Campsites near Round Mountain, California sit in a region with significant elevation changes, ranging from 1,000 to over 6,000 feet. The area experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, while winter brings substantial snowfall at higher elevations, restricting access to many camping areas. Off-season camping at lakeside spots like Beehive Point offers solitude but requires self-sufficiency due to reduced amenities.
What to do
Fishing access points: The Madesi Campground provides direct Pit River access with an ADA fishing platform. "A great little twisty road from 299 to Big Bend put a smile on my face. Heading southeast from the town, a bit of pavement & a bit of gravel, I found this PG&E camp right on the Pit River. Complete with a beautiful, clean vault toilet and ADA fishing platform," notes Greg B.
Swimming spots: At Hirz Bay Campground, visitors can access water despite the sometimes challenging terrain. "Despite the 100 degree temps in August, there is a trail down to the lake and we were able to swim to cool off. The campground was basically empty. Our site was a good size and we had shade," shares Julie D. The trail takes approximately 10 minutes but involves steep sections.
Watersports equipment rentals: Boat and kayak rentals are available at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park for accessing Lake Britton during summer months. Water activities are restricted at some locations, as Ann N. explains about Manzanita Lake: "UNFORTUNATELY the lake allows no water Recreation due to a over population of beavers; Beavers are apparently dangerous."
What campers like
Off-season solitude: Beehive Point Shoreline Campground offers remarkable seclusion during off-season periods. "We stayed here for 4 nights mid week in early May and mostly had the whole place to ourselves. There were a few day use visitors, and 2 neighbors who stayed one night each. Overall a very quiet and peaceful place," reports Laura M. The campground operates without fees or services during off-season months.
Cabin accommodations: Manzanita Lake Campground offers cabin options for those seeking more shelter. Sergio T. shares, "I stayed at the state park in a cabin for 2 nights...me an my wife had a nice too good amount of trails...only few of them were closed due to a storm an fires...the falls are not even far to get too maybe 5 minute walk...worth it."
Spacious shoreline sites: Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground sites provide ample space between neighbors when water levels are high. "I really love this small campground, especially this year when the lake is full. There's only 10-12 sites, bathrooms are clean. very quiet," notes Kay C.
What you should know
Wildlife encounters: Bear activity occurs at several campgrounds in the area. At Ellery Creek, one visitor warns, "Dog friendly campground (on leash) - there were multiple sittings of rattlesnakes so I kept a close eye on my pup." Jojo B. reported a significant bear encounter at Hirz Bay: "Around 4am a black bear (maybe 500lbs?) came through our site and pulled on the bear box and kept it moving to check neighboring sites."
Water level variations: Lake-adjacent campgrounds experience dramatic differences in water accessibility based on season and drought conditions. "The water is really, really low at this time. It is possible to climb down to the water, and there is a boat ramp a bit further up, so there were boats in the water when we were here," Laura M. reports about Beehive Point in May.
Remote access challenges: Some sites require significant off-road travel. At Madrone Campground, Genesis C. warns: "Be prepared to drive a hour off road. Such a neat tucked away campground, but it is a little over an hour of windy dirt Road lots of drop off on the edges but beautiful views of Reddings humongous trees."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly facilities: Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA offers numerous child-oriented amenities. "I loved this campground! Would go back in a heartbeat. This was the first KOA I've ever stayed in, and I was worried it would be too cheesy/boring, but it was totally fun. Lots of clean bathrooms, warm swimming pool, lots to do including a whole forested area with swings, a fort, etc., games, ping pong," reports Corinna B.
Educational opportunities: Junior Ranger programs at Lassen Volcanic National Park provide structured activities for children. "The museum has a Junior Ranger program which is a book of neat educational tasks for the kids to complete so that they can show it to a ranger and get a Junior Ranger Badge," explains Jillean G.
Multi-generational group sites: Hirz Bay Campground offers expansive sites suitable for extended family gatherings. "We came here for our summer camp trip from LA. There was 14 of us and one site was fine because they were so big. It took us 11 hours to drive there and even the little kids thought it was worth the drive," shares Lisa L.
Tips from RVers
Campground navigation: Mountain Gate RV Park offers level sites for easier RV setup. "Well maintained and clean park. Actually has grass, not all gravel. Sites level. Nice pool and laundry room," notes Noel L., though mentioning prices were somewhat high.
Elevation considerations: RVs require proper leveling at higher-elevation campgrounds. Kim G. advises at Manzanita Lake: "Be ready to level your camper. We enjoyed staying at Manzanita Campground when we made a last minute change of plans to have cooler weather. The elevation makes a big difference!"
Off-season access: Many RV sites have restricted operational seasons. Lee D. shares about McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park: "We stayed in the Rim Camp; on a Monday the week before Memorial Day, we had our pick of sites as the park was nearly empty but the website warns that on weekends and during the summer, this park does fill up."
