Madrone Campground

Star4.14
23 reviews
Peace & Quiet

Quick Facts

1,568 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Shasta-Trinity National Forest site

Official Website
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Madrone Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required for this campground.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.14

Satisfactory

Based on 23 reviews

22 Google reviews

"The Madrone Campground is generally praised for its seclusion and natural beauty but criticized for its challenging accessibility and lack of maintenance. Overgrown campsites and rough roads are common complaints, while firepits and a serene creekside atmosphere are high points."

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Campground Map

Madrone Campground

40.9245, -122.0944

Driving directionsFrom I-5, take Highway 299 East 31 miles to Fenders Ferry Road (Road 27). On Fenders Ferry Road, drive approximately 18 miles.
"Be aware, Fenders Ferry is a rough, unimproved dirt road."

Best Time to Camp at Madrone Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Northern California's climate at Madrone, where temperatures dance between a crisp 48°F on cool mornings to warm afternoons reaching 97°F during peak summer. The campground's character shifts with the seasons - from very cold winter nights perfect for campfire gatherings, to sweltering summer days when the forest shade becomes your best friend. The predominantly dry conditions throughout the year make this an ideal destination for fair-weather campers, though seasoned adventurers will find beauty in every temperature range.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Shade helps in warm highs (~97°F) but mosquitoes reported in summer reduce comfort.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Favored basecamp during fall hunting season; campground 'transforms' in autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Spring mosquito issues noted and trails cited as mosquito-riddled, lowering spring comfort.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round (currently closed by order); mild winter temps but no winter-sport draw.

Planning Tips
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but currently closed per Forest Order 14-24-25.
  • Current Alerts: Currently closed per Forest Order 14-24-25.

About Madrone Campground

Tucked away in the forested hills east of Shasta Lake, Madrone Campground offers an intimate escape with just 10 secluded campsites. This hidden gem draws nature lovers seeking respite beneath a canopy of towering trees, where dappled sunlight filters through dense foliage and the sounds of civilization fade into memory. As autumn arrives, the campground transforms into a favored basecamp for hunters drawn to the surrounding wilderness, adding a rustic charm to this already authentic outdoor experience.
Madrone Campground offers a rustic camping experience suitable for tent and small trailer setups. It is ideal for those seeking a remote and secluded environment.
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Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Madrone Campground accommodates activities like OHV riding and hiking. Hunting is a popular activity in the fall, making the campground well-frequented during this season. A creek nearby adds to the natural appeal, and firepits support campfires.
HikingThe campground features 20+ miles of hiking trails, although one reviewer mentioned that they are 'not much to see on them' and are 'riddled with mosquitoes.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsUser reviews mention 'overgrown poison oak' and 'infestation by bats.' The terrain to access the site is described as rough and challenging, and a chainsaw or heavy equipment may be needed to clear debris in overgrown sites.
Active AlertsCurrently closed per Forest Order 14-24-25.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Madrone Campground

Reviews

4.1
23 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Madrone Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Madrone Campground is generally praised for its seclusion and natural beauty but criticized for its challenging accessibility and lack of maintenance. Overgrown campsites and rough roads are common complaints, while firepits and a serene creekside atmosphere are high points.
Review Summaries
Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the secluded nature and the natural beauty of the campground. One reviewer described it as 'gorgeous, secluded creekside camping,' while another called the campground 'beautiful and...
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Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include poor maintenance ('several spots overgrown and with fallen trees'), lack of signage ('no signage, 17 miles off-road'), and the rough access road ('Fenders Ferry is a rough,...
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Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing toilet paper due to its absence in outhouses. A chainsaw and weed whacker were suggested to clear overgrown sites. Vehicles built for off-road driving are strongly advised...
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Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is particularly popular during the fall hunting season. However, it seems to pose challenges in other seasons, such as mosquitoes in spring and summer.
Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'If you want a very out-of-the-way and off-the-beaten-path kind of camping, then this is the place for you.' 2. 'Expect your 21-mile drive to take over an hour. All that said... the journey is...
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Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews suggest that some campsites are overgrown and blocked by debris. One user mentioned, 'several spots overgrown, and with fallen trees in them.'
Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific feedback on accessibility from users with disabilities.
Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews explicitly mention pet policies or experiences with pets.
Based on 23 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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