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Camping near Hat Creek, CA

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    SUMMARY PRESENTED BYT-Mobile

    Hat Creek in California offers a mix of developed campgrounds, RV parks, and dispersed camping options throughout the Lassen National Forest area. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground, Hat Creek Dispersed, and Hat Creek Resort & RV Park provide accommodations ranging from tent sites to cabins, yurts, and RV hookups. The campgrounds generally follow the Hat Creek waterway, with many sites positioned along the creek for easy fishing access. Cave Campground and Hat Creek Campground maintain traditional Forest Service amenities, while private facilities like Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park offer more services including grass tent sites, showers, and water hookups.

    Most campgrounds in the Hat Creek region operate seasonally from April through October, closing during winter months due to weather conditions. Fishing access drives much of the camping activity, with numerous sites positioned along creeks. "I've been going to this spot for 30 years and it's great, clean, peaceful, and great fishing," noted one visitor about Hat Creek Dispersed camping. While some campgrounds require reservations, particularly on weekends and holidays, others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Vault toilets are common at most public sites, with flush toilets available at select locations. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, and summer afternoons can become quite warm, though creekside sites often provide natural cooling.

    The Hat Creek area attracts anglers who appreciate the easy access to trout fishing. Several campgrounds feature sites directly on the creek banks, providing ambient sounds that enhance the camping experience. As one camper described, "We listened to the sounds of the creek all night long." Nearby attractions include Subway Cave, a lava tube formation accessible across from Cave Campground, and Lassen Volcanic National Park approximately 30 minutes away. The region offers varied terrain from meadows to pine forests, with campsites ranging from secluded creek-side spots to more open, social camping areas. While road noise can be noticeable at campgrounds near Highway 44/89, sites farther from main roads provide quieter experiences. Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities, with reviewers frequently noting the well-maintained nature of both developed and dispersed sites.

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    Best Campgrounds near Hat Creek (206)

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      1. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground

      4.5(44)17mi from Hat Creek103 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      2. Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

      4.5(40)20mi from Hat Creek180 sitesRVs, Tents, Cabins

      "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

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      3. Big Pine Dispersed Camping

      4.8(15)13mi from Hat CreekRVs, Tents

      "Its a a great spot, just a handfull of miles East of the Lassen national park north entrance off the ca 44."

      "Both Hat Creek and Lost Creek run through the area."

      4. Hat Creek

      4.6(8)10mi from Hat Creek79 sitesRVs, Tents

      "There are several places to camp along Hat Creek.  This and Cave Campground are my favorites. "

      "Great spot in Hat Creek!"

      from $16 - $80 / night

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      5. Cave Campground

      4.6(7)9mi from Hat CreekRVs, Tents

      "Located along the banks of Hat Creek this is a place for those who like to fish.  Cross the road and you will find a Lava Cave to explore. Down the road is historic Burney Falls."

      "This place is on hwy 44 near the Hat Creek region of Lassen. I like this place because you avoid the tourist type campers you will find in the Lassen National Park"

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      6. Hat Creek Resort & RV Park

      4.9(7)11mi from Hat CreekRVs, Tents, Cabins, Glamping

      "Nice Campground right on the hat Creek! Full hookups Laundry Wifi available for purchase Close to Lassen Volcanic NP"

      "Easy to get in and out of the camp site large camp sites, the hat Creek runs right through the camp ground and we caught trout all morning. Wonderful place convenience store was great too!👍👍"

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      7. Hat Creek Dispersed

      4.8(5)9mi from Hat CreekTents

      "This spot is close to the road, but the drive does run parallel. I have a 4x4 Tacoma and I found it a little difficult initially to navigate past the first hill."

      "Take creek trail. Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground. 1 bar lte AT&T."

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      8. Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground

      5.0(3)2mi from Hat CreekRVs, Tents, Glamping

      "Their little section of Hat Creek is beautiful. I didn't catch a thing but at least I wasn't working! I haven't covered it all but you get the idea!"

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      9. Cassel Campground

      4.8(4)9mi from Hat CreekRVs, Tents

      "Pulled in for one night and found a clean quiet camp on Hat Creek"

      "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

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      10. Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

      4.4(15)19mi from Hat Creek1 siteRVs, Tents

      "It's right by Cinder Cone (amazing views up top), Butte Lake and many nice hiking destinations. Bear boxes (yes, you need to use them), toilets, running water (though you need to check late season)."

