Hat Creek sits in the middle of the Hat Creek Recreation Area's volcanic playground, one of six campgrounds scattered through this corner of Lassen National Forest. The group sites here accommodate up to 50 people each, making it the go-to for larger gatherings who want easy access to Hat Creek's trophy trout fishing and the area's lava tube caves.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $16
- 🏔️Elevation
- 4,390 ft
- 📍GPS
- 40.66778, -121.44556
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 530-336-5521
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Hat Creek spreads across a mixed conifer forest at 4,390 feet, where pine needles and volcanic rocks carpet the ground between widely spaced sites. The campground sits right next to Hat Creek itself — cold water that runs year-round and offers relief during hot summer days. Three group sites handle the big parties, while individual sites operate first-come, first-served for smaller groups.
The amenities cover the basics: flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and drinking water. The RV dump station sits 1.5 miles north behind the Old Station Visitors Center, which means a short drive if you need it.
What to Know
This is primarily a group campground setup, so if you're rolling solo or with a small crew, you're competing for the individual sites on arrival. Spring and fall seasons keep things manageable, but summer brings the fishing crowds and families looking to escape valley heat.
Nearby
Hat Creek's reputation centers on its trout fishing — the cold water produces trophy fish that draw anglers from across the region. But the volcanic landscape offers more than fishing. Walk across the highway to hit the Spatter Cones Nature Trail, a 1.5-mile loop through craters and lava formations left by the Hat Creek Lava Flow.
Subway Cave sits nearby, where a self-guided tour takes you through a lava tube in less than half a mile. Bring a flashlight for the underground section. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses near the Spatter Cones trailhead if you want to log some miles on the big trail.
Old Station is a mile east for basic services, while Lassen Volcanic National Park's northwest entrance is 12 miles west. The park's active fumaroles and mud pots continue reshaping the landscape that started with the lava flows you can explore right from camp.