RV camping near Mill Creek, California offers access to multiple Northern California natural attractions, with Mount Lassen rising to 10,457 feet dominating the landscape. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during daytime hours, while spring and fall can see significant temperature fluctuations. Several campgrounds maintain operation between mid-April and mid-October due to winter conditions at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground features a stocked fishing pond and creek access. "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," notes one visitor.
Volcanic exploration: The southwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park sits just 9 miles from Volcanic Country Camping & RV, providing a convenient base for exploring the park's geothermal features. "Perfect RV and tent campground just outside of Lassen National Park. The RV sites are somewhat close to each other but there are plenty of trees around so you really have a forest feeling," reports a camper.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds in the area offer water access, with Hat Creek Resort & RV Park situated directly on Hat Creek. "We got a spot right on the water. The spots had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy," notes a visitor who stayed in a 22-foot travel trailer.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Campers consistently praise certain parks for site spacing. "We 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," reports one visitor to Hat Creek Resort & RV Park.
Clean facilities: Many reviewers highlight recently renovated bathrooms. "Nice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!" notes a visitor to Hat Creek Resort.
Family activities: Durango RV Resort (now Red Bluff KOA Journey) offers multiple recreational options. "The facilities were great. Clean bathrooms and showers, fire pit, pool, and a lot more. We only spent one night here, but a lot of families seemed to be here for much longer. It's a great place to keep the kids entertained," reports one reviewer.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds in the Mill Creek area operate seasonally due to snow and cold temperatures. Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park operates from "April 15th - October 15th," and most other campgrounds in the immediate area follow similar schedules.
Advance reservations critical: During summer months, especially weekends, campgrounds fill quickly. "Mountain Gate RV Park is a comfortable park to stay. It is relatively quiet as it is off the Highway. We would stay here again. I recommend you check it out," advises one visitor.
Limited connectivity: Cell service remains inconsistent throughout the region. "No WiFi and we had no Cell service either. Still, we'd stay here again," notes a reviewer from Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA.
Road conditions: Some access roads to campgrounds and recreation areas have poor surfaces. "Only downside was no dump or fresh water and it's a 30+ minute drive to town. Biggest downfall of this area is the hour long drive with a trailer down the wash board road," warns a camper at Whitehorse Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Recreational options: Whitehorse Campground at Bucks Lake Recreation Area offers family-friendly activities. "Clean campground, great fishing, and nice trail around lake. Kids love camping here. Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked 2-3x a day," reports a visitor.
Pool access: During hot summer months, pools provide relief from heat. "We stayed one night on our way up the 5. Nice tent site along the river, not too much interstate noise. Pool was refreshing in 95 degree heat," notes a camper at Red Bluff KOA Journey.
Wildlife viewing: Campgrounds often feature wildlife viewing opportunities. One camper at Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA mentions, "We were parked near a lovely large pond/lake that had geese and dozens of pretty colored dragonflies flying about."
Tips from RVers
Check dump station hours: Dump stations may have restricted hours regardless of site type. Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot limits dump station access to specific times despite offering full hookups: "Dump station: $10- only from 9am- 5 pm, although each site has sewer hookups."
Site spacing varies: Some RV parks have more spacious sites than others. A camper at Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA observes, "Sites are kind of close but standard for RV park. No WiFi and we had no Cell service either."
Off-season options: While many RV parks close for winter, some remain open year-round. "This is a nice KOA with larger sites than some KOAs. It is super well-maintained with nice amenities including pool, small dog area, basketball court, horseshoe area, club house," notes a visitor to Red Bluff KOA Journey.
