How much does camping cost at Big Pine Campground?

Camping fees at Big Pine Campground range from $12/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Pine Campground before I book?

Yes! Big Pine Campground has 5 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. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Pine Campground?

Big Pine Campground is open April through Labor Day weekend.. 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 Big Pine Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Big Pine Campground?

Fire policies at Big Pine Campground: Campfires are allowed only within designated fire rings.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Big Pine Campground have?

Big Pine Campground has 19 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Big Pine Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Big Pine 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 Big Pine Campground?

Big Pine Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Pine Campground?

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

Big Pine Campground

Q: Is Big Pine Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Pine Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are walk-up only and available on a first-come, first-served basis. No saving or holding sites is permitted.

4.37

35 reviews

1 mile south of Old Station on State Route 44/89

Top 3% in CASummer

Featured in:Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Opening for season o...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,600 ft

Price

$12/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Opening for season o...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Big Pine Campground

$12.00 - $12.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: Single Site: $12 per night Additional Vehicle Fee: $5 per vehicle per night maximum 2 vehicles per site

Standard Site Fee$12.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Big Pine Campground

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Campground Map

1 mile south of Old Station on State Route 44/89

Big Pine Campground

1 mile south of Old Station on State Route 44/89

Nearby places

Old Station (1 mile), Burney (27 miles south)

Nearby supplies

Two stores are within easy driving distance: one around 5-6 miles and another slightly farther. Fuel and other essentials are likely available near Old Station or Burney.

Weather at Big Pine Campground

Current alert: Site listed as temporarily closed in some records.

Best Time to Camp at Big Pine Campground

Summer delivers the best conditions: daytime highs around 70–80°F, cool nights dropping into the 40s–50s. All 19 sites are open, the creek runs warm enough for wading, and fishing is productive. Wildlife appears at dawn and dusk. Weekends and holidays. Especially Fourth of July and Labor Day. Fill up, so reserve ahead. Winter buries the campground in snow.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Summer offers best weather (70–80°F days), all sites open, warm wading and productive fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April through Labor Day weekend.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Opening for season on 4/22/2026. General Information April - October

About Big Pine Campground

Big Pine Campground sits at 4,600 feet in the Hat Creek Recreation Area, offering 19 spacious sites beneath towering pines. The campground runs alongside Hat Creek, where snowmelt from Lassen Peak flows clear and cold. Sites cost $12 per night and accommodate both tents and RVs. Cell service doesn't reach here.

Big Pine Campground is designed for a variety of camping preferences, from basic tent camping to accommodating smaller RVs within the constraints of its paved parking aprons.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the best conditions: daytime highs around 70–80°F, cool nights dropping into the 40s–50s. All 19 sites are open, the creek runs warm enough for wading, and fishing is productive. Wildlife appears at dawn and dusk. Weekends and holidays. Especially Fourth of July and Labor Day. Fill up, so reserve ahead. Winter buries the campground in snow.

ElevationPerched at 4,600 feet in California's northern mountains, Big Pine Campground offers the perfect high-altitude escape. This elevation brings refreshingly cool mornings that invite you to wrap your hands around a steaming cup of coffee, while evenings call for cozy campfires and stargazing under exceptionally clear mountain skies.

Natural Features and SceneryJeffrey pines dominate the canopy, providing shade across the open campground floor. Volcanic rock formations scattered through the area trace back to Lassen Peak's eruptions. Meadow grasses fill gaps between the pines. Hat Creek runs along the campground's edge, carrying pristine snowmelt downstream on its way to the Sacramento River. The landscape feels distinctly volcanic. Black rock, volcanic soil, and the kind of scattered pine spacing that comes from growing in pumice.

Geological RegionExperience camping in the heart of the Hat Creek Recreation Area, where volcanic forces have sculpted an extraordinary landscape over millennia. Here, the legacy of Lassen Peak's volcanic activity surrounds you—from the distinctive rock formations to the pine-dotted terrain softened by meadow grasses. Hat Creek itself serves as a liquid lifeline, carrying pristine snowmelt from Lassen's slopes on its eventual journey to join the mighty Sacramento River, connecting mountain peaks to valley floors in nature's endless cycle.

Scenic ViewsSome campsites are adjacent to Hat Creek, where the sound of flowing water provides a calming background. Views of the forest and volcanic terrain are prevalent.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available at Big Pine Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3:00 PM

Check-out

2:00 PM

Stay Limit

14-day limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum 2 vehicles per site
no guest limit explicitly mentioned.

