Mineral, California sits at approximately 4,800 feet elevation in Volcanic Country, where summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F and winter brings significant snowfall. Located just 9 miles from Lassen Volcanic National Park's southwest entrance, this small mountain community serves as a base camp for outdoor enthusiasts. Camping options include seasonal RV parks with varying levels of amenities and proximity to natural attractions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Hat Creek Resort & RV Park offers immediate creek access, with one camper noting, "The hat Creek runs right through the camp ground and we caught trout all morning." Many visitors specifically select sites near water for convenient fishing.
Cave exploration: Just a short drive from most RV sites near Mineral, California is the Subway Cave. "The Subway Cave (ya gotta go there)" recommends one camper who visited Hat Creek Resort, highlighting this unique lava tube formation as a must-see attraction during hot summer days.
Day trips to waterfalls: Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA provides a central location between multiple natural attractions. "This is a nice park, centrally located between Burney Falls and Lassen National park," states one reviewer, making it ideal for waterfall enthusiasts planning day trips.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Campers consistently praise sites positioned along waterways. "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 a visitor at Hat Creek Resort.
Pet-friendly policies: Most campgrounds welcome pets with modest fees. At Volcanic Country Camping & RV, pets are allowed for a $2 fee, and the campground offers grassy areas for walking dogs.
Proximity to Lassen: Location remains the primary appeal for campers. "Perfect RV and tent campground just outside of Lassen National Park," notes one reviewer about Volcanic Country Camping, where the 9-mile distance to the park entrance allows for easy day trips.
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most facilities near Mineral operate seasonally. Hat Creek Resort runs from April through October, while some campgrounds like Volcano Country RV Park may have unreliable opening dates, with one camper reporting, "Says it's open online but, it is not."
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the region. One camper at Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA noted, "No WiFi and we had no Cell service either," highlighting the need to prepare for limited communication options.
Shower availability: Bathroom and shower facilities vary between campgrounds. At Volcanic Country Camping, "Bathroom old but works," and there's a community shower system with access codes that change periodically, with one helpful camper sharing "Men's shower code is 9271."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation options: Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground offers family-friendly fishing opportunities in their stocked pond. "My daughter caught her first fish(s) here in the pond," shares one parent, making it ideal for children learning to fish.
Grassy tent sites: For families with young children, some campgrounds offer grass camping areas. "We absolutely loved our 3 days here tent camping in a grass covered site... Barefoot and clean! Amazing," reports one family who appreciated the cleaner camping experience.
Indoor activities: Consider weather contingency plans when camping with children. One visitor to Hat Creek Resort mentioned, "They had a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area," providing entertainment options during inclement weather or downtime.
Tips from RVers
Site spacing: RV sites at most campgrounds near Mineral have variable spacing. At Red Bluff KOA Journey, "Sites are kind of close but standard for RV park," while at other locations like Hat Creek Resort, some waterfront spots offer more room between neighbors.
Winter operations: For RVers traveling outside summer months, options become limited. Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA offers year-round availability, providing a reliable option when other facilities close for winter.
Hookup details: Most RV parks offer water and electric hookups, with some providing full-service sites. At Volcanic Country Camping, "$35 per night plus $2 pet fee" gets you hookup sites with "water and electric connections" arranged among trees for a forest atmosphere, though some reviewers note sites can feel "somewhat close together."
