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Free Camping Collection

Dispersed Camping

Hat Creek Dispersed

Hat Creek Dispersed is located in Lassen National Forest, featuring a landscape of forests and volcanic formations. Temperatures range from lows in the 30s Fahrenheit in winter to highs in the 80s during summer. Nearby attractions include Lassen Volcanic National Park and Subway Cave, offering opportunities for hiking and exploration.

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Location

Hat Creek Dispersed is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

40.686307830781104 N
121.42689915662993 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 13 users
    Last on 1/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 46 users
    Last on 1/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 13 users
    Last on 1/30/26
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    Possible Coverage
    Verified by 46 users
    Last on 1/30/26
  • 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
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets

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.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Hat Creek Dispersed needs a permit.

Contact

General Info

Drive Time


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Reviews

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4 Reviews

This established dispersed camping spot offers expansive meadows for boondocking with a peaceful, clean environment. Access involves a brief rough road section, but visitors appreciate the long-term quality and fishing opportunities available.

Reviewed Jan. 30, 2026

Can't stop thinking of this place

We camped here for 2 weeks, 6 years ago. Had nothing but a car and a tent. Now, 6 years later, this place will not leave my mind. Car camping----->Vanlife----->Skoolie life (present day). Must be the Shasta energy, I love this place, and I have to return. This entire area pulls you in, hugs you, and holds your hand, beckoning you to stay.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Hat Creek Dispersed by Nomadic  E., January 30, 2026
  • Review photo of Hat Creek Dispersed by Nomadic  E., January 30, 2026
  • Review photo of Hat Creek Dispersed by Nomadic  E., January 30, 2026
  • (24) View All
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2023

Great Camping

As one reviewer wrote, just a short run of slightly rough road to get to expansive meadows of boondocking.

SiteBoondock
Month of VisitOctober
Reviewed Aug. 19, 2022

Hat Creek Dispersed

Go past Cave Campground take 1st left over bridge. Goto end of road after bridge look left. Go up hill. Road is rough only to top then levels out. Footbridge to main campground found midway in creek. Take creek trail. Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground. 1 bar lte AT&T.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dispersed camping allowed near Hat Creek Campground?

Yes, dispersed camping is allowed near Hat Creek Campground. The area features expansive meadows ideal for boondocking. To access these dispersed camping spots, go past Cave Campground, take the first left over the bridge, and follow the road to the end. Though the road is initially rough going up the hill, it levels out at the top. These dispersed sites provide a peaceful, clean environment with ample space to set up camp away from developed facilities.

Where is Hat Creek Campground located in California?

Hat Creek Campground is located in the Old Station area of Northern California, near Lassen National Park. The campground sits alongside the picturesque Hat Creek, known for its excellent fishing opportunities. The area is characterized by beautiful meadows and natural landscapes typical of the Lassen region. Its location provides a serene outdoor experience while still being accessible from nearby roads and trails.

What amenities are available at Hat Creek Campground?

Hat Creek Campground offers several basic amenities to enhance your camping experience. These include bathrooms, garbage disposal facilities, and potable water access. The main campground area can be accessed via a footbridge that crosses the creek. Cell service is limited but present with approximately 1 bar of LTE on AT&T. This combination of basic facilities and natural setting makes it suitable for campers seeking a balance between convenience and a more rustic outdoor experience.

Is there a map available for Hat Creek Campground?

While there isn't a specific mention of an official map for Hat Creek Campground, navigational guidance is available. To reach the dispersed camping areas, proceed past Cave Campground, take the first left over the bridge, and continue to the end of the road. Look to your left and head uphill on a rough section that eventually levels out. A footbridge midway along the creek connects to the main campground. For detailed maps, contact the U.S. Forest Service office that manages this area or check their official website.