Cave Campground

Star4.42
117 reviews
1/4 mile north of Highway 44/89 junction, Old Station, CA
Fishing

Quick Facts

4,390 ft

Price

$10 - $16/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

45 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Lassen National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Cave Campground
$10.00 - $16.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard fee is $16 per night, with additional vehicles costing $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on...
Show more
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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 117 reviews

106 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciouslocationsites

Some mention

noise

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Cave Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Cave Campground

Experience 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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (Apr–Oct); best access to trails and fishing; busy but high-quality experiences.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct with quieter conditions and seasonal color; reduced services after Oct 15.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Services resume late April; good fishing and emerging greenery make spring appealing though variable weather.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter scenery noted but campground mostly closed; limited year-round sites without potable water.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April through October, with reduced services after October 15.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: April - October. Services provided late April through October 15. Campsites 1-19 and 30 are open year-round without potable water post-October 15.

About Cave 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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
After 3:00 PM
Check-out
Before 2:00 PM
Stay Limit
14-day limit

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
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.
HikingTwo 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.
FishingHat 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 viewingWildlife 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
Water Sports
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to Highway 89 introduces noise issues. Wildlife such as chipmunks and birds accustomed to human presence may attempt to enter vehicles or trailers.

Weather at Cave Campground

Reviews

4.4
117 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
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 117 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...
Show more
Based on 117 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 117 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 117 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 117 reviews

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...
Show more
Based on 117 reviews

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 117 reviews

Accessibility Features

Restrooms are wheelchair-accessible, though no additional accessibility features were noted in reviews.
Based on 117 reviews

Pet-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 117 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Cave Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Lassen National Forest
Cave Campground