How much does camping cost at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area range from $20-$60/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area?

Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area is open May 23, 2025 - September 01, 2025. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area?

Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area have?

Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area?

Pets are not allowed at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area?

Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area

Q: Can I have a campfire at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area?

Fire policies at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area: Fire ban from May 1 to November 1 allows propane gas fires only; no wood or charcoal fires. Campfire rings available at group sites.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.78

19 reviews

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD., OAKDALE, CA 95361

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

89 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Only 3 sites — this campground fills fast. Set up a free alert.

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

89 ft

Price

$20 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Recreation.gov Set up a cancellation alert Official Website

Get Directions

Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area

$20.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Individual boat-in sites are $20/night. Group sites are $60/night. Additional reservation fees apply, ranging from $3 to $9 depending on booking...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$20.00

Group Site Fee$60.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

209-881-3517

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What Campers Say

3.78

Mixed Reviews

Based on 19 reviews

265 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanstaffwell-maintained

"User reviews indicate a generally positive experience with an average sentiment of 3.67 out of 5. Campers appreciate the peaceful environment, clean facilities, and recreational opportunities. However, some note the lack of vehicle access to campsites as a logistical challenge."

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Campground Map

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD., OAKDALE, CA 95361

Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area

17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD., OAKDALE, CA 95361

Nearby places

Modesto (approximately 10 miles, about 15 minutes), Escalon (approximately 5 miles, about 10 minutes), Knights Ferry (approximately 35 minutes)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are available in Oakdale, CA, approximately 10 minutes away. Fuel stations are also accessible in Oakdale.

Driving directionsFrom Modesto, California, take McHenry Avenue north. Turn left on East River Road and continue for approximately 1 mile, then turn left into McHenry Avenue Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance station and stop sign at the intersection until you reach the parking lot. From Escalon, California, take McHenry Avenue south. Turn right on East River Road and continue for approximately 1 mile, then turn left into McHenry Avenue Recreation Area. Proceed past the park entrance station and stop sign at the intersection until you reach the parking lot.

The campground can be accessed from McHenry Avenue via paved roads, but vehicles are not allowed directly at campsites. Campers must park approximately 0.15 miles away and use wagons or hike to move gear.

Best Time to Camp at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area

Summer is the best time to visit. The campground opens May 23 and closes September 30. Daytime highs run mid-70s to low-90s°F, with evenings cooling into the 50s-60s. The river warms enough for swimming and floating, and fishing picks up. Fall brings Chinook salmon spawning runs. Rainfall is rare during the operating season. Summer weekends draw the largest crowds, so reserve early if you want a specific site.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted for natural beauty and Chinook salmon spawning; seasonal highlights mentioned.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - September 01, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to September 30, 2025.
Current Alerts: Fire ban in effect from May 1 to November 1. High river flows may flood campsites.

About Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area

McHenry Avenue Recreation Area sits along the lower Stanislaus River in the foothills near Oakdale, offering three walk-in campsites designed for tent camping. The campground operates from late May through September and charges $20-$60 per night depending on site type. You'll park about 0.15 miles from the campsites and carry your gear in, a tradeoff that preserves the quiet riverside feel.

McHenry Avenue Recreation Area primarily caters to tent campers, with options for group camping. The campground does not accommodate RVs or provide glamping options.

Historical Significance

Knights Ferry, a short drive away, preserves gold rush heritage including the West's longest covered bridge. The local museum covers the region's transformation from mining country to recreation area.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the best time to visit. The campground opens May 23 and closes September 30. Daytime highs run mid-70s to low-90s°F, with evenings cooling into the 50s-60s. The river warms enough for swimming and floating, and fishing picks up. Fall brings Chinook salmon spawning runs. Rainfall is rare during the operating season. Summer weekends draw the largest crowds, so reserve early if you want a specific site.

ElevationNestled at a comfortable elevation that provides easy access while maintaining the natural beauty of the Sierra Nevada foothills region.

