Camping opportunities around Round Mountain, California range from established campgrounds to dispersed sites across national forests and parks. The area features several developed facilities including McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground and Manzanita Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park, both offering cabin accommodations alongside traditional tent and RV sites. The surrounding Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Lassen National Forest provide additional camping areas with varying levels of amenities, from primitive sites to those with basic facilities like vault toilets and picnic tables.
Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally due to heavy winter snowfall at higher elevations. Facilities like Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA operate from April through October, while others such as Madrone Campground remain open year-round. Road conditions can deteriorate significantly during and after winter storms, particularly on forest service roads leading to more remote camping areas. Reservations are strongly recommended for developed campgrounds during summer months when visitation peaks. A camper noted that "even though the FS website said it was open, the campground was not yet open for the season on May 26. In big snow years, it may not open until July."
The area's campgrounds provide access to numerous outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, and water recreation. Lakefront camping is available at several locations including Silver Lake and Trinity Lake, where visitors can enjoy boating and swimming during summer months. Proximity to natural features like Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park's geothermal areas enhances the camping experience. Campers frequently mention the region's scenic beauty and relative tranquility as highlights. According to one visitor, "This is one of my favorite campsites in California. There are the falls, which are beautiful, the lake for swimming and water sports and lots of hiking trails." Sites at higher elevations offer cooler temperatures during hot summer months, while those near water bodies tend to fill quickly during peak season.
$35 - $70 / night
"This is one of my favorite campsites in California. There all the falls, which are beautiful, the lake for swimming and water sports and lots of hiking trails."
"Lake to swim and boat in, waterfall short walk, General store with everything you can imagine and firewood, close by a town where you can eat out."
$26 / night
"We took an eight-day tour through Northern California and this was our first leg. Tent-camped three nights."
"California Hidden gems."
"It's close to the dog park if you have a dog. The bathroom/shower is 3 sites down. Very clean.
Also close to the walking trail, basketball/volleyball courts& a neat tree swing."
"Close to the entrance to Lassen Park. Cons: Some tent sites were better than others. My favorite tent sites were T6. T7, T8 and especially T13."
"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 be prepared to go potty either in the"
"There are fire pits, toilets and a running stream close to most of the camp sites. Visited in April so Potem falls which is on your way to Madrone was running and very nice."
$30 - $60 / night
"The campground is about 30 mins from the highway, in beautiful forest and has easy access to the water. Campground was quiet, clean and empty when we were there."
"It took us 11 hours to drive there and even the little kids thought it was worth the drive. We had so much fun walking down to the lake fishing, swimming and playing with the dogs."
"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."
"Beehive point offers camping right on the waters of Shasta Lake and has absolutely amazing views. We have been up there a few times and it has rarely been busy."
"We stayed here a few years ago and the water was so low that we literally could not reach it, even after a long walk down, it just became too rocky."
$30 / night
"Really nice campground with access to the water. I was there in mid July so it was very hot, but there is enough shade that the camp site stayed fairly cool."
"Beautiful views from our campsite and easy access to water. It was super peaceful!"
"First day out on the Tiger for a lap of Idaho & Montana and I see there might be a hot spring near the town of Big Bend. A great little twisty road from 299 to Big Bend put a smile on my face. "
"Close to the mountain for skiing. Close to the lake for skiing. Nancy the manager was extremely helpful! We found this to have an old fashioned touch. Garbage facilities close by!"
"Only downside was the highway noise."
ScoutFantastic view, great weather this time of year. Unfortunately, since it’s public, you may encounter families with children crying constantly, if you go, just be aware that you might need to move.
TravelerJust a pull out off the road. Cliff to the right and Shasta at the front. Although there a trees the view is still lovely. Fire ring present but only use once check burn danger of course.
TravelerThe road to get here is quite an adventure the same year. There’s quite a bit of snow left between patches of dirt, which made the going a little more adventurous. Ultimately, we were not able to get past the snow, but the view is going up to the campsite are spectacular there for I’m giving it to five stars. It was a risk to come this time of year knowing that snow could still be present, will definitely come back.
ScoutPersonally link this is a fa favourite campground. Right on Haycreek, very little traffic runs through at night, and we've always had good neighs in the campground. At the time we were there it was $10 a night.
Note that it is not free and it is closed over winter
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lassen/recreation/bridge-campground
ScoutThis campground is not free, and closed over the winter (see https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/lassen/recreation/cave-campground)
Its a great spot by hat creek and across the the very fun Lava cave.
ScoutWe car camped here and it was a beautiful area but it is right underneath a train bridge over the water which did wake up up a few times but was not too loud just be aware. We were here in March so the gates were closed but there were a few others sleeping in their car in the lot outside of the gate. Beautiful area, safe camping spot
ScoutNice layout and beautiful trees. The older lady that checked us in was not trained to use computer or credit card machine. Very slow process. They also charge $4 a day for WiFi
ScoutThis campground was so nice! So peaceful! It was clean, pet/family friendly, the water was amazing.
TravelerEasy to get in and navigate, peaceful night. Recommended reservations to get a spot
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.
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."
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.
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."
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Round Mountain, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Round Mountain, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 251 campgrounds and RV parks near Round Mountain, CA and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Round Mountain, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Round Mountain, CA is McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 42 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Round Mountain, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Round Mountain, CA.
What parks are near Round Mountain, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Round Mountain, CA that allow camping, notably Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
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