Groups

No designated group camping sites are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutA single loop with widely spaced sites. The layout is open. Good for privacy through distance, but there's no shrubbery between spots. Big pines provide shade overhead.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only and available on a first-come, first-served basis. No saving or holding sites is permitted.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are not available, hence no cancellation rules apply.

AccessibilityThe campground does not provide wheelchair-friendly toilets or other specific accessibility features.

Site SizeThe sites are described as large and well-spaced, providing ample room for campers.

PrivacyThe campsites are widely separated, offering good privacy despite the lack of shrubbery between them. The area is described as open with lots of shade.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose creekside sites for natural sound and reduced road noise.

Best CampsitesSites near Hat Creek get the most requests. The sound of moving water masks road noise from the highway, and you're steps from fishing access. Reviewers specifically recommend creek-side spots for the auditory tradeoff alone.

Amenities available

Big Pine Campground provides a variety of basic amenities that cater to both tent campers and RV users. Each site includes a fire ring and grill, with 19 picnic tables available, one at each campsite. Potable water is available via two handpump water spigots, and vault toilets are accessible on site. RV users can find a dump station located at the nearby visitor center at the intersection of State Routes 44 and 89, available for a fee. However, the parking aprons are paved, providing convenience for RV users.

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Big Pine Campground offers a range of outdoor recreational activities primarily focused on fishing, hiking, and enjoying the natural surroundings. The campground's proximity to Hat Creek provides opportunities for fishing, and there are nearby trails for hiking.

Hiking

Fishing

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCold mornings and evenings due to Lassen Peak's winds. Wildlife may be present. Road noise is noted by some users but masked by the creek in creekside sites.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Only vault toilets are provided, which users described as 'spotless.'

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.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed only within designated fire rings.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are located in Burney, 27 miles south. Police and medical facilities are in Burney.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and toilet services are available at the campground. However, recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Hat Creek, which offers fishing opportunities and areas for wading.

Camp HostA friendly and hospitable campground host is noted in user reviews.

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.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

35 reviews

Recommended

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

Reviews for Big Pine Campground are overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its cleanliness, spacious sites, and proximity to Hat Creek for fishing. The campground's peaceful environment, shaded sites, and well-maintained vault toilets are frequently praised.

Review Summaries

Based on 35 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the campground's cleanliness, particularly the vault toilets. Spacious and well-separated campsites were also highlighted. Users appreciated the quiet and relaxing atmosphere, the...

Based on 35 reviews

Common Concerns

Some reviews mentioned that the campground lacks shrubbery between sites, making it more open and less secluded. Cell phone service is unavailable, which some users may find inconvenient. Firewood...

Based on 35 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the creek are highly recommended for their tranquil sounds and scenic views. These sites offer the best camping experience, as noted by several reviewers.

Based on 35 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers often recommended sites near the creek for the soothing sound of water. They also suggested bringing sufficient firewood and being prepared to use hand pumps for water. One reviewer noted...

Based on 35 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is open seasonally from April to October, with most reviews mentioning visits during the summer months. June and July are particularly popular, with comments about the perfect weather...

Based on 35 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Beautiful campground near Lassen National Park (but much quieter than camping in the park itself) with very clean facilities and nice big sites.' - Fallon Everitt. 2. 'The bathrooms were pit...

Based on 35 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific mentions of accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 35 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are welcome at the campground but must be kept on a leash in developed recreation sites. No issues or specific highlights regarding pets were noted in the reviews.

Based on 35 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Trout anglers and hikers who can arrive early on a weekday. Creek-adjacent sites fill fast and deliver the best experience, Hat Creek Trail and Spattercone are walkable from camp, and $12/night with a friendly host is hard to beat.

Skip if

No cell service is a hard stop for anyone who needs it. First-come-only means holiday weekends are a gamble, and bring your own firewood since none is sold on-site.

Nearby Campgrounds

LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST, HAT CREEK RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 220, Fall River Mills, CA, 96028, USA

Hat Creek sits in Lassen National Forest near Old Station, operated by the Hat Creek Ranger District. This mid-elevation forest campground offers fishing access and serves as a base for exploring the Hat Creek Lava Flow, Spatter Cones Nature Trail, and Subway Cave. Sites are well-spaced among the pines, with both individual and group options available during the peak season.