Natural Features and SceneryFremont cottonwoods shade the river corridor, with Valley Oaks spreading between the campsites. Elderberry, native grasses, and seasonal wildflowers fill the understory. The lower Stanislaus flows past at 89 feet elevation, creating habitat for mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes, and squirrels. The setting is lush for foothills terrain, a transition zone where Sierra Nevada runoff meets valley heat.

Geological RegionDiscover the magic where the Sierra Nevada foothills meet the flowing waters of the lower Stanislaus River, creating a unique ecosystem that bridges mountain and valley. This geological crossroads nurtures a remarkable tapestry of life, from the towering Fremont cottonwoods that mark the river's course to the hardy Valley Oaks that have witnessed centuries of change. The fertile river corridor supports lush growths of elderberry, while native grasses and shrubs carpet the ground between seasonal wildflower exhibitions. This diverse habitat, shaped by millennia of river flow and seasonal flooding, creates the perfect sanctuary for both wildlife and weary travelers seeking connection with California's natural heritage.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Earliest check-in time is 1:00 p.m.

Check-out

Latest check-out time is 12:00 p.m.

Stay Limit

Maximum 14 nights per visit
maximum 14 nights total within 30-day rolling period.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per individual site and 25 people per group site.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 25 people and 5 tents. These sites include amenities such as fire pits.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutWalk-in sites sit roughly 0.15 miles from parking along the river. Campsites are close together with limited privacy. Each individual site fits up to two tents. Reviewers suggest bringing a wagon to haul gear from your vehicle.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability for parking is first-come, first-served, but campsites are reservable only.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations for individual campsites forfeit the first night's fee. Group site cancellations within 14 days forfeit the first night's fee.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible paved pathways, drinking water spigots, and flush toilets. The parking area is located approximately a quarter mile from campsites, which may pose a challenge for some campers with mobility concerns.

Site SizeThe campsites are environmentally designed for tent camping and are relatively small, accommodating up to two tents per individual site.

PrivacyCampsites are situated close to each other, with limited privacy due to the layout and natural features.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near water spigots (e.g., Sites 3 and 4) are convenient for access to drinking water. Users recommend wagons due to walk-in site design.

Need help booking Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

McHenry Avenue Recreation Area offers a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, kayaking, rafting, wildlife viewing, and picnicking. The river provides opportunities for water-based activities, and the natural environment encourages exploration.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHigh river flows may flood campsites; campers are advised to check river flow reports before arrival. Wildlife such as mule deer and foxes, as well as insects, are present.

Active AlertsFire ban in effect from May 1 to November 1. High river flows may flood campsites.

Fire PolicyFire ban from May 1 to November 1 allows propane gas fires only; no wood or charcoal fires. Campfire rings available at group sites.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital: Oak Valley Hospital in Oakdale, CA. Police and ranger services are available within the recreation area.

Trash & RecyclingThe campground provides recycling facilities. Campers are required to pack out their trash to maintain cleanliness.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located adjacent to the Stanislaus River, with access for fishing, swimming, and rafting.

Camp HostHosts are helpful and maintain facilities well, including regularly refilling toilet paper.

Weather at Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

3.8

19 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews indicate a generally positive experience with an average sentiment of 3.67 out of 5. Campers appreciate the peaceful environment, clean facilities, and recreational opportunities. However, some note the lack of vehicle access to campsites as a logistical challenge.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the clean and well-maintained facilities, the scenic and peaceful river environment, and the affordable camping fees. Visitors also commend the helpfulness of the campground staff.

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of vehicle access to campsites, necessitating campers to carry gear over a quarter-mile distance. Some users also mentioned limited water access points.

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing wagons to transport gear due to the parking distance. Wearing life vests while swimming is also strongly advised due to river currents. Visitors are encouraged to bring...

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall is particularly noted for its natural beauty, including Chinook salmon spawning. Summer sees higher river flows, making it ideal for rafting and other water activities.

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. Stacey W.: 'It's beautiful there and so peaceful. Water is clear and great for swimming.' 2. Tina M.: 'Only 2 community water spigots are located in Site 3 and Site 4 so you need to make friends...

Based on 19 reviews