Is Pit River Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Pit River Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Pit River Campground?

Pit River Campground is open Open as of May 1, 2025. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Pit River Campground?

Pit River Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Pit River Campground?

Cell phone service at Pit River Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Pit River Campground have?

Pit River Campground has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Pit River Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Pit River Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Pit River Campground?

Pit River Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Pit River Campground?

Popular activities at Pit River Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Pit River Campground

3.72

53 reviews

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

Top 16% in CASummer

Featured in:RV Camping California

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

2,933 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open as of May 1, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

2,933 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

Open as of May 1, 20...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Bureau of Land Management Official Website

Get Directions

Pit River Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Group Site Fee$12.00

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-233-4666BLM_CA_Web_AL@blm.gov

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

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

Weather at Pit River Campground

Best Time to Camp at Pit River Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most dependable weather and the fullest range of river activities — expect comfortable daytime highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F (around 60–70°F) and cool nights in the upper 40s to low 50s°F, ideal for sleeping in tents. Low humidity, clear skies and calm evenings make swimming, boating, fishing, and stargazing exceptional, while the small eight-site campground stays relatively uncrowded compared with larger nearby parks. Services (restrooms, trash removal) are fully available and Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Summer best for river activities: swimming, kayaking and warm clear skies.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Open as of May 1, 2025. Seasonal closures are not mentioned.

About Pit River Campground

Pit River Campground is a BLM-managed site in the Burney foothills with fewer than ten spots for tent and RV camping. The small riverside setting offers vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables alongside access to fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Reviewers praise the quiet atmosphere and helpful camp host, though the lack of potable water and gravel tent pads are noted drawbacks.

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

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most dependable weather and the fullest range of river activities — expect comfortable daytime highs in the low-to-mid 60s°F (around 60–70°F) and cool nights in the upper 40s to low 50s°F, ideal for sleeping in tents. Low humidity, clear skies and calm evenings make swimming, boating, fishing, and stargazing exceptional, while the small eight-site campground stays relatively uncrowded compared with larger nearby parks. Services (restrooms, trash removal) are fully available and Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: December, January, February, March

Elevation2933 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Pit River runs past the campground, its cool water drawing swimmers, kayakers, and anglers. A kayak launch ramp and wheelchair-accessible fishing pier provide river access. Trees shade the sites, filtering sunlight onto the forest floor. The riverside location sits where water-loving vegetation meets upland forest species. Wildlife thrives in this riparian zone. Trails wind through groves of old-growth trees near camp.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging options are limited to camping; no hotel-style accommodations are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information available on cultural or educational programs.

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

Reservation PlatformsNo reservations; 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

The Pit River Campground is a small, frequently visited camping destination adjacent to the Pit River, offering amenities such as eight campsites equipped with tables, metal fire rings, and barbeque pits. The campground provides two wheelchair-accessible restrooms, a kayak launch ramp, an accessible fishing pier, and trash removal services. "The bathrooms are immaculate and by far the cleanest campsite bathrooms I have ever seen," noted one reviewer. However, it is important to bring potable water as none is available on-site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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

Fishing

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided instead.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.7

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

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

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

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