The Cassel area sits at approximately 3,300 feet elevation in Shasta County, surrounded by volcanic peaks and dense pine forests characteristic of northeastern California. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing while summer days reach the 90s with cool evenings. Camping cabins near Cassel offer convenient access to fishing spots along Hat Creek and proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park's unusual geological features.
What to do
Fishing in Hat Creek: Located near Hat Creek Resort & RV Park, this prime fishing area draws anglers year-round. "We caught trout all morning. Wonderful place convenience store was great too!" notes a visitor to Hat Creek Resort & RV Park.
Swimming in natural water spots: McCloud River offers refreshing swimming options near Cattle Camp Campground. "Trail to a gorgeous swimming hole. Water is very cold though. Rope swing. Lots of kids at swimming hole!" reports one camper at Cattle Camp Campground.
Hiking volcanic trails: Lassen Volcanic National Park features unique geological formations with accessible trails. "Lots of hiking nearby," mentions a camper at Manzanita Lake Campground, while another adds, "I loved being able to hike right by from the campground on multiple hikes."
Water activities on nearby lakes: Area lakes provide calm waters for various activities. "Access lake manzanita from this bucolic setting. Rental kayaks and paddle boards are overpriced so bring your own," advises a visitor to Manzanita Lake.
What campers like
Private, spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer good separation between sites. At Burney Falls Resort, "The spots had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy," according to a recent visitor who stayed in a travel trailer.
Cool mountain temperatures: The higher elevation provides relief from summer valley heat. A visitor to Lassen Volcanic National Park mentioned, "We enjoyed staying at Manzanita Campground when we made a last minute change of plans to have cooler weather. The elevation makes a big difference!"
Stargazing opportunities: Limited light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing. "The campground as a whole was very quiet, clean, and the vault style toilets were well maintained," notes a visitor who stayed in a camping cabin at Manzanita Lake.
Wildlife viewing: Native fauna frequently visits campgrounds. "Deer walking through. Low yellow jackets in mid June," reports a camper at Cattle Camp Campground.
What you should know
Campground reservations: Peak season requires advance planning. At McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground, "This campground is super popular, so you will most likely need a reservation in advance. But it's so worth it!"
Bear precautions: Bears are active in the area, requiring proper food storage. "Each site has a bear box, and use of it for all food and food prep, as well as toiletries is expected—campers cannot use their cars," explains a visitor to Manzanita Lake Campground.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between locations. "No cell service! Didn't check the condition of the showers," reports a visitor to McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park.
Seasonal access considerations: Some campgrounds close during winter months. "Season April 1 to October 31," notes Hat Creek Resort & RV Park's information, limiting cabin rental availability to these months.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Look for camps with safe water access for children. At Lake Siskiyou Camp Resort, "Whether with family or the Girl Scouts, Siskiyou was a repeat camping destination growing up. The lovely red earth, thick green trees and uniquely beautiful blue/teal water makes for a welcoming lake day for all ages."
Kid-friendly activities: Some campgrounds offer dedicated recreation areas. "It's great seeing the kids ride around the loop on their bicycles and scooters. We had a perimeter site in the A loop, adjacent to the trail that runs to the lake," shares a visitor to Manzanita Lake.
Bathroom facilities: Check for family-friendly restroom options. "Bathrooms in B loop nicer than in A loop. But A loop closer to lake," advises a Manzanita Lake Campground visitor, providing useful information for families selecting sites.
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions can change rapidly. "It got real cold, like 27 degrees at night in early sept there!" warns a camper who visited Manzanita Lake, suggesting families pack warm clothing even during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many mountain campsites require adjustments. "Be ready to level your camper," advises a visitor to Manzanita Lake Campground, while another notes, "Since it rained hard as soon as we set up, we appreciated the pavement."
Hookup availability: Utilities vary between campgrounds. At Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground, "This campground has full hookups, a WiFi that is good enough to stream and it's not a parking lot, good for tents and rv's."
Access road considerations: Some access roads present challenges. A visitor to Burney Falls Resort notes the campground is "about 2 miles from the water fall" and "accommodates for larger RVs with 50amp."
Dump station locations: Not all campgrounds have onsite facilities. "There is no dump station but you can use one of the full sites," explains a visitor to Jubilee Railroad Wilderness Lodge & Campground, providing essential information for RVers planning longer stays.
