Pit River Campground

3.86

53 reviews

Bureau of Land Management, Applegate Field Office, 708 West 12th Street, Alturas, CA 96101, USA

StargazingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,933 ft

Price

$8 - $12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open as of May 1, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,933 ft

Price

$8 - $12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open as of May 1, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Bureau of Land Management site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Pit River Campground

$8.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The campground charges $8 per night for individual sites and $12 per night for the group site. Extra vehicles are $2 per night (first two vehicles...

Standard Site Fee$8.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$12.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-233-4666BLM_CA_Web_AL@blm.gov

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What Campers Say

3.86

Mixed Reviews

Based on 53 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanfriendlysites

"The campground is highly regarded for its cleanliness, affordability, and natural beauty. Visitors appreciate the quiet, well-maintained environment and the helpful camp host."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Bureau of Land Management, Applegate Field Office, 708 West 12th Street, Alturas, CA 96101, USA

Pit River Campground

Bureau of Land Management, Applegate Field Office, 708 West 12th Street, Alturas, CA 96101, USA

Driving directionsFrom Redding, California, take Highway 299 East toward Burney, California. After Burney, go 12 miles east until you see the sign 'Pit Power House' road. Follow the signs downhill to the campground.

The campground is accessible from major roads via Highway 299 East, but the final access requires following signs to 'Pit Power House' road and descending downhill to the campground.

Nearby places

Burney, CA (~12 miles, ~20 minutes).

Nearby supplies

The nearest supplies, including groceries and camping gear, are available in Burney, CA (~12 miles). Options include Safeway, Grocery Outlet, and sporting goods stores.

Best Time to Camp at Pit River Campground

Summer nights at Pit River Campground are a stargazer's dream, with crystal-clear skies revealing spectacular celestial displays. During peak season, temperatures hover comfortably around 62°F during the day, cooling to a refreshing 49°F at night—ideal sleeping weather for tent camping. The region enjoys predominantly dry conditions with gentle to moderate breezes that whisper through the canopy. While California's fire season occasionally brings smoky conditions, most summer days offer pristine air quality. Late summer visitors should note that yellow jackets can be more active, though they're easily managed with proper food storage.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Warm water for swimming, clear skies for stargazing; some yellow jacket reports.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Likely quiet and scenic in fall though specific foliage/review details are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring likely pleasant for hikes and wildlife; limited specific spring review data available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

No winter-sport offerings; colder and fewer water activities likely reduce appeal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season is not explicitly mentioned but likely during summer months based on user reviews and weather suitability.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open as of May 1, 2025. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.
Current Alerts: No active alerts were noted.

About Pit River Campground

Nestled along the banks of the pristine Pit River, this intimate eight-site campground offers an authentic wilderness experience without sacrificing essential amenities. Each thoughtfully positioned campsite comes equipped with a sturdy picnic table, fire ring, and barbecue pit, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. The campground features two fully accessible restrooms and maintains a clean, welcoming environment with regular trash removal service. Adventure seekers will appreciate the convenient kayak launch ramp, while anglers can cast their lines from the wheelchair-accessible fishing pier. Though the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach without potable water, visitors find this adds to the authentic outdoor experience—just remember to bring your own supply.

Pit River Campground offers various types of camping accommodations, including tent camping, RV-friendly sites, and a group camping site.

Weather and SeasonsSummer nights at Pit River Campground are a stargazer's dream, with crystal-clear skies revealing spectacular celestial displays. During peak season, temperatures hover comfortably around 62°F during the day, cooling to a refreshing 49°F at night—ideal sleeping weather for tent camping. The region enjoys predominantly dry conditions with gentle to moderate breezes that whisper through the canopy. While California's fire season occasionally brings smoky conditions, most summer days offer pristine air quality. Late summer visitors should note that yellow jackets can be more active, though they're easily managed with proper food storage.

Natural Features and SceneryTowering giants create a living cathedral above Pit River Campground, where ancient trees stretch skyward, their broad canopies filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The Pit River itself serves as the campground's centerpiece—its cool, clear waters inviting swimmers to take a refreshing dip, kayakers to explore hidden coves, and anglers to try their luck at landing dinner. Winding trails beckon hikers to discover groves of old-growth trees, where time seems to slow among these centuries-old sentinels. The interplay of water, forest, and sky creates an ever-changing tableau that photographers and nature enthusiasts find endlessly captivating.