      "Located off a well maintained gravel road near beautiful Butte Lake. We had no problem towing our trailer to this location and neither did our friends whose trailer is 30+ ft."

      from $37 / night

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    Recent Camping Photos near Hat Creek, CA

    179 Photos of 206 Hat Creek Campgrounds

    Recent Reviews near Hat Creek, CA

    673 Reviews of 206 Hat Creek Campgrounds

    • Heather E.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 24, 2026

      Merrill Campground

      Quiet Campground with Stellar Sunsets

      Right on Eagle Lake in Lassen National Forest, this campground has a mix of electric and non electric sites with views of the lake. Clean bathrooms with mirrors, flush toilets but no showers. If you want a shower, bike, walk or drive down to the marina where they have private rooms for showers. Boating, kayak and paddleboard in addition to fishing (water is high alkaline which makes for big trout). Quiet campground with big sites.

    • mThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 15, 2026

      Christie Hill Basecamp

      Great spot close to Lassen South Entrance

      The forest road is super accessible with a bunch of different spots to choose from as you traverse down the road. There are some fire rings in some of the spots. No water, bathroom, etc. Road is fairly well maintained but drive with caution if no 4WD or AWD and low clearance. Only 3.5 miles from the entrance so it’s a perfect place to stay before or after going through Lassen NP.

    • Kurt T.
      Aug. 13, 2026

      Almanor

      For the North Campground, what a shame and serious safety issues for all.

      Simply put, I am embarrassed to say that this one was opened with major safety issues. I was even told by a person at the Almanor Ranger Office in Chester that they were forced to open this campground.  
      Safety issues:
      -Trees were fell and slash was left behind without cleanup by contractor.
      -Boulders were moved and above mentioned slash was covering the holes left by the moved boulders creating major safety trip/fall hazards. These hazards could cause twisted and/or broken legs and feet and more.
      -Fire Hazard: Above mentioned slash was left behind everywhere for it to dry out an become a major fire hazard. Yes, the camp site around the table and fire ring was cleared, but only by about 10-15 feet.  
      -Limited walking areas: As the slash was left behind, areas for walking or the kids playing was like walking in a minefield.  Even on the paved drive path, there is holes and to move out of the way for trucks/campers requires movement onto the above ,mentioned slash that was not cleaned up.

      I grew up in this area and after being gone in the military for over 30 years, I came home.  This poor campground is a disgrace and I am deeply saddened by the condition the USFS and it's contractor left it in. If I was in charge, I would not have let it open for public use due to the safety issues. 

      What a shame.

    • TThe Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 8, 2026

      31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

      Amazingly secluded

      We bypassed the sites that were immediately to the right off FR17 (Mineral Rd) to see if there were others up the road. There is one cute site right near the creek but directly on the road so a lot of dust if you stayed there. We continued past 20W and came around the corner to an amazing multi site area! Easily could have had 3 or 4 rigs in here and indeed, there were 4 campfire rings. And no one there! We had it all to ourselves (Tue-Wed-Thu) and were able to easily get to Manzanita Lake and into Lassen. Don't let the piles of logging debris fool you - just go past it!

    • Jacquie B.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 7, 2026

      American Eagle RV Park

      Nice place beautiful view

      This is a campground that has great potential and Jason the manager is working hard to get it that way. 

       Full hook up site with great view. Looks like there are 2 nice playgrounds, a softball field, horse shoes and hiking trails, much more that I didn't get the chance to check out. 

       Jason was a great help to me, I'm on a trip back to Michigan and my last stop a portion of the bottom cover/liner fell off. (the dealer had cut a large square out to work on it.) Jason got it back on better than the dealer would have, tied up some wires that were hanging. He did a great job for a reasonable price. Thanks Jason 

      I highly recommend this campground; just keep in mind it is a work in restoring progress.  

      Also even though it was in the 90's I had a great, shaded spot and could sit outside the breeze made it comfortable.

    • Terry C.The Dyrt Pro User
      Aug. 4, 2026

      Cassel Campground

      Very Quiet and Peaceful

      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.  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.

    • RThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 27, 2026

      McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground

      Clean and Quiet

      We 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.

