How much does camping cost at Alder Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Alder Creek Campground are $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Alder Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Alder Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. First-come-first-serve camping model applies.

Can I see photos of campsites at Alder Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Alder Creek Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Alder Creek Campground?

Alder Creek Campground is open Null. 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 Alder Creek Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Alder Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Alder Creek Campground: Campfires allowed only in provided fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Alder Creek Campground have?

Alder Creek Campground has 6 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Alder Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Alder Creek Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Alder Creek Campground?

Alder Creek Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Alder Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Alder Creek Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Alder Creek Campground

4.47

30 reviews

900 E. Hwy 36 Chester, CA 96020

Fishing

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds California Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park Primitive Camping California +1 more

Quick Facts

3,900 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Generally open to fi...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Quick Facts

3,900 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

6 campsites

Season

Generally open to fi...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Elevation by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Alder Creek Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site fee is $10 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites physically occupied by the...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(530) 258-2141Null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

900 E. Hwy 36 Chester, CA 96020

Alder Creek Campground

900 E. Hwy 36 Chester, CA 96020

Nearby places

Chester: 20 miles southwest

Nearby supplies

Null

Weather at Alder Creek Campground

Current alert: "Closed for the season. Unsafe to occupy due to hazardous trees."

Best Time to Camp at Alder Creek Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs between 70–85°F and nights dropping into the 40s–50s°F. This is when Deer Creek's fishing pools warm up and access is easiest. Mosquitoes are active, so bring repellent. The campground operates first-come, first-served through Labor Day, and with only six sites, early arrival matters on weekends.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: open through Labor Day; reliable summer weather and warm creek pools for fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Null. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Generally open to first-come-first-serve camping through Labor Day weekend.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

About Alder Creek Campground

Alder Creek Campground sits along Deer Creek in Lassen National Forest at 3,900 feet elevation, offering six first-come, first-served sites for $10 per night. Open through Labor Day, this small primitive campground attracts anglers and campers seeking a quiet creekside spot on the way to Mount Lassen. With limited space and no potable water, it fills quickly on summer weekends.

Alder Creek Campground is suitable for tent and small group camping. There are 6 designated sites.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable conditions, with daytime highs between 70–85°F and nights dropping into the 40s–50s°F. This is when Deer Creek's fishing pools warm up and access is easiest. Mosquitoes are active, so bring repellent. The campground operates first-come, first-served through Labor Day, and with only six sites, early arrival matters on weekends.

ElevationPerched at 3,900 feet above sea level, Alder Creek Campground sits in the sweet spot of mountain elevation where the air is refreshingly crisp but not too thin, and the climate remains comfortable for most outdoor activities. This moderate altitude provides stunning forest vistas while keeping you below the harsh conditions of higher peaks, making it accessible for campers of all experience levels.

Weather data by Open-Meteo.com, licensed under CC BY 4.0, processed by Outdoorithm.

Natural Features and SceneryDeer Creek runs directly alongside the campground, carving through a volcanic landscape shaped over millennia. The riparian corridor supports diverse ecosystems, while towering conifers provide shade across the campsites. Pools in the creek offer spots for fishing and cooling off. The surrounding Lassen National Forest shows the effects of fire, water, and volcanic activity that have defined this region of Northern California.

Geological RegionSituated within the majestic expanse of Lassen National Forest, Alder Creek Campground rests in a region shaped by ancient volcanic forces and carved by centuries of flowing water. Deer Creek has sculpted this landscape over millennia, creating a riparian corridor that supports diverse ecosystems and offers campers a front-row seat to the geological wonders of Northern California's volcanic heritage. The surrounding forest showcases the resilient beauty of a landscape that has evolved through fire, water, and time.

Scenic Views"Right next to the water." - User Review

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no indications of hotel-style lodges or other accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Null

Check-out

Null

Stay Limit

Fee must be paid prior to each night.

Guests Allowed Per Site

1vehicle and 8 persons allowed per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutNull

Reservation PlatformsNull

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve camping model applies.

Cancellation PolicyNull

Site SizeThe campground has 6 designated sites with limited space.

Total Campsites6 campsites

Recommended SitesFishing is excellent." - User Review

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Alder Creek Campground

Alder Creek Campground offers fishing opportunities in the adjacent Deer Creek and features scenic views. "Fishing is excellent," according to user reviews. Additional recreational activities include hunting and shooting.

Fishing4.5/5Top 2% in California

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5National Forest, 3,900 ft elevation and small campground imply low light and good skies.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazardous trees mentioned as the reason for being currently closed.

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

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Good to know

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, and timing, compiled by Outdoorithm from public reviews and operator information.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

30 reviews

Recommended

Alder Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users describe Alder Creek Campground as a 'great camping site and fishing hole on the way to Mount Lassen.' The campground is noted for its affordability and excellent fishing.

Review Summaries

Based on 30 reviews

What Campers Love

Fishing opportunities in Deer Creek are highly praised. The campground is described as peaceful and well-maintained. At $10 per night, the price is considered a significant positive.

Based on 30 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific concerns or complaints were raised in user reviews.

Based on 30 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users encourage bringing cash or check to pay for the campsite. They also highlight the importance of preparing for the lack of potable water on-site.

Based on 30 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally until Labor Day weekend. Weather conditions and tree hazards may affect usability during the off-season.

Based on 30 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Fishing is excellent." - Samuel Mcconnell 2. "Just another great camping site and fishing hole on the way to Mount Lassen." - Game Changer

Based on 30 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no reviews that specifically address accessibility features.

Based on 30 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must remain on a leash or confined at all times. There are no specific reviews from pet owners.

Based on 30 reviews

Reviews on Outdoorithm

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Alder Creek Campground

$10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single Site fee is $10 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount to Single Campsites physically occupied by the...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

(530) 258-2141Null

Go if

Anglers who can arrive Friday morning will find excellent trout fishing in Deer Creek's pools at a price that's hard to beat. Bring cash, a water filter or extra jugs, and mosquito repellent for summer evenings.

Skip if

The campground is closed right now due to hazardous trees, contact the Almanor Ranger District at (530) 258-2141 before planning any trip. Even when open, no potable water and only six first-come sites make this a bad bet for weekend drop-ins without a backup plan.

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