Hat Creek in California offers a mix of developed campgrounds, RV parks, and dispersed camping options throughout the Lassen National Forest area. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground, Hat Creek Dispersed, and Hat Creek Resort & RV Park provide accommodations ranging from tent sites to cabins, yurts, and RV hookups. The campgrounds generally follow the Hat Creek waterway, with many sites positioned along the creek for easy fishing access. Cave Campground and Hat Creek Campground maintain traditional Forest Service amenities, while private facilities like Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park offer more services including grass tent sites, showers, and water hookups.
Most campgrounds in the Hat Creek region operate seasonally from April through October, closing during winter months due to weather conditions. Fishing access drives much of the camping activity, with numerous sites positioned along creeks. "I've been going to this spot for 30 years and it's great, clean, peaceful, and great fishing," noted one visitor about Hat Creek Dispersed camping. While some campgrounds require reservations, particularly on weekends and holidays, others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Vault toilets are common at most public sites, with flush toilets available at select locations. The region experiences significant temperature fluctuations between day and night, and summer afternoons can become quite warm, though creekside sites often provide natural cooling.
The Hat Creek area attracts anglers who appreciate the easy access to trout fishing. Several campgrounds feature sites directly on the creek banks, providing ambient sounds that enhance the camping experience. As one camper described, "We listened to the sounds of the creek all night long." Nearby attractions include Subway Cave, a lava tube formation accessible across from Cave Campground, and Lassen Volcanic National Park approximately 30 minutes away. The region offers varied terrain from meadows to pine forests, with campsites ranging from secluded creek-side spots to more open, social camping areas. While road noise can be noticeable at campgrounds near Highway 44/89, sites farther from main roads provide quieter experiences. Most campgrounds in the area maintain clean facilities, with reviewers frequently noting the well-maintained nature of both developed and dispersed sites.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$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."
"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."
"This place is on hwy 44 near the Hat Creek region of Lassen. I like this place because you avoid the tourist type campers you will find in the Lassen National Park"
$16 - $80 / night
"There are several places to camp along Hat Creek. This and Cave Campground are my favorites. "
"Great spot in Hat Creek!"
"Nice Campground right on the hat Creek! Full hookups Laundry Wifi available for purchase Close to Lassen Volcanic NP"
"Easy to get in and out of the camp site large camp sites, the hat Creek runs right through the camp ground and we caught trout all morning. Wonderful place convenience store was great too!👍👍"
"Their little section of Hat Creek is beautiful. I didn't catch a thing but at least I wasn't working! I haven't covered it all but you get the idea!"
"Our parking spot is big enough for our travel trailer, right next to the creek. Clean, quiet, safe. No traffic. But No cell service."
"Right next to the creek and big spots! Our motorhome drove down here just fine. Caught a bunch of trout in the creek and had an absolute blast. Quiet and safe and lots of shade."
"Take creek trail. Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground. 1 bar lte AT&T."
"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!"
"Pleasant campground with a beautiful creek along the roadside . We have chosen a site close enough to the creek so that we can hear it."
ScoutNice RV sites with electric sewer and water. Grounds had nice trees and grass. Manager Jason was helpful and accommodating. We must have been very early in the season because we were the only ones there. Would have liked to have a picnic table.
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.
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 $4 a day for WiFi
ScoutIm so sad n low key mad they sold the property and terminated the manager!! Why terminated the manager?? Can't she just continue what shes doin with the new owners ? Idk but im mad n sad my escape place is go to when the world is becoming to much to handle, GONE!
Mad and sad my favorite manager of this place wont be here??!! I bring my family here every yr for the last 3 or 4 yrs.for a family n Everytime we had the best time. We love rashell, the terminated manger. She made my fsmily feel so welcomed and we can get super loud just having fun, ahe never complained actually seemed like she loved watching all the families coming n going. So today is my last trip to this place I wont stay somewhere where the best manager of a campground got terminated and sold property ugh gotta find a new place for my huge family reunion!!
ScoutSuper easy and simple to get to. Its not super secluded and your by the highway but its a nice little spot with a view of the lake.