    • PThe Dyrt Pro User
      Jul. 27, 2026

      Fowlers Campground

      Lovely Jump Off Point to Explore the Mt. Shasta Region

      This 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.

    Guide to Hat Creek

    Hat Creek camping options offer creek-side sites amid pine forests, with many functioning seasonally from April through October. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during the day and drop to 55°F at night, creating significant daily temperature variations. Creek-side campsites provide natural cooling from afternoon heat, while sites farther from highways offer more serene camping experiences.

    What to do

    Hike the Cinder Cone Trail: The Cinder Cone near Butte Lake Campground offers panoramic views after a challenging climb. "The Cinder Cone hike along the old lava flow behind the campsite is spectacular! Don't let the climb up the cinder cone dissuade you; the panoramic view from the top is well worth it! We did it with two 6 year olds," shares one visitor.

    Explore Subway Cave: This lava tube formation is accessible directly across from Cave Campground. A camper noted, "Cross the road and you will find a Lava Cave to explore. Down the road is historic Burney Falls." The cave provides a cool geological experience and makes for an easy side trip from camping.

    Paddle on Butte Lake: The lake offers non-motorized boating with rental options during summer months. "The lake is close to the campground, quiet and peaceful. No motor boats. You must wear a life preserver if you put your boat in the water," explains a camper from Butte Lake Campground.

    What campers like

    Fishing opportunities: Hat Creek is known for excellent trout fishing from various access points. At Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground, "My daughter caught her first fish(s) here in the pond. Store is well provisioned and grounds are very well maintained," one visitor shared.

    Unique camping surfaces: Some campsites offer grass tent sites rather than typical dirt pads. "We absolutely loved our 3 days here tent camping in a grass covered site... once you have camped in the grass nothing else compares! Barefoot and clean!" writes a camper about Hat Creek Hereford Ranch.

    Creek sounds at night: The sound of flowing water enhances sleep quality at creek-side sites. A Hat Creek Resort & RV Park visitor mentioned, "Stayed at a full hookup site in my 22 foot travel trailer. We got a spot right on the water. The spots had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy."

    What you should know

    Vault toilets are common: Most dispersed and some established campgrounds have vault toilets rather than flush facilities. A visitor at Hat Creek Dispersed noted, "Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground," but many areas require self-sufficiency.

    Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Check current fire regulations before planning your trip. Some areas prohibit fires during dry periods. "Fires allowed" status can change based on conditions.

    Wildlife awareness required: Bear activity requires proper food storage. Some campgrounds provide bear boxes, while others require campers to bring containment systems. At McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, visitors reported seeing wildlife regularly, requiring appropriate food storage.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What are the best campgrounds at Hat Creek, CA?

    Cave Campground is consistently rated as a favorite along Hat Creek, offering direct creek access ideal for fishing enthusiasts. It features the added bonus of a nearby lava cave to explore and proximity to historic Burney Falls. For a quieter experience, Hat Creek campground offers well-spaced sites under tall trees with multiple loops progressively distanced from Highway 89, ensuring peaceful stays. Other excellent options include Cassel Campground for a clean, quiet experience, and Hat Creek Resort & RV Park for those seeking more amenities with the convenience of a store on-site.

    How close is dispersed camping to Hat Creek fishing spots?

    Twin Bridges Campground offers designated dispersed camping with many sites directly on the creek front, providing immediate access to Hat Creek's famous fly fishing spots. These shaded sites under large trees are first-come, first-served with no facilities. For more options, Hat Creek Dispersed areas provide free camping with some sites featuring toilets and water access, making them convenient for anglers wanting easy fishing access. Most dispersed sites along Hat Creek are within walking distance of prime fishing spots, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak fishing seasons as the most desirable creek-side locations fill quickly.

    What amenities are available at Hat Creek campgrounds?

    Amenities vary widely across Hat Creek's campgrounds. Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground offers grassy tent sites and full RV hookups for those seeking more comfort. For a middle ground, Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA provides a convenient store, restaurant (open weekends), and beautiful grounds with central access to attractions. Public campgrounds like Bridge and Honn Creek typically offer basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers, with most featuring vault toilets. Most sites have shade from tall trees, though amenities decrease at dispersed camping locations where you might find only minimal facilities like vault toilets or no facilities at all.

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