Camping options near Old Station sit at elevations between 4,500 and 7,000 feet in the shadow of Lassen Volcanic National Park. This area features pine forests, volcanic landscapes, and numerous water features including lakes, creeks, and waterfalls. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with afternoon thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Fishing at Hat Creek: Hat Creek Resort & RV Park provides access to prime trout fishing spots. "We caught trout all morning. Wonderful place convenience store was great too!" notes Frank P. Fishing is accessible directly from many campsites, making it convenient for anglers of all skill levels.
Explore volcanic features: Located 12 minutes from Summit Lake North Campground, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers numerous volcanic attractions. "The barren summit itself looked like the surface of Mars," describes David K. after hiking Mount Lassen. The park contains all four types of volcanoes found in the world.
Hiking trails: The Pacific Crest Trail passes near several campgrounds. Robert W. from Hat Creek Resort mentions "loved the proximity to the PCT," making it a convenient stopover for section hikers or day-hikers wanting to experience portions of this famous trail.
What campers like
Lake activities: Eagle Lake at Merrill Campground offers water recreation opportunities. "We enjoyed walking the paved Eagle Lake Recreation Trail to both Christie Campground and the marina. Each direction is about a 4 mile out and back," shares Lori T. The lake is aptly named, as many visitors report daily bald eagle sightings.
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the layout at Merrill Campground. James W. notes, "The sites are spread out and offer a lot of privacy." This makes luxury glamping close to Old Station, California more comfortable, as campers don't feel crowded or overlooked.
Clean facilities: Campground cleanliness ranks high on visitor priorities. "Nice, clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!" mentions Kristi D. about her stay at Hat Creek Resort & RV Park. Most developed campgrounds in the region maintain restrooms and shower facilities regularly during peak season.
What you should know
Weather variability: Mountain weather can change rapidly. At Summit Lake North, Kate A. warns about summer conditions: "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!" Bug spray is essential from June through August.
Reservation needs: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak summer months. Burney Falls Resort visitor JL notes it has "great location on the way to many points north along with an excellent morning or evening adventure to the falls," making advance reservations essential during summer weekends.
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves unpaved roads. August M. shares about Silver Bowl Campground: "The road in is dirt and pretty long but my Toyota Camry made it no problem." Call ranger stations for current road conditions after storms.
Tips for camping with families
Shallow swimming areas: For families seeking glamping accommodations near Old Station, California, consider lakes with gentle shorelines. Corinna B. recommends Summit Lake: "Totally awesome lake that's safely swimmable for kiddos that's also available for day-use."
Educational programs: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led activities. Patricia O. mentions Summit Lake has "a small ranger station here, and while I didn't go to any they are supposed to have educational programs at the amphitheater."
Recreation options: Battle Creek Campground provides diverse activities for kids. "There is swimming and fishing within walking distance," explains Jeff B. Many sites have large, open areas where children can play safely within view of camp.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Hat Creek Hereford Ranch offers full hookups for RVs. Chris K. appreciates the grounds: "We absolutely loved our 3 days here tent camping in a grass covered site... Bathrooms and showers were clean and everything worked."
Pull-through access: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. At Hat Creek Resort, Jason D. reports, "Had originally reserved a back in site, but emailed to hopefully get a pull through. Got a quick reply, and all taken care of."
Dump station location: RVers staying at campgrounds without sewer connections should note available facilities. Angela G. advises about Eagle Lake: "Whether you dry camp or partial hook-ups across from Merrill entrance is the RV dump station with full cleaning hoses at a reasonable price."