208 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Hat Creek in California offers a mix of developed campgrounds, RV parks, and dispersed camping options throughout the Lassen National Forest area. Camping near Hat Creek ranges from full-hookup RV parks to primitive tent sites and free dispersed campsites along the creek corridor. 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.
"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"We took an eight-day tour through Northern California and this was our first leg. Tent-camped three nights."
"Regular flush toilets still in use for season versus adjacent pit toilets. Used blocks to level RV. Many sites close to level. Store with showers and laundry within 1/4 mile easy walk."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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
Check Availability"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"
"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!👍👍"
"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."
"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!"
"This is a nice park, centrally located between Burney Falls and Lassen National park."
"There is a small lake in the middle of the lot where people can have catch and release fishing. There is a small store and restaurant, but we didn't get anything there."
from $70 / night
Check Availability"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
Check Availability
GuideFor car camping in the parking lot it's only $10 a night. You get flush toilets, running water, and free wifi from the visitor center. Only thing missing is a shower. The views are also great. Meets the necessities.
GuideGenerally if I'm getting a cabin and paying extra for it I would like it to have electric. They did have propane heat though which is nice. That aside, the location is great. $5 for shower access for the duration. Close walk to the lake. Lots of wildlife.
GuideThe staff were very friendly. Convenient for car camping. The showers are very nice and big.
GuideI missed a couple of other spots just outside of Lassen as they had already been taken for the night. Also because of the dangerous fire season we were having a lot of the other dispersed areas were closed to public. So I was scoping out the area and finally found this spot. When you turn on the road theres a big multiple camping site area on your left. There were plenty of people there and made me feel more comfortable grabbing my own spot but further up the hill. The highway was loud and few drivers coming in and out of the road. As a solo car camper- this actually makes me feel as ease. Hahaa So I set up and enjoyed the sunset, stars and nestled in for the evening. Lassen National Park is about a 5 minute drive and I HAVE to mention- when you turn to go to Lassen there is on the left public restrooms- and the best Ive ever encountered. 😀
RangerReserved online when had cell service before arrival. Asphalt roads and pads in campground. Regular flush toilets still in use for season versus adjacent pit toilets. Used blocks to level RV. Many sites close to level. Store with showers and laundry within 1/4 mile easy walk. Manzanita Lake loop walk was fabulous! Would stay again.
RangerStayed in 24' RV on Ring Loop. Drive in reservation. Only 20% of sites filled. Rest of campground closed for season. Excellent individual rest rooms with sinks that have hot & cold water and flush toilets. Excellent token showers Most sites shaded under nice Ponderosa Pines. Great loop walks around falls and on part of PCH trail. A little distant traffic noice in morning and during day but not bad. Would stay again.
GuideWe were very surprised how quiet the campground was at night considering how large it was. The only thing we didn’t like was having to book online when we showed up and there was no way to tell if a site was available until you went on line and we did not have internet service in the campground. We had to drive out to the visitor center to use their WiFi.
GuideThe tall trees are an amazing backdrop to this beautiful forest location. Near to 44 yet still quiet with only the occasional truck noise from the highway. The road in is well maintained and there are several established locations with multiple camps with fire rings. Some of them should easily accommodate big rigs even those towing large trailers. I had the south side of the road to myself near the pin for multiple nights with one or two campers across the road that came and left early. The night sky provides some excellent star gazing on clear nights! Some of the biggest pine cones I've ever seen!
ScoutWe paid for 5 nights, and left after four. The first day we were immediately approached by the host who rudely lectured about us leaving a phone number off of the pay envelope. The envelope had no designated spot for a phone number. She then handed us a list off rules: No dogs of leash, no generator off the blacktop, no outdoor showers, no chainsaw, and on and on. We were the only ones who kept our dog on a leash. She sold us two bundles of pine firewood the first night then proceeded to tell us the next day the water would be off and we couldn’t have a campfire. Friday night comes around and starting at 11 pm a woman is screaming and our tent is lit up by spotlights. She continues her drunken screams until 12:30 which we figure out she is calling a dog. The spotlights stayed on until 2am. The host lives way above the campground and there is no possible way she can hear the goings on at night. We also have no way of contacting her. Saturday morning we are told the water will be off and this time we are not allowed to use our stove or lanterns. We were forced to cut our trip short because we had no way to cook our meals or have adequate lighting once it got dark. I initially planned to stop payment on the check I wrote but felt that wouldn’t be right because we had a few good days. I contacted them and was told we were not forced to leave left on our own so we wouldn’t be getting a refund. The host was very overbearing she even knocked on our neighbors camper door accusing him of leaving the toilet seat up in the outhouse. Our vacation was ruined
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.
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.
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."
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.
Keep Exploring
