216 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Cassel, California provides access to several established campgrounds nestled along rivers and lakes in Shasta County. Campgrounds like Pit River Campground and Cassel Campground offer tent and RV sites in forest settings near water features. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground, approximately 15 miles northeast of Cassel, provides developed camping with cabin options, while Dusty Campground offers more rustic tent camping directly on Lake Britton. The region includes a mix of PG&E, BLM, and state park managed properties, with most offering basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets.
Camping in the Cassel area follows seasonal patterns, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Winter conditions limit accessibility at higher elevations, while summer brings higher temperatures and increased visitor traffic. Most campgrounds feature gravel or dirt access roads of varying quality, with some sites requiring reservation and others operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The proximity to water bodies creates microclimate effects, particularly around Lake Britton and the Pit River. A camper described the conditions at Pit River Campground as "beautiful campsite, usually pretty empty on weekdays. We went in late May and it's lovely, across our campsite was the river which was also gorgeous. Super green."
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw throughout the region, with Lake Britton providing swimming and boating opportunities. Pit River sites receive consistently positive reviews for their fishing access and relative solitude. Several visitors noted the scenic value of camping near Burney Falls, considered one of the region's natural highlights. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers appreciate the mix of developed amenities at larger campgrounds and the simpler experience at smaller sites. Proximity to attractions like the railroad bridge featured in the movie "Stand By Me" adds cultural interest to the natural setting. Visitors should note that some areas experience significant mosquito activity during warmer months, particularly at sites directly adjacent to water features.
"This is one of my favorite campsites in California. There all the falls, which are beautiful, the lake for swimming and water sports and lots of hiking trails."
"Lake to swim and boat in, waterfall short walk, General store with everything you can imagine and firewood, close by a town where you can eat out."
from $35 - $70 / night
Check Availability"LOTS of poison oak surrounding area. Easy walk to a scenic river."
"8 camp spots sites are super close to the river. Great fishing, swimming lagoon, picnic tables, fire rings ( no fires right now ), vault toilets, and quiet."
from $6 - $12 / night
Check Availability"This campground is situated on the north shore of Lake Britton, CA. directly across the lake from the McArthur-Burney Falls campground."
"There is also a north campground called northshore on Lake Britton. This is a review of the very small but great Dusty Campground. on the south eastern side of the lake. "
"Great location on the way to many points north along with an excellent morning or evening adventure to the falls. Camp Host (owner/operator?) is awesome and worth the stay alone."
"The drives in the area are absolutely gorgeous!"
"Right next to the lake with a little beach available. A favored local spot."
from $16 - $20 / night
Check Availability"I live here in cassel and the fishing hear is just plain awesome, campground is real clean and everything you need is in burney and a great sporting goods store packed with your fishing gear, fly fishing"
"Stayed overnight here during a fishing trip to Baum Lake. The campground was almost empty. Unfortunately, the only other campsite was full of Jackwagons with no regard for other folks."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Get out there and get your social distancing on folks!! Cheers!"
"We took an eight-day tour through Northern California and this was our first leg. Tent-camped three nights."
"California Hidden gems."
from $26 / night
Check Availability"The campsite is incredibly beautiful with views of Mount Shasta and several other mountain peaks from the edge of the campground."
"There are lots of trails I can take my dog for walks. Couple of the trails takes you to a cliff where you can sit and watch the sunset. Clean sites and campground. Washers and dryers."
from $42 - $75 / night
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ScoutCame here, nice camping area and very quiet, but the beach area is deceptively dry-looking. The lake has receded in the last couple years and has left behind layers of really bad smelling mud at various levels of dryness that looks like rock but is NOT. You can’t reach the water by foot and we had to have our truck camper towed out. Still stayed here, just closer to the road where it is less muddy.
GuideWe arrived very late our first night, but it was very easy to get into our cabin using the code that was emailed to us when we booked the reservation. Due to weird bookings, we had to book 2 different cabins so we got to experience 9 and 16, each of which had a heaters, which is nice for the cold nights. Despite the campground being nearly full, we got great sleep both nights and everything was quiet after 10PM. There are multiple water pumps, vaults, toilet bathrooms, and bear trash cans, each of which are maintained very well. The campground is also not too far from the museum and visitor center which have Wi-Fi. You also have a campground store that is walking distance fro the campground, but is unreasonably expensive. A bundle of firewood was somewhere around $14, and this is where the showers are which were like $5 per person. They also have gas pumps, but neither of them were in service. Aside from all this, sites themselves were amazing, and you are very close to the Manzanita Lake, which is bigger than I expected and seems to be very popular for fishing.
