Best Campgrounds near Hat Creek, CA

Hat Creek in Northern California surrounds you with natural beauty in a quiet setting. Manzanita Lake Campground inside Lassen Volcanic National Park has tent and RV sites with basic facilities like drinking water and restrooms, and puts you close to the park's geothermal areas. Butte Creek Campground near Hat Creek is more basic with fewer facilities but gives you more space from other campers. You can reach both campgrounds on good roads that work for most vehicles. Hat Creek is a good spot for fishing, with trout being common in the streams. Summer brings good weather for hiking and camping, while fall has cooler temps and colorful leaves. Winter often has snow that can block roads, so check conditions before going. Spring brings wildflowers that add color to the area. The weather can change quickly here, so bring layers and rain gear. Lassen Volcanic National Park has trails that show off the volcanic landscape just a short drive from Hat Creek. The park's hot springs and mud pots are worth checking out if you're into geology. Hat Creek works well for short trips or longer stays with plenty to see in the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Hat Creek, California (197)

    1. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground

    42 Reviews
    Cassel, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 335-2777

    $35 - $143 / night

    "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."

    2. Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    36 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    20 miles
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $26 / night

    "We took an eight-day tour through Northern California and this was our first leg. Tent-camped three nights."

    "California Hidden gems."

    3. Cave Campground

    6 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 336-5521

    "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"

    4. Hat Creek Resort & RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 335-7121

    "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!👍👍"

    "Fishing in camp and nearby. Friendly staff. Had originally reserved a back in site, but emailed to hopefully get a pull through. Got a quick reply, and all taken care of."

    5. Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground

    3 Reviews
    Hat Creek, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 335-7171

    "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!"

    6. Hat Creek

    5 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 336-5521

    $16 - $80 / night

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

    "Great spot in Hat Creek!"

    7. Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    14 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $37 / night

    "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."

    8. Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA

    2 Reviews
    Hat Creek, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 335-7418

    $70 / night

    "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."

    9. Butte Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 257-4188

    "Off the beaten path and limited cell reception. Clean natural sites and vault toilets. Basic!"

    "Tight driving around all the trees. Vault toilets. 3 miles from Lassen northeast parking lot. Cinder cone. No water, garbage or dump."

    10. Bridge Campground

    2 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 336-5521

    "Pleasant campground with a beautiful creek along the roadside . We have chosen a site close enough to the creek so that we can hear it."

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Showing results 1-10 of 197 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Hat Creek, CA

547 Reviews of 197 Hat Creek Campgrounds



Guide to Hat Creek

Camping near Hat Creek, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. Many campers enjoy the nearby Cinder Cone hike, which is described as "sooo cool" by one visitor who stayed at Butte Creek Campground.
  • Fishing: If you love fishing, Hat Creek is a great spot. One camper at Hat Creek Resort & RV Park mentioned catching trout just steps from their trailer.
  • Exploring Lassen Volcanic National Park: The park is just a short drive away. A visitor at Lassen RV Resort noted that it’s a perfect base for exploring the park's stunning features.

What campers like:

  • Peaceful Atmosphere: Many campers appreciate the quiet surroundings. A reviewer at Butte Lake Campground mentioned it was "very peaceful" despite being in a popular national park.
  • Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA are noted for their cleanliness, with one camper stating, "Clean, close to Lassen, quiet."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground enjoyed the "spacious and shaded camp spots," making it comfortable for families.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Butte Creek Campground, do not have drinking water or showers, so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campers at Manzanita Lake Campground noted that it can get busy, especially on weekends. One reviewer mentioned, "This campground is huge and busy."
  • Road Conditions: Accessing some campgrounds may require driving on gravel roads. A visitor to Butte Lake Campground warned about the "5 mile gravel road into camp."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hat Creek Resort & RV Park, which offers activities like volleyball and cornhole, making it a great spot for kids.
  • Plan for Limited Cell Service: Many areas, including Manzanita Lake Campground, have little to no cell service. One camper mentioned needing to go to the visitor center for Wi-Fi.
  • Bring Entertainment: Campers at Lassen RV Resort enjoyed the trails and art garden, so consider bringing games or outdoor activities to keep the kids engaged.

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Hat Creek, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and be prepared for the unique aspects of each campground!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Hat Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Hat Creek, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 197 campgrounds and RV parks near Hat Creek, CA and 20 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Hat Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Hat Creek, 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 Hat Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 free dispersed camping spots near Hat Creek, CA.

What parks are near Hat Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Hat Creek, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.