Within Lassen National Forest, Hat Creek provides drive-in camping along a dirt access road that runs parallel to the creek. This US Forest Service campground operates from late April through mid-October, with sites accommodating RVs up to 45 feet and nightly rates ranging from $16 to $80.
The campground spreads across five loops extending from the main road, with sites farther back experiencing less highway noise from nearby Route 89. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and food locker, though no hookups are available. Vault toilets serve the campground, and Katelin M. notes they maintain "the cleanest vault toilets I've ever seen." Drinking water stations and dumpsters are distributed throughout the area.
Hat Creek flows directly alongside the campground, offering fishing access and swimming holes. A trail follows the water with multiple fishing spots. Cell service proves spotty, particularly T-Mobile coverage. The campground tends to stay relatively quiet even during busy periods, with spacious sites providing reasonable separation between neighbors.
Generators run from 7 AM to 10 PM, and the forest setting can become quite warm during summer months. For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds around Old Station provide additional options within the national forest system.
Description
Overview
Hat Creek is one of six campgrounds available in the Hat Creek Recreation Area, home to some of the area's best trout fishing. Scenic hiking trails and an active volcanic area can easily be accessed from the facility.
Recreation
Hat Creek is popular for its trophy trout fishing. The cold waters of the creek allow for a refreshing play on hot summer days. Other popular activities in the area include wildlife viewing, hunting, backpacking, hiking and caving. A variety of day hikes are available in the area, including the Spatter Cones Nature Trail, which is located just across the highway from the campground. The 1.5-mile loop trail provides hikers with a unique opportunity to explore craters, cones and crevices, as well as other geologic features left by the Hat Creek Lava Flow. Nearby, visitors can take a self-guided tour of Subway Cave. The trail is less than a half-mile long and explores the underground world of a lava tube. Visitors are encouraged to bring flashlights for hiking through the cave.
Facilities
Hat Creek offers three group campsites that can accommodate up to 50 people each. Individual sites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are accessible flush and vault toilets, utility sinks and drinking water. The RV dump-station is located 1.5 miles north of the campground behind the Old Station Visitors Center.
Natural Features
The campground is situated next to Hat Creek in a mixed conifer forest at an elevation of about 4,390 feet. Pine needles, grasses and volcanic rocks cover the forest floor. Sites are widely spaced for privacy.
Nearby Attractions
The campground is located about a mile west of the town of Old Station, and 12 miles east of the northwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, where active, hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots are continually shaping the landscape. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail can be accessed near the Spatter Cones Nature Trailhead.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundHat Creek is located in California
Directions
From Highways 44 and 89, go through Old Station and continue 1.5 miles west to the campground.
Address
LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST
HAT CREEK RANGER DISTRICT
PO BOX 220
Fall river mills, CA 96028
Coordinates
40.6677778 N
121.4455556 W
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
Connectivity
- T-MobileLTEGood CoverageVerified by 13 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 4/3/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Big Rig Friendly










