How much does camping cost at Hat Creek?

Camping fees at Hat Creek are $16 - $80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hat Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Hat Creek accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hat Creek before I book?

Yes! Hat Creek 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 Hat Creek?

Hat Creek is open April 23 to October 10. 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 Hat Creek?

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

Can I have a campfire at Hat Creek?

Fire policies at Hat Creek: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Hat Creek have?

Hat Creek has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hat Creek?

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

What amenities are available at Hat Creek?

Hat Creek offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hat Creek?

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

Hat Creek

3.82

10 reviews

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

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Quick Facts

4,390 ft

Price

$16 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open season begins A...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Lassen National Forest, Hat Creek Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,390 ft

Price

$16 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open season begins A...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Lassen National Forest, Hat Creek Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Hat Creek

$16.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $80.00; MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$80.00

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Provider

530-336-5521

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Campground Map

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

Hat Creek

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

Nearby places

Old Station (1 mile west), Lassen Volcanic National Park (12 miles east northwest entrance), Fall River Mills (approximately 30 miles).

Weather at Hat Creek

Current alerts(3)

Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest
Click here for more information on the Lassen National Forest
Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground

Best Time to Camp at Hat Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather and the fullest recreation window: expect daytime highs around 65–85°F and crisp nights in the 35–50°F range at 4,390 ft. Creek waters are refreshingly cold and trout fishing, hiking across the Hat Creek Lava Flow, and wildlife viewing are at their peak; facilities (flush toilets, drinking water) are fully available. Days are long with generally low precipitation, though weekend crowds and summer fire restrictions or occasional regional smoke can be a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best season; temps 65–85°F and peak season for fishing and hiking.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 23 to October 10. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season begins April 23, 2025, and ends October 10, 2025.

About Hat Creek

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.

Hat Creek offers a mix of individual and group camping options, catering to both small and larger groups. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, with three group sites that can accommodate up to 50 people each.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather and the fullest recreation window: expect daytime highs around 65–85°F and crisp nights in the 35–50°F range at 4,390 ft. Creek waters are refreshingly cold and trout fishing, hiking across the Hat Creek Lava Flow, and wildlife viewing are at their peak; facilities (flush toilets, drinking water) are fully available. Days are long with generally low precipitation, though weekend crowds and summer fire restrictions or occasional regional smoke can be a Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation4390 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a unique landscape where volcanic rock mingles with forest. Mixed conifers. Ponderosa pines, Douglas firs, and incense cedars. Have taken root atop old lava flows, creating an ecosystem where trees and wildflowers push through basalt. The Hat Creek Lava Flow sits nearby, a dramatic reminder of the region's volcanic past. Pine needles carpet the forest floor between exposed volcanic rocks. Hat Creek runs cold and clear through the area, about 100 yards from some sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style accommodations or lodges are mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information provided about cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights consecutively or 14 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Individual sites accommodate standard camping groups
group sites allow up to 50 people.

Groups

The group campsites can accommodate up to 50 people each. Group Site #1 has four picnic tables, two campfire pits, and a water faucet located at the north end of the site. Firewood can be gathered on-site, though it requires effort as noted in user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via the contact center.

AccessibilityThe facilities, including flush toilets, are described as accessible.

Site SizeSites are widely spaced for privacy.

PrivacySites are widely spaced for privacy, providing a secluded feeling.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesFor more shade, avoid group site #1. Bring splitting mauls for firewood gathering.

Best CampsitesGroup site #1 gets positive mentions for its layout: 4 tables, 2 fire pits, and proximity to Hat Creek about 100 yards out. Reviewers note it's set up well for groups and close enough to the water for easy access. Limited shade can be an issue at group sites.

Need help booking Hat Creek?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Hat Creek offers a variety of amenities to make the camping experience enjoyable and convenient. The campground includes picnic tables and campfire rings with grills at campsites. Accessible flush and vault toilets, utility sinks, and drinking water are provided. There is also an RV dump station located 1.5 miles north of the campground behind the Old Station Visitors Center.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Hat Creek

Hat Creek provides a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include trophy trout fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing, hunting, backpacking, and caving. Nearby attractions like the Spatter Cones Nature Trail and Subway Cave add to the recreational opportunities.

Fishing4.0/5

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Volcanic cones, lava fields, creek and dark skies provide varied photo subjects.

Wildlife viewing3.5/5Wildlife viewing is noted as a popular activity, within mixed-conifer forest habitat.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Rate Hat Creek

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From Booking Sources

3.8

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hat Creek has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Hat Creek receives generally positive reviews, with users praising its natural beauty, well-spaced sites, and range of activities. However, some complaints include noise issues at night and limited bathroom availability in group sites.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

"Beautiful site"; "Well-spaced sites providing privacy"; "Proximity to activities such as the Spatter Cones Nature Trail and Subway Cave".

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise disturbances at night from neighboring campers; Limited bathroom availability in group sites.

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group site #1 is noted for its setup with four picnic tables and two campfire pits. The water faucet is located at the north end, and the creek is approximately 100 yards away.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a splitting maul for gathering firewood at Group Site #1; Flashlights are essential for exploring Subway Cave.

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is highlighted as a popular season for activities like fishing and hiking. Snowmelt in early summer makes the creek run high and fast. Cooler seasons are less reviewed.

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful site"; "Group site #1 had 4 tables and 2 campfire pits. The water faucet was located on the north end of the site. Hat Creek is located approx 100 yards away. Lots of snowmelt had it...

Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressing accessibility features.

Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews related to pet policies or experiences.

Based on 10 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Hat Creek

$16.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $80.00; MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $16.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$80.00

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-336-5521

Go if

You want a quiet forest base for fishing Hat Creek and exploring nearby lava tube caves and cinder cones.

Skip if

You need shade in group sites or guaranteed quiet after dark.

Nearby Campgrounds

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.

Hat Creek

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Hat Creek

Campground Map

Weather at Hat Creek

Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Hat Creek

Planning Tips

About Hat Creek

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hat Creek?

Amenities available

Things to do at Hat Creek

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

Explore related camping guides

Ask Camp Sage about Hat Creek

Current alerts(3)

Best Time to Camp at Hat Creek

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hat Creek?

Amenities available

Things to do at Hat Creek

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews