Cave Campground
4.4545 reviews1/4 mile north of Highway 44/89 junction, Old Station, CA
Cave Campground
$10.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$16.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard fee is $16 per night, with additional vehicles costing $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsites physically occupied by the pass holder. Winter fee is reduced to $10 per night. Payment accepted via cash or check.
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About this campground
Discover Cave Campground, where the gentle murmur of Hat Creek mingles with the whisper of pine boughs overhead. Tucked within the verdant embrace of Lassen National Forest, this 45-site haven sits directly across from the mysterious Subway Cave, offering adventurers a perfect basecamp for exploration. Each thoughtfully designed campsite comes equipped with fire rings for evening gatherings, grills for outdoor cooking, picnic tables for al fresco dining, and easy access to potable water and vault toilets. Whether you're casting a line into Hat Creek's crystal waters or setting off on scenic trails that wind through ancient volcanic landscapes, Cave Campground serves as your gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences.
Cave Campground accommodates various camping styles with its 45 sites, which include options for tent camping and combined-use sites for different camping setups. No RV-specific or group sites are designated.
Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape shaped by fire and time, where ancient volcanic forces have left their dramatic signature across the land. Just steps from your campsite lies Subway Cave, a fascinating lava tube that tells the story of molten rivers that once flowed beneath the earth's surface. This natural wonder serves as a portal to the past, while nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park continues the narrative of our planet's fiery creation. Here, geological history isn't confined to textbooks – it surrounds you in every weathered rock formation and volcanic feature that dots the landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dynamic personality of the mountains as seasons paint the landscape in ever-changing hues. Winter transforms the campground into a pristine wonderland, where snow may dust the pines and create a magical atmosphere for those seeking solitude. As spring awakens the forest, be prepared for nature's moody transitions – sunshine can quickly give way to dramatic weather changes that add excitement to your adventure. Summer brings warm, golden days perfect for creek-side relaxation and starlit evenings around the campfire, making each season a unique chapter in your camping story.
ElevationPerched at 4,390 feet above sea level, Cave Campground offers the perfect mountain escape where crisp, pine-scented air invigorates your senses. This elevation brings refreshingly cool temperatures that provide relief from summer heat, while winter visitors should come prepared for the mountain's frosty embrace and potential snow that transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. The altitude creates an ideal climate for those seeking respite from valley heat without venturing into extreme alpine conditions.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering pines and aromatic cedars create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Ancient volcanic rocks, weathered and sculpted by time, punctuate the terrain with their rugged beauty, telling silent stories of the earth's tumultuous past. Hat Creek winds through this enchanted setting, its clear waters offering both peaceful contemplation and exciting fishing opportunities. Adventure beckons from every direction – explore the otherworldly Subway Cave lava tube, follow the meandering Hat Creek Trail, or discover the geological wonders along Spattercone Trail, each path revealing new perspectives of this volcanic wonderland.
Geological RegionWelcome to the Hat Creek Recreation Area, a geological treasure trove within Lassen National Forest where the earth's volcanic past meets pristine mountain wilderness. This remarkable region showcases nature's raw power through chunky volcanic rocks that pepper the landscape like ancient sculptures. Dense forests of pine and cedar have reclaimed the land, creating a stunning contrast between living green canopies and the dark, weathered stones below. The crown jewel of the area, Subway Cave, offers visitors a rare opportunity to walk through a perfectly preserved lava tube – a underground tunnel carved by rivers of molten rock thousands of years ago, now serving as a cool, mysterious passage that captures the imagination of all who enter.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible toilets are available.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious, with some users describing them as 'roomy' and 'large private campsites.'
Sites PrivacyPrivacy between campsites ranges from fair to good, with campsites tucked among pine and cedar trees.
Total Campsites45 campsites
Recommended CampsitesFor better privacy and creekside views, sites closer to Hat Creek are ideal. Avoid sites near Highway 89 for reduced noise.
Best CampsitesSites near Hat Creek are preferred for their proximity to water and sound masking highway noise.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
After 3:00 PM
Check-out
Before 2:00 PM
Stay Limit
14-day limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum two vehicles. Exact guest count per site not defined.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of four unnamed loops and connecting spurs. Privacy between campsites ranges from fair to good.
Open and Closed SeasonApril - October. Services provided late April through October 15. Campsites 1-19 and 30 are open year-round without potable water post-October 15.
Reservation PlatformsReservations not accepted. First-come, first-serve policy enforced.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve. High demand during trout fishing season and weekends reported by reviewers.
Cancellation PolicyNo refund policies explicitly mentioned. Campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Cave Campground is an excellent spot for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities such as fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Hat Creek, adjacent to the campground, is well-known for its exceptional fishing opportunities, including rainbow, brown, and brook trout. The campground also provides easy access to nearby hiking trails and the Subway Cave lava tube.
Hiking
Two nearby hiking trails are accessible: the Hat Creek Trail (4 miles) and the Spattercone Trail (2 miles). These trails offer scenic views and are suitable for hikers of varying skill levels.Fishing
Hat Creek is highly praised for fishing, with the creek being stocked 1-2 times per week with trout. Anglers can catch rainbow, brown, and brook trout. Some reviews highlight fishing as a standout feature.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as birds and chipmunks are frequently observed by campers. Visitors have noted that some chipmunks are particularly sociable, even climbing onto people's laps.Winter Activities
Not applicable, as the campground is primarily open during warmer months, with limited services after October 15.Water Sports
No water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours not strictly enforced, as reported by user reviews.
Hazards
General hazardsProximity to Highway 89 introduces noise issues. Wildlife such as chipmunks and birds accustomed to human presence may attempt to enter vehicles or trailers.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.9 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include a waste station with fees at the Old Station Visitor Center, located at State Routes 44/89 junction. No specific information on hospitals or ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril through October, with reduced services after October 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but reviews report that bins can become overfilled quickly, especially when non-campers dispose of their waste there.
Proximity to water featuresHat Creek runs directly through the campground. The creek is stocked regularly with trout for fishing.
Common complaintsNoise from Highway 89 and logging trucks disrupts the tranquil atmosphere. Maintenance issues include overflowing trash bins and inconsistent restroom availability. Theft incidents, including stolen food and equipment, are reported.
HostCamp hosts mentioned as helpful but inconsistently enforcing rules. Reviews highlight mixed experiences with host behavior.
Campground Map
1/4 mile north of Highway 44/89 junction, Old Station, CA
Driving directionsIn Old Station, CA, at the intersection of State Rts. 44 and 89, take Rt. 89 north 0.2 miles to campground on the left.
Accessible from paved State Routes 44 and 89. Some reviewers report noise due to proximity to Highway 89. Seasonal closures noted.Nearby places
Redding: approximately 63 miles (~1 hour 20 minutes drive). Lassen Volcanic National Park: 14 miles (~20 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Old Station provides limited supplies, including a small store, bait shop, and a cafe. Comprehensive supplies may require a trip to larger towns like Redding.
Camper Reviews
4.5
45 reviews
Cave Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Cave Campground highlight its beautiful setting by Hat Creek and proximity to attractions like Subway Cave. Fishing and hiking are frequently praised. However, concerns include noise from the nearby highway, inconsistent enforcement of rules, and maintenance issues such as overflowing trash bins and occasional restroom outages.
Review Summaries
Based on 45 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include the scenic location by Hat Creek, excellent fishing opportunities, clean vault toilets during peak season, and proximity to Subway Cave. Reviewers also appreciate the...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include noise from Highway 89, occasional theft incidents, lack of maintenance (e.g., overflowing trash bins, dirty grills), and inconsistent rule enforcement by camp hosts. Some...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users suggest arriving early, especially during trout season, as the campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Other tips include chaining valuables to prevent theft and using the...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that the campground is busiest during the regular season (April to October), with quieter and colder conditions after October 15. Some visitors recommend mid-week stays to avoid...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'The creek really drowns out any road noise or noise from other campers and makes the whole camping experience super peaceful.'
2. 'Hat Creek offers some of the best fishing on the Lassen National...
Based on 45 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites closest to Hat Creek are recommended for their scenic views and reduced noise from the highway. However, sites near the highway are noted to experience significant noise from passing vehicles.
Based on 45 reviewsAccessibility Features
Restrooms are wheelchair-accessible, though no additional accessibility features were noted in reviews.
Based on 45 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed. Some users noted issues with unleashed pets, including instances of dogs attacking other pets.
Based on 45 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025