Geological RegionSet within the remarkable Pit River Recreation Area, the campground occupies a unique ecological niche where river corridor meets forest ecosystem. This diverse landscape showcases Northern California's natural splendor, from the meandering river channel carved over millennia to the varied forest communities that thrive in the rich riverside soils. The surrounding terrain offers a masterclass in riparian ecology, where water-loving vegetation transitions to upland forest species, creating multiple habitats that support abundant wildlife and provide endless opportunities for nature observation and outdoor recreation.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 days

Guests Allowed Per Site

Individual sites fit small RVs and up to 1-2 small tents. Group site accommodates up to 8 people.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 8 people and can fit several vehicles or smaller RVs.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground comprises seven individual sites and one group site. Sites are well-shaded and spaced apart, ensuring privacy.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; first-come, first-served.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation system is used; sites are first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityTwo wheelchair-accessible restrooms, an accessible fishing pier, and a kayak launch ramp are present.

Site SizeSites range from 40 to 60 feet in length and 16 to 20 feet in width. Most sites are designed to accommodate up to a 32-foot trailer and one vehicle.

PrivacyThe campsites are described as small but well-spaced, offering shade and some level of privacy.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesSites offer shade and are well-spaced. For tent campers, prepare for gravel ground surfaces.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Campers at Pit River Campground can enjoy a small but rewarding range of activities, including fishing, kayaking, exploring trails, and swimming. The campground is also described as a peaceful spot for nature lovers.

Hiking"Great little trails to wander on and explore really big old trees," one review highlights.

FishingThe accessible fishing pier provides opportunities for anglers. "Great location for the angler," noted another reviewer.

SwimmingA nearby swimming hole with cool, comfortable water is easily accessible. "This is a beautiful place to swim with no hiking required to get to the water," one user explained.

BoatingA kayak launch ramp is available, and the Pit River offers opportunities for kayaking or rafting.

Wildlife viewingThe natural, quiet environment is ideal for observing local wildlife.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo potable water is available, and yellow jackets may be an issue in warmer months. Campers are advised to prepare accordingly.

Active AlertsNo active alerts were noted.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Burney, CA (~12 miles). Specific facilities were not mentioned.

Trash & RecyclingTrash removal services are available, and there are bear-proof garbage cans on-site.

Water FeaturesThe campground is adjacent to the Pit River, with direct access to fishing and a kayak launch ramp.

Camp HostA camp host is on-site. Reviews frequently praise the host's kindness and attentiveness.

Weather at Pit River Campground

Reviews

3.9

53 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Pit River Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is highly regarded for its cleanliness, affordability, and natural beauty. Visitors appreciate the quiet, well-maintained environment and the helpful camp host.

Review Summaries

Based on 53 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and quiet campground - Affordable pricing ($8 per night for individual sites, $12 for group sites) - Beautiful natural surroundings - Very clean vault toilets with hand sanitizers - Camp host...

Based on 53 reviews

Common Concerns

- Campsites are described as small and not very tent-friendly due to pea gravel surfaces. - Lack of potable water on-site. - Some users noted that the campground is 'run-down' and not manicured.

Based on 53 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Bring plenty of water as there is no potable water on-site. - Plan for yellow jackets during the summer. - Use small or medium-sized tents as the sites are on the smaller side. - Be aware that...

Based on 53 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is generally quiet and clean year-round. Summer features clear skies and warm water for swimming, but yellow jackets may pose a challenge during this season.

Based on 53 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "This is a beautiful place to swim with no hiking required to get to the water." - "The bathrooms are immaculate and by far the cleanest campsite bathrooms I have ever seen." - "Great location for...

Based on 53 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- The group site was praised for its spaciousness, with some reviewers noting it fit 6 people, 5 tents, and 4 cars comfortably. - Some individual sites were noted as small but shaded and...

Based on 53 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground features two wheelchair-accessible restrooms, an accessible fishing pier, and a kayak launch ramp, making it accommodating to individuals with disabilities.

Based on 53 reviews