TravelerIn late and out early so parked at one of the first pullouts long before the creek. Easy dirt road in my sedan. Some logging I think(?) at around 4am or something actually. But slept easily enough. Best to go farther in for a better experience
ScoutThis campground is amazing we come here often just for the stunning tranquility and amazing fishing ❤️
GuideGreat CG, bigger than expected but spots are spread out. Cool pine forest, pretty lake, Cinder Cone Hike worth the sweat for the views. Stayed in site 8, not super level for a van, but made it work.
ScoutOwners are very helpful
GuideQuiet loop with bathrooms. 4 sites total including the hike & bike site. Lots of privacy and cover. Site 24 not level but not bad for a van. You do hear the highway and trains at night. Quick drive and walk to the Crags Vista.
GuidePerfect spot right outside Lassen Volcanic NP. There’s a little river by my spot and I love the moss on the trees. Quiet and peaceful
TravelerLocation is unbelievably beautiful. Has cool camper/cabin locations. Pay showers and laundry near the marina. Good fishing access around the Lake. The 30 amp plug at my site was broken around the ground plug, although still functional. Grass around the pad was tall enough to reach my slide out, so could use a bit of a trim down around the pad but I totally understand leaving the natural look around the camp though. Site was clean and ready to go by the camp host. Wood bundles and ice are available for purchase at the marina.
The Cassel area of northeastern Shasta County sits at approximately 3,200 feet elevation near the junction of Hat Creek and Pit River. The volcanic terrain creates a microclimate with relatively mild summers but significant temperature drops at night, even during peak camping season. Most campgrounds around Cassel operate on limited seasonal schedules, with the majority closing between late October and mid-April due to winter conditions.
Fishing access: Pit River Campground has prime fishing spots along the water. A camper noted, "We went in late May and it's lovely, across our campsite was the river which was also gorgeous." The camp host provides free firewood and fishing information about the area.
Swimming at Lake Britton: Northshore Campground has a designated swimming area with beach access. A visitor mentioned, "Beautiful spot right on the lake. Mosquitos and bees so bring bug spray." The campground features coin-operated showers ($1 bills only) and fire pits.
Hiking trails: Lassen RV Resort offers several marked trails through wooded areas. A reviewer shared, "There are lots of trails I can take my dog for walks. Couple of the trails takes you to a cliff where you can sit and watch the sunset." Many trails provide shade during hot summer days.
Easy lake access: Dusty Campground sits directly on Lake Britton with sites just 20 feet from the water. A camper explained, "The lake is maybe 20 feet from the site which is perfect for boat access and the lake britton is my favorite i've ever been to." The proximity allows for early morning and evening water activities.
Clean facilities: Cassel Campground maintains well-kept bathroom facilities despite its rustic setting. One visitor reported, "Good road to get there off 299, easy to find PG&E campground. All sites first come first serve only. No res. Bear boxes present tho would not be bear proof. Clean pit toilets. Good water."
Fall colors: For campers visiting in autumn, the deciduous trees around lake shores create vibrant displays. A camper at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground noted, "We've been in July and late fall and both times were spectacular." Fall camping offers fewer crowds but requires warmer sleeping gear.
Dust conditions: Many campgrounds in the area have significant dust issues. A reviewer at Northshore Campground warned, "The roads were paved unlike dusty but the campgrounds were just as dusty as dusty campground. Be prepared for everything to be covered from head to toe."
First-come sites: Several campgrounds operate without reservations. At Pit River Campground, a visitor shared, "On a Monday afternoon in June there were several sites available but it mostly filled up by evening." Arriving mid-week significantly improves chances of securing a site.
Mosquito management: Insect activity increases near water, especially at dawn and dusk. One camper at Burney Falls Resort recommended, "Camp Host (owner/operator?) is awesome and worth the stay alone. Sites are a bit tight so might not be the solitude you'd want to a multi day stay."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cassel, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cassel, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 216 campgrounds and RV parks near Cassel, CA and 28 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Cassel, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cassel, CA is McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cassel, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Cassel, CA.
What parks are near Cassel, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Cassel, CA that allow camping, notably Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lassen National Forest.
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