Camping options near Burney, California offer year-round access at elevations between 2,900 and 5,000 feet in the southern Cascade mountain range. The volcanic landscape transitions from pine forests to high desert terrain with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during day and dropping to 45°F at night. Most campgrounds operate from late April through mid-October, with only a few facilities maintaining winter accessibility.
What to do
Fishing in Hat Creek: Less than 30 minutes from Burney, Hat Creek Resort provides direct creek access for fishing. "We caught trout all morning. Wonderful place convenience store was great too!" notes Frank P. about the Hat Creek Resort & RV Park.
Swimming in Lake Britton: The lake offers sandy beach areas for cooling off during summer months. "I really enjoyed my night there. It's very small with approximately 7 sites but it's right on lake Britton. There is even a little beach area for swimming and launching kayaks," reports Tom B. about his stay at Dusty Campground.
Pacific Crest Trail access: Several campgrounds connect to the PCT for day hikes. "Loved the proximity to the PCT," mentions Robert W., who stayed with two dogs at Hat Creek Resort. The trail runs through the area, offering moderate terrain for day hikes.
What campers like
Natural cooling spots: During summer heat, campers appreciate shaded areas and water features. "It was super hot but if you walk down to the bottom of the falls it's like a natural air conditioner," shares Rob M. about McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Deer sightings are common at several campgrounds in the region. David V. from Northshore Campground reports an "Awesome deer encounter" during his stay, adding that the site has "great hiking trails/4x4 trail."
Historic sites: The region contains interesting historical landmarks. Laura H. notes about Dusty Campground: "Another perk of this campground is the railroad/bridge that was featured in the old movie Stand By Me is walking distance from the campsites - it's closed off and no longer in use but cool to check out!"
What you should know
Complete cell phone dead zones: Many campgrounds have no service whatsoever. "Absolutely no cell service!" reports Lee D. about staying at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, noting that despite this drawback, "bathrooms have been updated since the last time we were here in the mid-1990s."
Dust issues: The volcanic soil creates extremely dusty conditions at certain sites. "You'll be getting dirt out of your clothes for a week. It's more like volcanic ash or clay ash… it's super sticky," warns Autumn O. about Dusty Campground, adding that "every time someone drove by there would be a massive dirt cloud covering your tent and chairs, food, drinks."
Mosquito preparation: Insects can be problematic, especially near water. Michael B. describes the experience at Dusty Camp: "Mosquitos. Vast clouds of them, attacking you through the fabric of your tent. In the early morning, when you step outside, you often see a haze, a fog, on the water. It's not fog, it's mosquitos by the millions."
Tips for camping with families
Budget option for kids: State park cabins offer affordable alternatives to tent camping. "I stayed at the state park in a cabin for 2 nights. Good amount of trails... the falls are not even far to get too maybe 5 minute walk," shares sergio T. about his family experience at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park.
Activities beyond swimming: Several campgrounds offer recreational facilities. Hat Creek Resort provides "a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area," according to Kristi D., who adds that the resort has "the cutest little resort with little cabins, yurts and spots for a camper or big RV."
Safety precautions: Evening vehicle traffic can be a concern at some campgrounds. David V. warns about Northshore Campground: "Last night tho 3 guy's on dirt bikes rode right thru our campsite & a few other campers around 11:00 pm & almost ran over our 2 Pomeranians. Be careful especially if you have children!"
Tips from RVers
Level parking importance: Many campsites require adjustment for RVs. "Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area," notes Kristi D. about her experience at Hat Creek Resort, appreciating their facilities that include "little cabins, yurts and spots for a camper or big RV."
Site selection strategy: Some campgrounds offer premium waterfront locations for RVs. Jason D. recommends: "We got a spot right on the water. The spots had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy," regarding his stay at Hat Creek Resort and RV Park with his 22-foot travel trailer.
Shower access: Pay showers are available at some locations. At Northshore Campground, "Showers ($1 bills only), fire pits, and FCFS sites, as well as a friendly campground host," reports Jena F., who found it to be a "Beautiful spot right on the lake."
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