Fishing, swimming, and creek-side lounging draw campers to this free dispersed area in Lassen National Forest, where both Hat Creek and Lost Creek run through the property. Sites sit directly along the water, and the sound of moving water is a constant presence at camp. No reservations, no fees, and no assigned spots mean campers choose their own footprint.
The area is larger than it looks on first approach. Spots are spaced roughly 100 yards apart, giving each camp a reasonable buffer from neighbors. Most visitors arrive in RVs and travel trailers, though tent campers find suitable ground as well. One reviewer noted the area stays clean, with fire pits already in place at many sites. Bruce E. describes it as having "amazing creek side sites, fire pits, and plenty of space between." Bugs near the water are worth anticipating, particularly in summer.
Cell service is essentially nonexistent throughout the camping area. Satellite connectivity is limited by tree cover, which also reduces solar charging efficiency. Campers who need a signal can drive to the overlook between Twin Pines Road and the entrance to Big Pine Campground, about 0.8 miles north, where one bar is sometimes available. Vault toilets are located at Panoramic Point along the highway, and the Old Station Visitor Information Center to the north has water, trash, and an RV dump station, though the dump closes in mid-October.
Access is via roughly a mile of unpaved road. The road is manageable for most vehicles, including 30-foot RVs and 19-foot travel trailers, though the entry from Twin Pines Road runs narrow. Logging is active in the surrounding forest, so some truck traffic on adjacent roads is normal. Kimberly W. notes the highway is not far, but "the sites are far from one another," which helps offset the ambient noise. Weekday visits tend to see fewer campers. Those planning a longer stay in the region can explore dispersed camping near Lassen National Forest for additional free options in the surrounding forest.
Bring everything you need. There are no hookups, no potable water on-site, and no camp hosts. General stores lie a short drive to the northeast for resupply. For campers comfortable with self-sufficient camping, the creek access and site spacing here make it worth the planning.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBig Pine Dispersed Camping is located in California near Old Station
Coordinates
40.622317992930846 N
121.4682822687341 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 9/7/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 9/7/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/7/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 9/7/26
- VerizonPossible CoverageVerified by 27 usersLast on 9/7/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 9/7/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Group
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
DISPERSED CAMPING
Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.
Drive Time
- 53 min from Redding, CA
- 2 hrs 16 min from Reno, NV
- 2 hrs 28 min from Yuba City, CA
























