Gurnsey Creek

Star3.08
24 reviews
Almanor Ranger District, P.O. BOX 767, 900 E HWY 36, CHESTER, CA 96020, USA

Quick Facts

4,700 ft

Price

$56 - $112/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open from May 22 to ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Almanor Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Gurnsey Creek
$56.00 - $112.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group sites cost $56 per night for Loop #1 (up to 56 people) and $112 per night for Loop #2 (up to 112 people). Fees do not include additional...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$112.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-258-2141
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What Campers Say

3.08

Mixed Reviews

Based on 24 reviews

17 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouswaterlakesites

"Reviews are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 3.7 overall and 2.67 for campground-specific sentiments. Positive aspects include spacious sites and access to basic amenities like potable water and vault toilets. However, the removal of trees has been a significant complaint, as it has reduced shade and privacy."

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Campground Map

Almanor Ranger District, P.O. BOX 767, 900 E HWY 36, CHESTER, CA 96020, USA

Gurnsey Creek

Almanor Ranger District, P.O. BOX 767, 900 E HWY 36, CHESTER, CA 96020, USA

Driving directionsFrom the town of Chester, follow Highway 36 west for about 14 miles. Gurnsey Creek Campground is located on the right side of the highway, about 2 miles past the Highway 32 turnoff.
The campground is accessible via Highway 36, which is paved. The entrance is located 14 miles west of Chester. Road access appears straightforward but may experience seasonal weather-related challenges.
Nearby places
Chester (14 miles, ~20 minutes), Lake Almanor (14 miles, ~20 minutes), Southwest Entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park (14 miles north, ~20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies such as propane, diesel, and food can be found in Chester, approximately 14 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Gurnsey Creek

From late May through early October, Gurnsey Creek transforms into a mountain paradise where warm days give way to crisp, star-filled nights. The campground's peak season brings stretches of brilliant blue skies perfect for outdoor adventures, though mountain weather can surprise visitors with refreshing afternoon showers or even early season snow dustings. Smart campers come prepared for nature's full repertoire, knowing that the ever-changing mountain climate is part of the authentic wilderness experience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer; warm days, excellent stargazing; less shade now due to tree removal.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Crisp, star-filled nights and quieter season expected; campground open through early Oct.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open starting May 22; late spring visits are possible but early spring it's closed.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside May 22–Oct 5; winter stay not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 22, 2025 - October 5, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 22 to October 5 (Peak Season).
  • Current Alerts: User reviews mention significant tree removal and changes to campground layout.

About Gurnsey Creek

Tucked away in the towering mixed conifer forests of Lassen National Forest, Gurnsey Creek Campground invites outdoor enthusiasts to experience the perfect blend of wilderness tranquility and recreational adventure. Whether you're casting a line in pristine mountain waters, exploring scenic hiking trails, or gathering with loved ones for an unforgettable group camping experience, this hidden gem offers something for everyone. The campground features both intimate individual sites and two spacious group camping loops—one accommodating up to 56 people for family reunions and the other hosting up to 112 for larger gatherings, making it an ideal basecamp for groups of all sizes.
Gurnsey Creek Campground offers individual campsites and two large group camping areas. RVs and tents are supported, but there are no utility hookups available.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum of 14 nights per visit, and 14 nights total per year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

The primary activities include hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Nearby attractions also offer opportunities for boating and other water-based activities, particularly at Lake Almanor. The campground is located near hiking trails and Gurnsey Creek, which is noted for rainbow trout fishing.
HikingHiking trails are accessible directly from the campground. No specific details about trail difficulty, length, or scenic highlights are provided.
FishingFishing is available at Gurnsey Creek, with a focus on rainbow trout. The official source describes it as one of the main recreational activities.
BoatingBoating is available at nearby Lake Almanor, which is approximately 14 miles from the campground. Activities like fishing, sailing, and water skiing are also popular there, according to the authoritative source.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear activity and tree-killing pests. Nearby busy roads can be noisy, impacting tent campers.
Active AlertsUser reviews mention significant tree removal and changes to campground layout.

Weather at Gurnsey Creek

Reviews

3.1
24 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Gurnsey Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with an average sentiment rating of 3.7 overall and 2.67 for campground-specific sentiments. Positive aspects include spacious sites and access to basic amenities like potable water and vault toilets. However, the removal of trees has been a significant complaint, as it has reduced shade and privacy.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive highlights include the campground's spacious sites, its proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lake Almanor, and the availability of accessible water spigots and vault toilets. One...
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Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints focus on the reduced tree cover and lack of privacy. A user remarked, "Gurnsey will never be the same! Lots of trees removed and now the whole place is wide open!" Another mentioned...
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Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

For larger rigs, campers should practice backing in due to limited parking. Verizon and T-Mobile users may consider bringing a router and booster for improved connectivity.
Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize the high solar potential for campers relying on solar panels. Tree removal has impacted shade availability, making some sites less comfortable during hotter months.
Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "Nice large spaces. Was heavily forested at one time, shade is nice, and now most of the trees are gone??" - Wayne Salo. 2. "Some spots for okay solar—we were getting 200W of a possible 400." -...
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Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group Site 1 (sites 31-37) and Group Site 2 (sites 38-51) are noted for their capacity and amenities. Reviews for individual sites are limited.
Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible vault toilets and parking are available. No user reviews specifically address their usability or quality.
Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically discuss pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 24 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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