217 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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GuideWe have been camping here for the last 3 years. Site number 27 is best for us and very spacious. We have seen bears in the area but thankfully no encounters at our site. Water and bathrooms are close to site 27 and as well as lake access. Water is very nice we love to swim and the lake is definitely worth it. Our other friends being paddle boards & Kayaks Definitely recommend this campground.
ScoutThey are expensive for what you get. Broke down cabins poor amenities. Pool broke. Bathroom not tendered to . Bar closes early. No activists for the kids. Pool has been closed multiple times. This use to be a good spot but now the food is bad . The bar has nothing fun happening. The only thing this place has is it’s near the lake but no water access. Stay down the street at east lakeshore campground . Better spot much cheaper.
ScoutThis place is core memories for my kids! We go every year!
ScoutThis was a great find - plenty of parking and very clean pit toilets. A fair amount of traffics going through to stop for lunch, use the pit toilets or walk their dogs but everyone was in and out within minutes.
ScoutQuiet campsite. Was the only one here on 7/4/26. One vehicle drove by. Surrounding area of Cottonwood flat was burned so a lot of down trees around but road is accessible and so are campsites(6 campsites I believe). Small stream/meadow near campsites with tables and rock fire rings. There is a restroom but did not check it out.
TravelerThe owners are very laid back. We reserved a spot with no money down. Spot was hard to find, but only because it was a new spot they had just opened up. Everyone around d us was very friendly. It is a “no frills” park, but was quiet even it was just off the road.
TravelerThis campground is very well-kept and clean. All site are paved and quite flat and most have a good usable area. The host did a great job keeping everything tidy. There are vault and flush toilets that are decent for public camping standards. Poison oak is pervasive in the undergrowth but again, the campground roads and sites are tidy and the poison oak does not encroach. Lake Shasta is not accessible from the campground for beach play making it less enjoyable unless you have a boat in the water. The freeway is within earshot along with a train (across the road) so noise is an issue at night. Bottom line: good for a pit stop or if you have a boat but not very enjoyable if you want to get into nature.
ScoutGreat site, bathroom across the road at Day Parking only side.
GuideJust stayed at this campground and my family and I couldn’t stop complimenting the site. It’s really convenient for not leaving the campground and having plenty to do. The falls are gorgeous, nice trails (with some that are toddler friendly which is helpful for us), they have the lake and a general store should you forget anything or feel like splurging.
Not a ton of bugs when we stayed which is nice and unexpected. I would of course still bring spray and candles but the mosquitos were mild.
The bathrooms were always clean with toilet paper. They are cleaned daily. They have coin operated showers for $1 for 2 coins. Each coin is 2 mins in the shower.
Wood is avaible on site to buy.
Beware of leaving your trash out since the chipmunks and birds are a bit aggressive to eat your scraps.
The site was flat with not a ton of roots or rocks which was great for us in our tent.
WiFi is inconsistent but there is a pay station near the ranger station to charge phones and use wifi.
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 217 campgrounds and RV parks near Cassel, CA and 29 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 43 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cassel, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 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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