Hat Creek flows through a volcanic landscape in Northern California's Shasta County, at elevations ranging from 3,000-4,500 feet. The area experiences warm summer days with cool nights, with temperatures often dropping 30-40 degrees after sunset. Seasonal camping operations typically run April through October, with most facilities closed during winter months due to snow and freezing temperatures.
What to Do
Fishing access: Hat Creek Hereford Ranch offers productive fishing spots directly on the property. One visitor noted, "We absolutely Love this place!!!! Very family friendly and Gorgeous landscapes!!" The ranch maintains a well-stocked pond perfect for beginners and children.
Hiking opportunities: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park provides trails around its signature waterfall with options for various skill levels. A camper reported, "The falls are beautiful too cold to do any quality swimming but a nice hike around the falls and down to the lake." For more remote experiences, trails near Silver Bowl Campground connect to the Caribou Wilderness.
Cave exploration: Subway Cave near Hat Creek Resort & RV Park offers a fascinating underground lava tube experience. A visitor recommended, "Campground is close to other fishing, the Subway Cave (ya gotta go there), Lassen National Park entrance and much more." The self-guided tour through this ancient volcanic formation takes approximately 30 minutes and requires a flashlight.
What Campers Like
Lake access: Summit Lake North provides shoreline camping with swimming opportunities. A visitor observed, "Just the right size, maybe 40-50 camp sites total in two separate loops and it's all very walkable. Totally awesome lake that's safely swimmable for kiddos." The lake has gradual entry points suitable for novice swimmers.
Spacious sites: Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park offers generously sized campsites with natural separation. One camper appreciated, "We absolutely loved our 3 days here tent camping in a grass covered site. We lucked out as there was a cancellation for the group site just minutes before we checked in." Many sites feature grass rather than dirt, providing cleaner camping conditions.
Facility upkeep: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park maintains clean, updated facilities despite high visitation. A camper noted, "It had been over 20 years since the last time we camped here so I was pleased to see that updates had been made and the park is well maintained." The park regularly refreshes restrooms and common areas.
What You Should Know
Weather variability: Lassen area camping experiences significant temperature fluctuations. At Merrill Campground, a visitor advised, "We stayed here for 4 nights and loved it. The lake is appropriately named as we saw bald eagles daily." Evening temperatures can drop dramatically even in summer months.
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. A camper at McArthur-Burney Falls observed, "This campground is super popular, so you will most likely need a reservation in advance. But it's so worth it!" Yurt accommodations at Hat Creek should be booked 3-6 months in advance.
Pest considerations: Mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent in certain seasons. At Summit Lake, a visitor warned, "There's a beautiful view here, and a lot of peace and solitude - as long as you're willing to share the space with mosquitos!" Wasp activity increases in late summer around creekside areas.
Tips for Camping with Families
Swimming options: Summit Lake North offers family-friendly water access. A visitor reported, "Fairly shallow overall but plenty of fun. Totally awesome lake that's safely swimmable for kiddos." The gradual entry points allow for easier water supervision.
Activity variety: Burney Falls Resort provides multiple recreation options beyond hiking. A guest appreciated, "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." On-site games and gathering areas keep children engaged between excursions.
Cabin alternatives: Yurt camping at Hat Creek offers comfort for families not equipped for traditional tent camping. The structures provide sturdy protection from weather changes while maintaining an outdoor experience. Families should note that yurts require advance reservation, particularly during July and August.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Hat Creek Resort offers practical amenities for extended stays. One RVer shared, "1st RV park that I ever took my trailer to. 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." Full hookup sites include water, electric, and sewer connections.
Site selection: When booking at Silver Bowl Campground, consider accessibility needs. A visitor noted, "The road in is dirt and pretty long but my Toyota Camry made it no problem. The campsites are pretty large but you definitely can see and sometimes hear the people near you." Sites near the entrances provide easier access but less privacy.
Supply planning: Limited shopping options require advance preparation. At Hat Creek Resort, a visitor observed, "More to the campground than just camping. Fishing in camp and nearby." Most campgrounds are 20-30 minutes from full grocery stores, so meal planning should account for limited resupply options.
