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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Mill Creek, CA

559 Reviews

Mill Creek Resort allows pets in both tent sites and cabin accommodations, providing a convenient base for exploring nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park. Tent sites in the upper numbers offer well-spaced camping with private areas for pets, while cabins accommodate those seeking more comfort with their animals. Volcanic Country Camping & RV also welcomes pets with a $2 per night pet fee, offering full hookups for RV campers traveling with dogs. Both locations maintain pet-friendly policies requiring leashed animals in common areas. Christie Hill Basecamp provides a more primitive dispersed camping option for pet owners seeking solitude, though the location lacks facilities like water or outhouses. The campground areas typically require pets to remain under control at all times to minimize wildlife interactions. Campers reference The Dyrt for top tips on camping near Mill Creek, California.

Several pet-friendly trails connect directly to Mill Creek Resort's campground, allowing dogs to explore the forest surroundings. The steep but short trail down to Mill Creek provides dogs with water access during warmer months, though owners should watch for wildlife along creek areas. Lassen Volcanic National Park regulations limit pets to developed areas only, not backcountry trails, making the surrounding national forest lands better options for extensive hiking with dogs. Summit Lake North and South campgrounds permit pets but maintain strict leash rules in all areas. Visitors report regular deer sightings near campsites at Mill Creek Resort, requiring careful pet management. Winter camping options for pets become limited as several campgrounds, including Volcanic Country Camping, operate seasonally with closures from late fall through spring.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Mill Creek, California (143)

    1. Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    39 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    14 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."

    "The lake is a great place to read next to or fish. Campsites and restrooms were well maintained. There was little privacy in between spaces but the beauty of lake made us forget all that."

    2. Volcanic Country Camping & RV

    7 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-4422

    $20 / night

    "$35 per night plus $2 pet fee

    Sites very close together. Bathroom old but works. Poor T Mobile service. No wifi."

    "We’ve been on a road trip through California living in a van so after hiking lassen all day we were on the lookout for a shower . This place had a hot shower and toilet !"

    3. Christie Hill Basecamp

    5 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    4 miles

    "Just off the main highway. Gravel road in. We had a Ford van that had no problem driving over the dirt and gravel road. There are sites with fire rings and relatively flat ground."

    4. Mill Creek Resort

    4 Reviews
    Mill Creek, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-4449

    "Short hike and you are at Mill Creek for a cooling wade. There is also a small camp store with wood, ice and other amenities. We even had a very friendly doe come for a visit. We will be back."

    "This is so close to Lassen without the busyness of the park in summer. We visited end of July and the access to the creek was so welcome."

    5. Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    8 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $15 / night

    "Like its sister site to the north, this camp site is next to Lassen’s Summit Lake at approximately 7000 feet."

    "Summit lake is a great place to hang.  There are campgrounds on either side of the lake and this one is the more primate of the two - no flush toilets. "

    6. Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    7 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $24 / night

    "Our decision for our final resting place -pun intended- was situated between two rocks on the flattest stony ground we could find. We had heard gusts could reach 70 mph at night."

    "We stayed here two nights after spending one night at the larger Manzanita Lake CG.

    The are two loops and about 40 sites. There is also a South Summit Lake CG."

    7. The Village at Highlands Ranch

    1 Review
    Mill Creek, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-3383

    "Located only 10 minutes from Lassen and by the road and still an rv spot in the forest. Very nice.

    An upper class restaurant and a bar so something for everyone.

    Very recommandable"

    8. 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    2 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 258-2141

    "Most camp spots are right on the edge of the road but lots of room and plenty of privacy. Leave no trace. Pack in, pack out."

    9. Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA

    12 Reviews
    Shingletown, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 474-3133

    "It's close to the dog park if you have a dog.

    The bathroom/shower is 3 sites down. Very clean. 

    Also close to the walking trail, basketball/volleyball courts& a neat tree swing."

    "We had one night during which a nearby, private property had some dogs that barked all night. "

    10. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    5 Reviews
    Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 257-2151

    "About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on."

    "Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Mill Creek, CA

47 Photos of 143 Mill Creek Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Mill Creek, CA

559 Reviews of 143 Mill Creek Campgrounds

  • Bare Soul W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 28, 2025

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Pit Stop from Redwoods to Lassen

    I was worried at 1stvas there was a situation that was happening when arrive. Police were there surveying which made me feel safe. It was quite through the night. Lil Dude took advantage of the dog park.

