Established Camping
Hat Creek
Hat Creek, near Fall River Mills, California, is a solid choice for those looking to unwind in nature. This campground offers a laid-back atmosphere with spacious sites tucked under tall trees, perfect for setting up your tent or RV.
Visitors rave about the direct access to Hat Creek, making it an ideal spot for fishing or just relaxing by the water. The area features a dirt road that runs alongside the creek, with several loops that provide a sense of seclusion, especially if you venture further back. One camper noted, “We camped on the furthest loop and heard not a peep of road noise,” highlighting the peaceful vibe here.
While the amenities are basic—think picnic tables, food lockers, and fire rings—campers appreciate the simplicity. There are no showers on-site, but you can find rental options nearby if you need a rinse after a day of outdoor activities. The lack of hookups and limited cell service means you can truly disconnect and enjoy the wilderness.
For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, the surrounding Lassen National Forest offers plenty of trails and swimming holes along the creek. Whether you're casting a line or just soaking in the scenery, Hat Creek provides a great backdrop for a memorable camping experience.
Description
Overview
Hat Creek is one of six campgrounds available in the Hat Creek Recreation Area, home to some of the area's best trout fishing. Scenic hiking trails and an active volcanic area can easily be accessed from the facility.
Recreation
Hat Creek is popular for its trophy trout fishing. The cold waters of the creek allow for a refreshing play on hot summer days. Other popular activities in the area include wildlife viewing, hunting, backpacking, hiking and caving. A variety of day hikes are available in the area, including the Spatter Cones Nature Trail, which is located just across the highway from the campground. The 1.5-mile loop trail provides hikers with a unique opportunity to explore craters, cones and crevices, as well as other geologic features left by the Hat Creek Lava Flow. Nearby, visitors can take a self-guided tour of Subway Cave. The trail is less than a half-mile long and explores the underground world of a lava tube. Visitors are encouraged to bring flashlights for hiking through the cave.
Facilities
Hat Creek offers three group campsites that can accommodate up to 50 people each. Individual sites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are accessible flush and vault toilets, utility sinks and drinking water. The RV dump-station is located 1.5 miles north of the campground behind the Old Station Visitors Center.
Natural Features
The campground is situated next to Hat Creek in a mixed conifer forest at an elevation of about 4,390 feet. Pine needles, grasses and volcanic rocks cover the forest floor. Sites are widely spaced for privacy.
Nearby Attractions
The campground is located about a mile west of the town of Old Station, and 12 miles east of the northwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, where active, hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots are continually shaping the landscape. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail can be accessed near the Spatter Cones Nature Trailhead.
Location
Hat Creek is located in California
Directions
From Highways 44 and 89, go through Old Station and continue 1.5 miles west to the campground.
Address
LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST
HAT CREEK RANGER DISTRICT
PO BOX 220
Fall river mills, CA 96028
Coordinates
40.6677778 N
121.4455556 W
Detours Nearby
Big Pine Dispersed Camping
5 min away
Silver Bowl Campground
42 min away
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Connectivity
T-MobileLTESome Coverage
VerizonNo Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly
