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Camping near Old Station, CA
191 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping sites near Old Station, California range from developed campgrounds to RV parks with full amenities. Butte Lake Campground sits inside Lassen Volcanic National Park where campers can set up near interesting volcanic features. Each site comes with picnic tables and fire rings, which works well for families. Hat Creek Resort & RV Park lies just three miles from Old Station and handles both tents and RVs with full hookups. Wildlife like deer and many birds live throughout the Old Station area, so keeping food stored properly matters for all campers. Most camping spots can be reached on regular roads, though some spots might need vehicles with higher clearance, particularly in winter when snow piles up. You won't need permits for most camping around Old Station, but always check current fire rules, especially when things dry out in summer. Many campers find spring and fall best for visiting when the weather stays mild and the landscape looks good. Summer heat can make tent camping tough without trees for shade. Winter camping works if you bring the right gear for cold nights. Remember that Lassen National Park limits stays to 14 days. Old Station has something that fits whether you're planning a quick weekend or staying longer.
Best Campgrounds near Old Station (191)
1. Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park
"We took an eight-day tour through Northern California and this was our first leg. Tent-camped three nights."
"Regular flush toilets still in use for season versus adjacent pit toilets. Used blocks to level RV. Many sites close to level. Store with showers and laundry within 1/4 mile easy walk."
from $15 / night
Check Availability2. Big Pine Dispersed Camping
"Water, dump, and trash are available at Old Station Visitor Information Center just north (RV sewer dump closes mid October)"
"The only reasons for 4 instead of 5 stars is: noise from logging along nearby 44 and weekend OHV noise. But what a gorgeous spot with creek access and camp spots well distant from one another."
3. Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park
"It's right by Cinder Cone (amazing views up top), Butte Lake and many nice hiking destinations. Bear boxes (yes, you need to use them), toilets, running water (though you need to check late season)."
"Located off a well maintained gravel road near beautiful Butte Lake. We had no problem towing our trailer to this location and neither did our friends whose trailer is 30+ ft."
from $37 / night
Check Availability4. Hat Creek Resort & RV Park
"Fishing in camp and nearby. Friendly staff. Had originally reserved a back in site, but emailed to hopefully get a pull through. Got a quick reply, and all taken care of."
"Nice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!"
5. Hat Creek
"The road is dirt, but well graded and runs parallel with the creek with 5 different loops coming off of it. so the further you head back, the further you are away from Hwy 89."
"You have direct access to Hat Creek, which is a great palce so sit beside, and to fish if you have a mind to. Nice sites under tall trees. Can be very hot in the summer so check your weather. "
from $16 - $80 / night
Check Availability6. Butte Creek Campground
"Free site; vault toilets and some fire pits/ picnic tables; quiet, simple, close to hike extinct volcano and lake. Really perfect"
"Off the beaten path and limited cell reception. Clean natural sites and vault toilets. Basic!"
7. Cave Campground
"Located along the banks of Hat Creek this is a place for those who like to fish. Cross the road and you will find a Lava Cave to explore. Down the road is historic Burney Falls."
"Found the camp and sites easily right off the highway across from the Subway Cave. Visited for the night with my oldest son’s Boy Scout troop, troop 16."
8. Hat Creek Dispersed
"This spot is close to the road, but the drive does run parallel. I have a 4x4 Tacoma and I found it a little difficult initially to navigate past the first hill."
"Take creek trail. Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground. 1 bar lte AT&T."
9. Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park
"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."
from $24 / night
Check Availability10. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
"Being right off the main road and so close to Lassen, this spot almost felt too good to be true."
"About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on."
Drive Time
- 59 min from Redding, CA
- 2 hrs 10 min from Reno, NV
- 2 hrs 42 min from Yuba City, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Old Station, CA
155 Photos of 191 Old Station Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Hat Creek Dispersed
Cave Campground
Hat Creek
Hat Creek Resort & RV Park
Big Pine Campground
Big Pine Dispersed CampingS
Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOAS
Butte Creek CampgroundM
Lost Creek Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park
Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground
Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park
Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park
Recent Reviews near Old Station, CA
594 Reviews of 191 Old Station Campgrounds
Paula P.
GuideThe Village at Highlands Ranch
This place is glamping at its best! Ample sites, close to the NP, laundry, two restaurants on site, gift shop, etc
- EEmily M.Scout
Hat Creek Resort & RV Park
It’s pretty empty this time of year. Was informed it will close for the season next week. Camp sites are oddly marked. Lots of trees to navigate around. But spacious. Tent and RV Camp spots as well as cabins. Internet is the fastest I’ve seen at a park 40mb download. There is road noise at night so pick a spot in the back. Showers and bathrooms are very clean.
- RRWB
TravelerLassen NF Forest Rte 32N17
Nice and mellow spot…
Couple of fellow travelers here.. Couple little nooks you can drive off the main road.
- JJacqueline S.Traveler
The Village at Highlands Ranch
Friendly and clean
I used this RV park while roadtripping in a van. The people were friendly and the bathroom was super clean. I would stay here for tent camping too.
Josiah D.GuideSouthwest Walk-in Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park
Good value
For car camping in the parking lot it's only $10 a night. You get flush toilets, running water, and free wifi from the visitor center. Only thing missing is a shower. The views are also great. Meets the necessities.
- Josiah D.Guide
Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins — Lassen Volcanic National Park
Cozy but no electric
Generally if I'm getting a cabin and paying extra for it I would like it to have electric. They did have propane heat though which is nice. That aside, the location is great. $5 for shower access for the duration. Close walk to the lake. Lots of wildlife.
- Josiah D.Guide
Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA
Well maintained, clean campground
The staff were very friendly. Convenient for car camping. The showers are very nice and big.
Whitney R.GuideRemi's Trail 32N17 Dispersed
Perfect for a quick night right outside of Lassen
I missed a couple of other spots just outside of Lassen as they had already been taken for the night. Also because of the dangerous fire season we were having a lot of the other dispersed areas were closed to public. So I was scoping out the area and finally found this spot. When you turn on the road theres a big multiple camping site area on your left. There were plenty of people there and made me feel more comfortable grabbing my own spot but further up the hill. The highway was loud and few drivers coming in and out of the road. As a solo car camper- this actually makes me feel as ease. Hahaa So I set up and enjoyed the sunset, stars and nestled in for the evening. Lassen National Park is about a 5 minute drive and I HAVE to mention- when you turn to go to Lassen there is on the left public restrooms- and the best Ive ever encountered. 😀
Guide to Old Station
Camping near Old Station, California centers around volcanic landscapes at 4,500 feet elevation with pine forests providing natural shade. The region sits near the junction of Highways 44 and 89, making it accessible for travelers from multiple directions while serving as a gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park's unique geological features. Most camping options stand between 4,000-7,000 feet elevation, creating cooler temperatures than surrounding valleys.
What to do
Explore lava tubes: 5 miles from camp. The Subway Cave provides a natural underground attraction right across from the campground. "Cross the road and you will find a Lava Cave to explore. Down the road is historic Burney Falls. This campground is my favorite along Hat Creek," notes MarinMaverick, who appreciates the geological formations.
Hike volcanic features: 8-mile round trip. Butte Lake Campground serves as a starting point for the challenging Cinder Cone hike. "It's right by Cinder Cone (amazing views up top), Butte Lake and many nice hiking destinations," explains Patricia O., who recommends proper planning for this remote location.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple access points. Trophy trout attract anglers to Hat Creek's cold waters. "I like this place because you avoid the tourist type campers you will find in the Lassen National Park," says Ann N. about the more secluded fishing spots near Old Station.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Multiple sites available. Big Pine Dispersed Camping offers free sites along running water. "Our parking spot is big enough for our travel trailer, right next to the creek. Clean, quiet, safe. No traffic. But No cell service," reports Whitney B., highlighting the balance of convenience and remoteness.
Spacious sites: 30+ feet between neighbors. Summit Lake North provides well-spaced camping spots with mountain views. "The are two loops and about 40 sites... We stayed at A5 for 2 nights in the north CG. Not the best site, but the place was full by night fall," shares MARY K., noting the campground's central location for park exploration.
Free camping options: No reservation needed. Butte Creek Campground offers cost-free sites for budget travelers. "Free site; vault toilets and some fire pits/ picnic tables; quiet, simple, close to hike extinct volcano and lake. Really perfect," says Nina M., appreciating the basic amenities without fees.
What you should know
Remote locations: Limited cell service. Most camping areas around Old Station have spotty or nonexistent phone reception. "No service, not great for starlink but you won't need it because of the peace and beauty," Nicole L. notes about Big Pine Dispersed Camping.
Road conditions: Gravel access to remote sites. Several campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. "It's a gravel road. Not too dusty or bumpy. Maybe that is why it wasn't so populated," explains Bill T. about Butte Lake Campground's six-mile access road.
Limited facilities: Plan accordingly. Many dispersed sites lack running water or restrooms. "There is no cell service, no dump site, nor any grey water dump pits. The latrines are very nice with running water and toilets," notes Bill T., highlighting the need for self-sufficiency.
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities: Kid-friendly swimming. Manzanita Lake Campground offers safe water recreation for children. "We spent two nights here in the texts only loop and loved the quiet! Beautiful sunrises behind the peak, full facilities including a store, and all the park has to offer!" reports Tess S., who found it ideal for family camping.
Educational opportunities: Junior Ranger program. Children can participate in educational activities through the park service. "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., describing the learning opportunities.
Bear safety: Food storage required. All campsites in the area require proper food storage due to wildlife. "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," warns Celina M., emphasizing the importance of following wildlife protocols.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Limited but available. Hat Creek Resort & RV Park offers full service sites for those requiring utilities. "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 Jason D., who appreciated the well-designed RV accommodations.
Parking considerations: Site angles matter. Many of the best places to camp near Old Station, California have uneven parking pads. "Many of the parking pads are at extreme angles, and would NOT be usable for folks with a roof-top tent, such as myself," cautions Jason G., warning about the challenges for certain setups.
Size limitations: Length restrictions. Not all campgrounds accommodate larger RVs. "I had a 21' travel trailer and wouldn't want anything bigger. Tight driving around all the trees," advises Eric G., explaining the practical limitations for larger vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time of year to camp at Old Station, CA?
When is the best time of year to camp at Old Station, CA?
The best time to camp at Old Station is late spring through early fall (May to October), when weather conditions are most favorable. Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park typically operates from June through early October, with peak season in July and August offering warm days and cool nights. Late season camping should be approached with caution as facilities like the RV sewer dump at the Old Station Visitor Information Center close by mid-October. Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park is generally quiet even during summer peak times, making it a good option throughout the season.
What amenities are available at Old Station campground?
What amenities are available at Old Station campground?
Campgrounds near Old Station offer varying amenities to suit different camping styles. Cave Campground provides standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage facilities, and is situated along Hat Creek making it ideal for fishing enthusiasts. For those seeking services, the Old Station Visitor Information Center offers water, a dump station (closes mid-October), and trash disposal. Big Pine Dispersed Camping provides more primitive options along the creek with access to the visitor center's facilities. Nearby campgrounds in Lassen Volcanic National Park feature bear boxes, toilets, and running water, though availability may be limited in late season.
Where is Old Station campground located in California?
Where is Old Station campground located in California?
Old Station is located in northeastern California along Highway 44/89, near the northwest entrance of Lassen Volcanic National Park. This area serves as a gateway to various camping opportunities, including Hat Creek Resort & RV Park which is situated in Old Station proper. The region is approximately 14 miles northwest of Lassen Volcanic National Park's Manzanita Lake entrance and about 52 miles east of Redding. Old Station sits at the intersection of three scenic byways and serves as an important stop for Pacific Crest Trail hikers, with the Old Station Visitor Information Center providing resources for travelers.
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