  • Greg B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2023

    Hole-in-the-Ground

    First camper of the year??

    This spot wasn’t on The Dyrt, but it was on my map & signs pointed the way. Off 172, 3 miles via easy dirt road, then down to Mill Creek. When I arrived, a CDC/CalFire crew was finishing up. Camps raked & wood rounds stacked, ready for summer. A few vault toilets, but no ‘papers’ have been delivered yet. In fact there no signage at all yet (envelopes, fee info, etc). Mill Creek was bank-to-bank & blown out, so no fishing/swimming. No cell (Verizon) A beautiful & secluded spot. Had the place to myself.

  • Gordon C.
    Apr. 17, 2018

    Black Rock Campground (Lassen NF)

    ISHI WILDERNESS

    Go to this camp for the quiet. Hiking is good going up or down Mill Creek. Fly fishing good and rarely more than one other camp used.

  • jThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 19, 2025

    Redding RV Park

    I'd stay here again

    Full hookups in back in spot for $55. Mostly pull throughs in Park, which cost more. Shower, restrooms, dog park. Propane for sale here.

  • J
    Jun. 28, 2021

    Mill Creek Resort

    Awesome Experience

    Fantastic quiet, shady, private campsite. Bathrooms were spotless. Didn’t use the pay showers but I didn’t notice someone had left quarters in case you needed some. Short hike and you are at Mill Creek for a cooling wade. There is also a small camp store with wood, ice and other amenities. We even had a very friendly doe come for a visit. We will be back.

  • A
    Jul. 11, 2023

    Mill Creek Resort

    Very Close to Lassen NP

    This campground was very close to Lassen NP, which is convenient. Check-In is simply looking at your name on the board and finding your campsite, which is not clear from the confirmation email. It would've been nice to speak to a host to get the lay of the land. The vault toilets in the tent area are very dark even during the day, and are not well maintained. The showers were also very dirty with dead bugs everywhere. The trail down to Mill Creek while short, is incredibly steep and narrow. The creek itself is beautiful and you can hear it while you fall asleep which is nice. The tent sites in the upper numbers are well spaced out. And there are deer in the area that come right by your site :) Mosquitoes were not bad at all even right next to the creek. I would maybe try another campground that came recommend from a fellow tent camper while at this one. Also, I couldn't get a cell signal for Verizon the whole time I was at the campground.

  • Cynthia K.
    Sep. 7, 2021

    Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA

    Wonderful!

    So, we already knew we were in trouble. Lassen Volcanic was closed(it was on fire), which is the whole reason we were here. Lots of smoke, but the campground wasn't in danger. We came in anyway. This was the last stop before we started home.

    The campground had a lot of cancellations, so it was unusually quiet. That didn't bother us! We had a back in site- 33. The best site in the campground! It's close to the dog park if you have a dog.

    The bathroom/shower is 3 sites down. Very clean. 

    Also close to the walking trail, basketball/volleyball courts& a neat tree swing. All this is under tall pines. This isn't a large campground, but it's VERY nice. Lots of trees& shady. Has a gift shop at the office. 

    The pool was open. Lots of hornets& 2 people got stung while in the pool. They have traps out, but the hornets are persistent!

     Laundry I didn't use, but it's there if you need it. Everything was very clean. Service was friendly.

    So, this is a good base for Lassen Volcanic. Since we couldn't go, there's other things to see. McArthur Burney Falls is a bit of a drive, but well worth it. We also stopped at Subway Cave, which we loved& Hat Creek Rim Overlook(which was a waste of time with the smoke). The rest of the day we chilled at the pool! We will definitely be back someday to see Lassen!

  • Julie I.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 11, 2022

    McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground

    Beautiful falls, tiny park

    Falls were gorgeous. Rum trail is an easy little walk (largely paved). Large picnic area. Not much else to do in the park but good stop if you are thru hiking the PCT.

    Bathrooms were clean, flush toilets, hot showers. NO cell service. Had a little camp shop.

    NOT a very dog-friendly park, didn’t even see a pet area for them to get out and potty.

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 3, 2019

    Olive Pit Dispersed Lot

    Convenient location for boondocking

    PROS:

    + FREE overnight parking for RVs, trailers, and camper vehicles.