$16.00 - $80.00 / night

1/4 mile north of Highway 44/89 junction, Old Station, CA

Cave Campground sits directly across from Subway Cave in Lassen National Forest, offering 45 tent sites along Hat Creek at 4,390 feet elevation. Sites cost $10-16 per night and fill on a first-come, first-served basis during peak trout season. Highway 89 runs nearby, so road noise reaches many sites.

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LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA

Lost Creek Group sits in mid-elevation forest within Lassen Volcanic National Park, near Mineral, California. Operated by the National Park Service, this very small group campground offers seasonal access to volcanic domes, fishing, boating, and swimming during the summer months. Reviewers praise the spacious layout and proximity to park attractions, though boundaries between sites can be unclear and yellow jackets sometimes frequent cooking areas.

$62.00 - $62.00 / night

Highway 89, approximately 3.5 miles north of Old Station.

Rocky Campground sits along Hat Creek in Lassen National Forest, offering 10 tent and RV sites at 3,953 feet elevation. The small campground runs $10-12 per night and provides access to fishing, volcanic features, and year-round outdoor activities. You'll hear the creek flow all night, though Highway 89 noise carries into some sites.

$10.00 - $12.00 / night

Lassen National Forest

Bridge Campground sits along Hat Creek in Lassen National Forest at 3,800 feet elevation. The 25-site campground accepts tents and RVs, with nightly fees of $10. Sites come with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but there's no potable water on-site. The campground maintains a clean, quiet atmosphere along the creek.

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

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Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins (Ca)

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Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins sits at mid-elevation in Lassen Volcanic National Park near Shingletown, offering rustic cabins and primitive camping with views of Lassen Peak. Operated by Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins, the very large facility provides flush and vault toilets, showers, potable water, and a camp store with laundry and wifi. Guests hike park trails, fish and boat on Manzanita Lake, and swim during warmer months, with bear lockers and fire rings at each site.

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LASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100, MINERAL, CA, 96063, USA

Manzanita Lake sits in Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral, operated by the National Park Service as a seasonal basecamp for exploring volcanic terrain. The very large campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and a camp store in mid-elevation forest. Campers fish and paddle the lake, hike to Lassen Peak and geothermal features, and gather for ranger programs under dark skies.

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Butte Lake Stock Corral sits in the northeast corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park, a National Park Service site designed for backcountry campers traveling with horses or pack animals. The campground serves as a staging area for stock users heading into the park's volcanic wilderness, with access to trails through lava flows and alpine lakes. At mid-elevation forest, it offers primitive group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings during the seasonal operating window.

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LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100 MINERAL, CA 96063

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LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA

Butte Lake sits in Lassen Volcanic National Park at mid-elevation, operated by the National Park Service and open during peak summer months. The large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike the Cinder Cone Trail, fish for trout, swim and boat on the lake, and explore dramatic volcanic geology under warm days and cool nights.

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North Battle Creek Campground

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Campgrounds

Lassen National Forest

Big Pine Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Big Pine Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Big Pine Campground sites are nestled under the tall pines along scenic Hat Creek. All sites have fire rings and barbeques.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 4,600 ft. The campground, one of four in the Hat Creek Recreation Area, is a single loop in a stand of Jeffrey pines beside Hat Creek. This is near the beginning of Hat Creek where snowmelt from Lassen Peak begins its journey to the Sacramento River. The creek is cold but inviting with places for wadding. Pine needles, volcanic rock and patches of grass make up the ground cover. Widely separated campsites offer good privacy. Things to do from the campground are: hike Spattercone Trail and explore Subway Cave and Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Seasons & access

Open late April through Labor Day weekend

Facilities

The water spigots are handpumps.

RV information

The parking aprons are paved. The waste station is available, for a fee, behind the visitor center at the intersection of State Rts. 44 and 89. NOTE: No directional signs are provided to indicate exact location.

Directions

In Old Station, CA, at intersection of State Rts. 44 and 89, take Rt. 44/89 south and go 4.8 miles to campground sign on right. Turn left at sign onto a gravel road and go 0.4 miles to campground on left.

National Forest: Lassen National Forest
Ranger District: Hat Creek
Elevation: 4,600
Rate: $12 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May – October