FacilityFacilityRecreation.gov

Mathews Canyon Dam

Caliente, California · Lincoln County · Facility

This site is an Army Corps of Engineers flood control dam for the railroad. The site contains two shade structures, picnic tables, grills, fire pits, garbage cans, and vault toilets.

🧭 Get Directions
Advertisement
37.49630, -114.22620
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Mathews Canyon Dam

This site is an Army Corps of Engineers flood control dam for the railroad. The site contains two shade structures, picnic tables, grills, fire pits, garbage cans, and vault toilets.

How to Get There

From Caliente: 1) Travel 6 miles north on US 93. 2) Turn right and travel 13 miles southeast down Beaver Dam Road. 3) Stay right at the fork and travel 4 miles south down Barclay Road. 4) Turn left and travel 2 miles south east on Bunker Pass Road. 5) Turn left and stay on Mathews Dam Road for .5 miles to site.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Mathews Canyon Dam

Heading to Mathews Canyon Dam? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Mathews Canyon Dam?

No central reservation system listed for Mathews Canyon Dam. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/274376) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Mathews Canyon Dam?

From Caliente: 1) Travel 6 miles north on US 93. 2) Turn right and travel 13 miles southeast down Beaver Dam Road. 3) Stay right at the fork and travel 4 miles south down Barclay Road. 4) Turn left and travel 2 miles south east on Bunker Pass Road. 5) Turn left and stay on Mathews Dam Road for .5 miles to site.

How do I contact Mathews Canyon Dam?

You can reach the park at phone: 775-726-8100.

Guides & rankings

More on California parks & hiking

View all posts →
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

The 10 Longest Hiking Trails in California, Ranked

California's longest mapped hiking trails, ranked by distance with notes on what makes each route worth the commitment.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Sunlit forest trail winding through tall conifersPhoto: Sergei Akulich
State Rankings

California's 10 Most Punishing Trails by Elevation Gain

Steep is hard. These are the ten California trails with the most total elevation gain — quad-burners earned by hard climbing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min
Cascading waterfall through a green moss-covered ravinePhoto: Maddi Bazzocco
State Rankings

The Best Beginner-Friendly Hikes in California

Ten gentle, well-marked California trails perfect for first-time hikers, families, or recovery days.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Hiker standing on a rocky summit overlooking deep mountain valleysPhoto: Holly Mandarich
State Rankings

The 10 Most Challenging Hikes in California

California's ten hardest hikes — expert difficulty, big mileage, or serious exposure. Reserved for experienced hikers.

By The OutsideAtlas Team8 min
Going down the Grand Canyon. Seeing our destination from afar. So worth! If you find this picture useful, consider donating! Venmo: @diegonachoPhoto: Diego Lozano
Parks & Travel

The Best National Parks & Recreation Areas in California

Federal parks and recreation areas in California ranked by what they actually offer hikers and campers, not just popularity.

By The OutsideAtlas Team6 min
Alpine lake reflecting jagged mountain peaks at sunrisePhoto: Joshua Earle
State Rankings

Best Waterfall Hikes in California: 10 Trails to See Falls Up Close

California's best hikes to named waterfalls — from short family-friendly viewpoints to all-day cascade chasing.

By The OutsideAtlas Team7 min