reservoir sits just three miles away, making this one of the closest private RV parks to the reservoir’s fishing and boating access. Beyond the water activities, you’ll find nature trails threading through the property and an RC airstrip if you’re into model aircraft.

What struck me most during a visit was how dark it gets at night. With virtually no light pollution out here, the stars are genuinely spectacular—the kind of sky you don’t see near towns. It’s a real advantage if you’re the type who actually looks up after sunset.

The Squaw Valley Creek Trail trailhead is just 0.2 miles from the park entrance, so if you want to get your dog out for a proper hike, you don’t have far to go. The trail itself offers decent elevation and forest scenery without requiring a long drive first. Your dog will appreciate the creek access along the way.

To get there from McCloud, head to the Chevron station on Highway 89 and take Squaw Valley Road for six miles. The drive itself is pleasant, winding through ponderosa pine forest with views building as you approach the property. If you’re planning to stay overnight, this works well as a home base for exploring the McCloud area and doing some serious fishing or hiking during the day.