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Established Camping

Hat Creek

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

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Location

Hat Creek is located in California

Detail location of campground

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

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Drive Time

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Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-MobileLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

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

Contact

General Info

Reservations


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Reviews

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4.5

out of 5

6 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 7, 2025

Quiet

Not super private sites but quiet; lots of campers trailers. Good fishing. No flush toilets available; potable water; not a lot of trails if you’re looking to hike; beautiful creek. Simple

Site48
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed May. 19, 2025

Amazing

Beautiful campground. Quiet. Plenty of wood for a fire. Sites are spacious and good distance between each. It is buggy. Flush toilets aren’t open, but they have the cleanest vault toilets I’ve ever seen.

Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Hat Creek by Katelin M., May 19, 2025
Reviewed Aug. 13, 2020

A Fisherman's Paradise

There are several places to camp along Hat Creek.  This and Cave Campground are my favorites.  You have direct access to Hat Creek, which is a great palce so sit beside, and to fish if you have a mind to.

Nice sites under tall trees. Can be very hot in the summer so check your weather.  There are also swimming holes along the creek !  The group site here are pretty open while the single sites have more shade and coverage.

Sites have regular amenities, nothing special here.  Tables, food lockers and fire rings. No showers but there are showers you can rent down the road for campers.

  • Review photo of Hat Creek by MarinMaverick , August 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Hat Creek by MarinMaverick , August 13, 2020
  • Review photo of Hat Creek by MarinMaverick , August 13, 2020
Reviewed Jul. 8, 2018

Spacious, quiet campground

Great spot in Hat Creek! The road is dirt, but well graded and runs parallel with the creek with 5 different loops coming off of it. so the further you head back, the further you are away from Hwy 89. We camped on the furthest loop and heard not a peep of road noise. Actually, we really didn’t hear a peep from anyone! We were here over 4th of July and the campground was maybe 30% full and super quiet. A trail runs along the creek with plenty of little fishing holes. No hook ups, limited cell service, and the perfect spot to get away from it all. We’ll definitely be back.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do visitor reviews say about Hat Creek Campground?

Hat Creek Campground is a highly-rated camping destination with spacious sites set under tall trees. The campground features five different loops running parallel to the creek, with the furthest loops offering more quiet and distance from Highway 89. Campers appreciate the direct access to Hat Creek for fishing and relaxation. The sites provide good distance between each other, though they're not completely private. The campground is generally quiet, clean, and offers plenty of wood for campfires. Summer temperatures can get very hot, so checking the weather before your trip is advisable. Be prepared for bugs, especially during warmer months.

Where can I find photos of Hat Creek Campground?

Photos of Hat Creek Campground can be found on The Dyrt's campground listing page, which showcases the creek, campsites, and surrounding landscape. Additional images may be available on the U.S. Forest Service website, which manages this campground. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook often feature visitor photos when searched with the hashtag #HatCreekCampground. For the most current visual representation of the campground's condition and amenities, these online resources offer helpful perspectives before your visit.

Are there group camping facilities available at Hat Creek Campground?

Hat Creek Campground primarily offers individual campsites rather than designated group camping facilities. The campground features five different loops with sites that accommodate standard camping setups including tents and some RVs. The sites offer good spacing between them but aren't designed specifically for large groups. If you're planning a group camping trip, contact the Lassen National Forest office to inquire about booking adjacent sites or to learn about nearby alternatives that might better accommodate larger gatherings with dedicated group areas.

What is the location of Hat Creek Campground relative to Lassen National Park?

Hat Creek Campground is conveniently located near Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. The campground sits along Highway 89, which is the main route to the national park. While not inside the park boundaries, Hat Creek serves as a good base camp for exploring Lassen, offering a more secluded alternative to the often busier park campgrounds. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the Hat Creek area while having reasonable driving access to Lassen's volcanic features, hiking trails, and visitor centers. The exact driving time depends on which entrance of Lassen you're visiting.

How do I make reservations at Hat Creek Campground?

Reservations for Hat Creek Campground can be made through Recreation.gov, the official booking platform for many U.S. Forest Service campgrounds. It's recommended to book well in advance, especially for summer weekends and holidays when this popular campground fills quickly. Some sites may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For the most current reservation information and availability, contact the Lassen National Forest office or check the Recreation.gov website directly.

Is there a map of Hat Creek Campground and its campsites?

A map of Hat Creek Campground is available on Recreation.gov as part of the reservation process. The campground has five different loops that run parallel with the creek, branching off from the main dirt road. The map shows the layout of individual campsites, their proximity to Hat Creek, restroom facilities, and water sources. For a detailed campground map showing specific site dimensions and features, contact the Lassen National Forest office directly or download it from their official website.