218 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. "
"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"
"I stayed at Cassel with a group from my fly fishing club. It is old, but has everything one needs and was quiet. I stayed over Sunday night after club left and it was really nice. "
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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"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"Our parking spot is big enough for our travel trailer, right next to the creek. Clean, quiet, safe. No traffic. But No cell service."
"Right next to the creek and big spots! Our motorhome drove down here just fine. Caught a bunch of trout in the creek and had an absolute blast. Quiet and safe and lots of shade."
ScoutI stayed at Cassel with a group from my fly fishing club. It is old, but has everything one needs and was quiet. I stayed over Sunday night after club left and it was really nice. The sites are large and private. I can't speak to the bathrooms as I only used my own in my trailer. I wish the campground had a dump station. There is one a few miles away in Old Station. Camp hosts were pleasant and helpful.
GuideGood wild camping area off the main road with lots of pull outs and flat spaces
ScoutGreat spot. Castle Lake Campground was full so we went back down toward town and found this turnoff 0.7 miles from the campground. Maybe 5- 10 spots in here. We were able to get in easily with our larger truck camper. Great views of Mt Shasta. Our site was gravel and quite level. Our particular site was also full sun, which we loved for our rooftop solar. Castle Lake CG is densely treed. Deduct one star because the sites are quite close together. We were there on a weekend, so it was fairly full. You can easily hear all of your neighbors talking, kids yelling, dogs barking, generators, etc etc.
TravelerEveryone here is always nice, and there is a friendly host. Adjacent to the beautiful Panther Meadows and the beautiful Grey Butte Trail. The Lower Ski Bowl parking lot (~1 mile further up the road) allows dispersed camping.
GuideWe have wanted to visit Bernie Falls for several years, finally made it! Like a fellow reviewer, we noted the reservation system was often full, felt lucky to get a cancellation spot. Upon arrival, half the campground was empty, thus that helped with it being quiet. Campground and bathrooms were clean. Very nice visitor center and general store. Enjoyed the Falls Loop Trail as well. The Falls, of course, were spectacular. We wouldn’t mind returning on another visit.
GuideThis forest service gem is near McCloud, CA and it lies right on the McCloud Waterfalls. There are trails to all three of the falls. We had a great spot and ran into so many nice fellow travelers. There is no cell service in the park for T-Mobile but we were able to pick up a signal near the entrance of the park by US 89. The camp host was very attentive and helpful. We made sure to pick up all food because bear are in the area.
TravelerWe’ve camped here every year for the past five years. This was the our first trip with our new to us travel trailer. We book six months in advance and always get sites B2 and B3. These sites have a beautiful view of the lake. We get up early and set up our blanket and chairs in our lake spot. The lake is big enough to paddle board and kayak but small enough where you can keep an eye on your kids the entire time.
Zero hook ups whatsoever, but you can use the dump station for free at Manzanita lake on your way up to fill your freshwater and then dump on your way out. Summit Lake North has flush toilets and sinks, I believe Summit Lake South Campground only has vault toilets.
Park Rangers patrol through every once in a while and the bathrooms are cleaned and stocked daily.
There is no cell service but if you drive about five minutes up the hill, you can get some service. It is a short drive to Kings Creek Falls and about a 15 minute drive to bumpass hell.
Highly recommended.
RangerEasy on/off hwy 139. Quiet , no rad noise. Price is great for treed sites offering shade. Fire pit, and picic table. AND the most immaculate pit toilets you will ever find! See pics 😀 Friday evening and only about 3 other campers spread out the huge grounds.
GuideCell service was non-existent for me, satellite limited by trees, as was solar, but my spot by the creek was lovely. The sites are not far from the highway and logging is active in the area, so traffic is to be expected, but the sites are far from one another. Easy access for my truck and 19-foot airstream.
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 218 campgrounds and RV parks near Cassel, CA and 30 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 4.5-star rating from 44 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cassel, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 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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