Mchenry Avenue Recreation Area
McHenry Avenue Campground is part of the park system scattered along the lower Stanislaus River within the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The environmental campground boasts quiet, peaceful tent sites situated next to the river’s edge. The scenic recreation areas and river access points are popular for activities such as rafting, picnicking, hiking and much more. Stanislaus River Parks is often referred to as the “string of pearls” since they serve as charming, quiet oasis running through a number of small towns and cities.
McHenry Avenue Recreation Area Campground is one of the three reservation campgrounds in Stanislaus River Parks’ system. Its amenities include flush toilets and potable water near the campsites. Each campsite contains a picnic table, fire ring, and a lantern holder. Campers park their vehicles in the front lot and walk approximately, a quarter mile to their campsites.
Need to Know
- Boat-in campers of individual site must be boating/rafting from one recreation area to another (Rangers will enforce) - Boating/rafting not required for Group Site (Site #3)
- Recreation.gov receipt must be presented to Park Host or Ranger Staff during check-in to receive parking passes (limit of 2 passes per individual site and 5 passes for group site)
- Parking is available on a first come, first served basis
- Earliest check-in time is 1:00 pm
- Latest check-in time is one hour before actual sunset (check sunset time prior to visit)
- Latest check-out time is noon
- Quiet hours are 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.
- Campers can exit over spike strip after sunset for emergencies, but cannot re-enter until park gate opens at 6:00 a.m.
- No vehicle access to campsite, no exceptions (must walk or boat gear in), parking area 0.25 mile from actual campsite
- High river flow may flood campsites - Campers are responsible for contacting the park office for flow reports prior to arrival date
- A maximum of 2 tents and 6 people for individual sites and 5 tents and 25 people for group site
- There are a number of unique animal / insect species(s) native to this area, so, for your own safety, please don't approach or disturb wildlife
- Collecting or gathering firewood isn't permitted at this location please bring your own certified firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species – Find Certified Vendors
- Refer to Code of Federal Regulations - Title 36 for rules and regulations of the park
Natural Features
The campground scenery is a pleasant mix of Fremont cottonwoods, Valley Oak and the occasional elderberry bush, offering excellent shade with dispersed rays of sunshine. Nearby, grasses, shrubs and seasonal wildflowers fill the open spaces.
Wildlife is also plentiful in the park with mule deer, acorn woodpeckers, scrub jays, foxes and squirrels among lots of other fauna.
Nearby Attractions
Within 35 min drive, campers can explore the historic town of Knights Ferry, rich with history of the gold rush era. Within the historic district, lies Knights Ferry Recreation Area, home to the longest covered bridge west of the Mississippi River and a National Historic Landmark dedicated in 2014. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points. Visitors can learn about the area when they visit the Knights Ferry Information Center, which contains a small museum highlighting local, natural, and cultural resources.
Visitors have a unique opportunity to make reservations with local rafting companies to journey down the Stanislaus River. During the summer months, rafters can enjoy guided and self-guided floats down the lower Stanislaus River. For thrill seekers, the fall season brings perfect flows for advanced white water in the Goodwin Canyon.
Fall also brings thousands of Chinook salmon returning to the Stanislaus River to spawn, completing and beginning their lifecycles. Onlookers, can view the spawning salmon from several river access points along the river.
Recreation
The campground offers an excellent base camp for exciting recreation opportunities. The park boasts walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and river access points for fishing and boating.
Changes & Cancellations
Contact Recreation.gov for changes or cancellations.
Contact Information
17968 COVERED BRIDGE RD. OAKDALE CA 95361
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 209-881-3517
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From 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.
Available Campsites
- Site 5, Loop , Type Boat IN
- Site 2, Loop , Type Boat IN
- Site 6, Loop , Type Boat IN
- Site 1, Loop , Type Boat IN
- Site 4, Loop , Type Boat IN
- Site 3, Loop , Type Group Walk To
- Site 7, Loop , Type Boat IN
