The Hat Creek area sits at approximately 3,400 feet elevation in the Cascade Mountains, offering a moderate climate with warm summer days and cool evenings. Camping options range from fully developed RV parks to rustic sites with minimal amenities. Winter closures affect most campgrounds, with seasonal operations typically running from mid-April through mid-October.
What to do
Fishing access: Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground provides direct access to prime fishing spots. "We absolutely loved our 3 days here tent camping in a grass covered site. Their little section of Hat Creek is beautiful. I didn't catch a thing but at least I wasn't working!" notes one camper.
Cave exploration: The Subway Cave, a lava tube formation, offers a natural underground hiking experience near Hat Creek Resort & RV Park. "Campground is close to other fishing, the Subway Cave (ya gotta go there), Lassen National Park entrance and much more," recommends one visitor who enjoyed the convenient location.
Mountain views: Lassen RV Park Campground features hiking trails with spectacular vistas. "There are trails to explore and amazing views. Our favorite so far!" reports a camper. Another mentions, "Marked trails to walk, often in shade. Owners are actively making improvements to increase enjoyment of their property."
What campers like
Creek-side sites: Fishing directly from your campsite ranks high with visitors to the region. "We got a spot right on the water. The spots had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy," explains a camper at Hat Creek Resort & RV Park. Similarly, another visitor states, "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."
Family activities: McCloud RV Resort offers recreational amenities beyond standard camping. "They had a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area. Great little spot for kids, bikes, and dogs," notes one reviewer. Another mentions, "A stream that runs through the park (kids played in). Really enjoyable."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean, updated facilities receive consistent praise. "Nice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!" mentions a visitor to Hat Creek Resort. At Lassen RV Park, a camper notes, "The campground was clean and had huge sites, most in wooded lots."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Hat Creek Hereford Ranch operates from "April 15th - October 15th," while Hat Creek Resort runs from "April 1 to October 31." Advanced planning is essential during peak months.
Limited connectivity: Cell service and internet access vary significantly. At Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA, one visitor reports, "No WiFi and we had no Cell service either." Lassen RV Park offers a partial solution: "Wi-fi is available at the office area. Verizon on my phone at our site was weak."
Location considerations: Proximity to amenities requires planning. "20 minutes to a grocery store. Beautiful spot!" notes a camper at Hat Creek Resort. Another adds, "The store here was closed, but there is one a couple miles down the road that is well stocked."
Tips for camping with families
Fishing opportunities: Trail In RV Park & Campground provides a convenient base for fishing excursions. "It's a clean campsite that is only 9.4 miles to west redding," notes a visitor, making it accessible for day trips to various fishing spots.
Recreation variety: McCloud RV Resort offers multiple activities on-site. "A great place for kids, bikes, and dogs. They had a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area," reports one family. Another mentions the "micro-canal that runs through it was great for our lab. He just loved tramping in and out."
Beginner-friendly fishing: Hat Creek Hereford Ranch features stocked fishing areas. "My daughter caught her first fish(s) here in the pond. Store is well provisioned and grounds are very well maintained," shares a happy parent.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: When booking rv sites near Hat Creek, California, request specific locations. "Stayed at a full hookup site in my 22 foot travel trailer. We got a spot right on the water," notes a visitor at Hat Creek Resort. At Lakehead Campground & RV Park, a camper appreciates that "This campground is very spacious with lots of trees for shade which was great since we went when it was extremely hot."
Utility connections: RV parks around Hat Creek offer various hookup configurations. "We booked a quick one night stay here, passing through. The sites were very spacious and had full hookups," reports a visitor at Lassen RV Park. At McCloud RV Resort, a reviewer cautions, "The water is great! Pure and cold. However, it is high pressure. It exploded our water hose! After that we learned to place our pressure regulator valve right on the faucet."
Seasonal preparation: Temperature variations require planning. "The nights were cool - almost chilly," notes a summer visitor to McCloud, while another mentions enjoying Hat Creek Hereford Ranch when temperatures climbed elsewhere: "This campground is very spacious with lots of trees for shade which was great since we went when it was extremely hot."
