North Battle Creek Campground

This is a great spot that I almost didn't review because I don't want anyone else to know about it. The campground is approximately 30 minutes off of Hwy. 44 on dirt forest service roads. The roads were in great condition in August of 2017, to the point were a two-wheel drive low-clearance car would have made it without issue, but would likely take longer than 30 minutes.

The campground itself is nice with sites being reasonably spread out. This was our first visit to this campground but in talking with some of the friendly neighbors many people come back to this same campground year after year.

There are two sets on campsites, drive-up and walk-in. The walk-in sites can be a bit of a hike away from the parking area, so if you do plan to camp there (I believe they are all first come, first serve), do bring a wagon, cart, or backpack to carry your gear in and out. It did seem like a few folks may have been able to talk the host into opening the locked gate so that they could drop off their stuff before parking their car in the designated lot. The walk-in sites are located right next to the reservoir and there is a separate bathroom building for those sites. The remaining drive-up sites are still close to the reservoir, maybe a short 500-foot walk to the closest access point.

The reservoir is beautiful and is plenty big enough for some great kayaking or paddle boarding. There were also many people fishing both from the shore and from boats or floats.

Four-wheeling and dirt bike riding seemed to be another common way to spend the day for many folks at the campground, likely exploring the miles and miles of forest service roads surrounding the campground. Although we didn't notice anyone with a telescope, this area was incredible for stargazing. Camp near the reservoir or bring your telescope down to the shoreline as the rest of the campground is pretty heavily wooded, but don't miss out on enjoying one of the most amazing night skies you may ever see.

We drove in and out once each day we stayed at the site to hike inside Lassen Volcanic National Park. While it wasn't a short drive we enjoyed being away from the RVs and large groups of people camping within the National Park campgrounds.

Next time we come here, and we do plan to go back, we will plan in a day or two to simply enjoy the reservoir and area around the campground. There is plenty to do between exploring and just relaxing in the relative quiet, and well worth a day or two to not go anywhere and just enjoy the area.