    + Very safe and heavily traffic location. Lots of travelers here spending the evening! Signs say for Olive Pit Customers Only but we spent 2 nights here (along with a few other campers) and no one ever disturbed us.

    + Very flat, leveled, and long paved spots (great for up to 35-foot long fifth wheelers and even 50-foot rigs).

    + Huge lot with lots of available spots. Around 10 spots for larger trailers and RVs, and lots of small spots for campervans and car rooftop tent campers. We saw 4-5 other campers around us who mostly were very private and to themselves

    + Super convenient location near lots of fast food joints, a Starbucks, Rite Aid, and supermarket. The lot shares the same entrance as the Shell Station and Olive Pit Cafe & Store where you can conveniently pick up food/beer/supplies.

    + The Olive Pit has a great cafe and wine tasting room. They sell specialty items such as olives, balsamic vinegar, etc. And they have a great breakfast!

    + There is a giant dumpster for trash disposal behind the Olive Pit

    + There is also a pet area that has a small white fence around a dirted area for pets to relieve themselves.

    + Lots of palm trees in the backdrop giving the place a very California vibe.

    CONS:

    + No tent camping, unless it's a car rooftop tent or a pop-up tent trailer

    + No fires/no showers/ no toilets (Although you can walk to the Shell Station to use their toilets which were super clean and well-maintained.)

    + Loud 24 hour carwash at the Shell station. Usually quiets down around 9 pm

    + Bright security lights in the parking lot. Just don't park directly under one. There are a few darker and less lit spots

Guide to Mill Creek

Dispersed camping opportunities near Mill Creek, California, exist between 4,000-7,000 feet elevation, with several options in Lassen National Forest outside Lassen Volcanic National Park boundaries. Campgrounds in this area typically experience hot, dry summers with temperatures reaching 85°F and cold winters with regular snowfall. Forest road access varies seasonally with many routes closed during winter months.

What to do

Creek hiking access: Sites at Summit Lake North provide direct trail connections to water features. "The lake is gorgeous and the camp sites are nice, with flush toilets and sinks available," notes Brian C., who appreciates the location's proximity to exploration opportunities within Lassen.

Wildlife observation: Early mornings offer the best wildlife viewing opportunities when temperatures are cooler. "We saw a small bear and deer there. The lake is a short 5 min drive or less away and the museum has a Junior Ranger program which is a book of neat educational tasks for the kids," reports Jillean G. from Manzanita Lake Campground.

Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain fishing access points for anglers. "You like to fish, Lassen is a great spot to catch a boat load of fish! I dont fish but glad our neighbors in the campsite did," mentions Michael K., highlighting the productive fishing at Manzanita Lake Campground.

What campers like

Natural water features: The sound of moving water enhances the camping experience at several locations. "We've been on the road for about a month now and this might take the cake for our favorite dispersed spot. It's next to the creek and we fell asleep to the sounds of the flowing water," shares Brock S. about 31N17N North Manzanita Dispersed Camping.

Stargazing conditions: The area's elevation and distance from major cities creates favorable night sky viewing. "The night rolled over us just as a very large moon dominated the clear air above us," describes David K. from Summit Lake North, noting the exceptional night sky visibility.

Thermal features: Proximity to Lassen's geothermal areas provides unique natural attractions. "We drove up to the the other side of Lassen 30min away and saw the Sulphur Works hydrothermal vent," reports Jillean G., highlighting geological features accessible from campsites.

What you should know

Site availability challenges: Certain campgrounds fill quickly during peak season from June through September. "We were in two different sites as we made same day and next day reservations. Yes, some of the spots are tight, but we were able to get two nice sites that felt more open," explains Kim G. about managing reservations at Manzanita Lake Campground.

Bear management requirements: All campgrounds enforce strict food storage regulations. "Each site has a bear box, and use of it for all food and food prep, as well as toiletries is expected—campers cannot use their cars," notes Celina M. from Manzanita Lake Campground.

Seasonal insect conditions: Mosquitoes become prevalent during certain months, particularly near water. "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!" warns Kate A. about Summit Lake South.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Mill Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Mill Creek, CA is Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 39 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Mill Creek, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 143 dog-friendly camping locations near Mill Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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