TravelerIt’s under maintenance right now, so the water isn’t working, you can also hear the freeway from the campsites, but other than that, it was very peaceful and quiet. 25$ a night and self register.
Hat Creek camping options offer creek-side sites amid pine forests, with many functioning seasonally from April through October. Summer temperatures can reach 90°F during the day and drop to 55°F at night, creating significant daily temperature variations. Creek-side campsites provide natural cooling from afternoon heat, while sites farther from highways offer more serene camping experiences.
Hike the Cinder Cone Trail: The Cinder Cone near Butte Lake Campground offers panoramic views after a challenging climb. "The Cinder Cone hike along the old lava flow behind the campsite is spectacular! Don't let the climb up the cinder cone dissuade you; the panoramic view from the top is well worth it! We did it with two 6 year olds," shares one visitor.
Explore Subway Cave: This lava tube formation is accessible directly across from Cave Campground. A camper noted, "Cross the road and you will find a Lava Cave to explore. Down the road is historic Burney Falls." The cave provides a cool geological experience and makes for an easy side trip from camping.
Paddle on Butte Lake: The lake offers non-motorized boating with rental options during summer months. "The lake is close to the campground, quiet and peaceful. No motor boats. You must wear a life preserver if you put your boat in the water," explains a camper from Butte Lake Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Hat Creek is known for excellent trout fishing from various access points. At Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground, "My daughter caught her first fish(s) here in the pond. Store is well provisioned and grounds are very well maintained," one visitor shared.
Unique camping surfaces: Some campsites offer grass tent sites rather than typical dirt pads. "We absolutely loved our 3 days here tent camping in a grass covered site... once you have camped in the grass nothing else compares! Barefoot and clean!" writes a camper about Hat Creek Hereford Ranch.
Creek sounds at night: The sound of flowing water enhances sleep quality at creek-side sites. A Hat Creek Resort & RV Park visitor mentioned, "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."
Vault toilets are common: Most dispersed and some established campgrounds have vault toilets rather than flush facilities. A visitor at Hat Creek Dispersed noted, "Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground," but many areas require self-sufficiency.
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Check current fire regulations before planning your trip. Some areas prohibit fires during dry periods. "Fires allowed" status can change based on conditions.
Wildlife awareness required: Bear activity requires proper food storage. Some campgrounds provide bear boxes, while others require campers to bring containment systems. At McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, visitors reported seeing wildlife regularly, requiring appropriate food storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best campgrounds at Hat Creek, CA?
Cave Campground is consistently rated as a favorite along Hat Creek, offering direct creek access ideal for fishing enthusiasts. It features the added bonus of a nearby lava cave to explore and proximity to historic Burney Falls. For a quieter experience, Hat Creek campground offers well-spaced sites under tall trees with multiple loops progressively distanced from Highway 89, ensuring peaceful stays. Other excellent options include Cassel Campground for a clean, quiet experience, and Hat Creek Resort & RV Park for those seeking more amenities with the convenience of a store on-site.
How close is dispersed camping to Hat Creek fishing spots?
Twin Bridges Campground offers designated dispersed camping with many sites directly on the creek front, providing immediate access to Hat Creek's famous fly fishing spots. These shaded sites under large trees are first-come, first-served with no facilities. For more options, Hat Creek Dispersed areas provide free camping with some sites featuring toilets and water access, making them convenient for anglers wanting easy fishing access. Most dispersed sites along Hat Creek are within walking distance of prime fishing spots, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak fishing seasons as the most desirable creek-side locations fill quickly.
What amenities are available at Hat Creek campgrounds?
Amenities vary widely across Hat Creek's campgrounds. Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground offers grassy tent sites and full RV hookups for those seeking more comfort. For a middle ground, Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA provides a convenient store, restaurant (open weekends), and beautiful grounds with central access to attractions. Public campgrounds like Bridge and Honn Creek typically offer basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers, with most featuring vault toilets. Most sites have shade from tall trees, though amenities decrease at dispersed camping locations where you might find only minimal facilities like vault toilets or no facilities at all.
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