Is Hole-In-The-Ground Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Hole-In-The-Ground Campground?

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Hole-In-The-Ground Campground have?

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground has 13 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Hole-In-The-Ground Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Hole-In-The-Ground Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground

3.84

19 reviews

Top 11% in CAFall

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

4,423 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

4,423 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

13 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground

40.3098, -121.5609

Weather at Hole-In-The-Ground Campground

Best Time to Camp at Hole-In-The-Ground Campground

Best season: fall. Fall brings the best combination of comfortable daytime temps (usually 50–70°F) and cool, clear nights (30–45°F), plus dramatic color and quieter trails as summer day-trippers taper off. Mill Creek drops to lower flows so the canyon is more peaceful and the steep walls and canopy show rich late-season color, making it ideal for photography, hammock time, and relaxed campfires. Crowds are generally low on weekdays and moderate on holiday weekends, and many visitors find mid-September through late Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Mid‑Sept through late Oct offers dramatic canyon color and ideal daytime temps (50–70°F).

Planning Tips

About Hole-In-The-Ground Campground

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Lassen National Forest, a small site managed by the Forest Service. The campground offers fire rings and picnic tables for tent campers seeking a quieter alternative to busier recreation areas. Fall brings dramatic color along Mill Creek's canyon walls and lower water flows, making it ideal for photography and relaxed campfires.

Hole-in-the-Ground Campground provides a traditional camping experience with 13 designated sites accommodating up to 8 people per site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall brings the best combination of comfortable daytime temps (usually 50–70°F) and cool, clear nights (30–45°F), plus dramatic color and quieter trails as summer day-trippers taper off. Mill Creek drops to lower flows so the canyon is more peaceful and the steep walls and canopy show rich late-season color, making it ideal for photography, hammock time, and relaxed campfires. Crowds are generally low on weekdays and moderate on holiday weekends, and many visitors find mid-September through late Peak months: October, September, November, May Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation4423 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a narrow canyon where Mill Creek flows through dense forest. Steep walls rise on both sides, creating a sheltered draw that stays cool even in summer. The canopy overhead filters light and provides heavy shade across most sites. In fall, the canyon walls and forest canopy show rich seasonal color, and the creek drops to lower flows, making the ravine quieter and more photogenic. The terrain is uneven and the setting feels genuinely remote.

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Amenities available

Hole-in-the-Ground Campground offers a secluded camping experience with 13 designated sites. The amenities include grills and picnic tables. It is described as being tucked into a tree-covered draw alongside Mill Creek, providing a rustic experience.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

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From Booking Sources

3.8

19 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight a mix of nostalgia and criticism. Users appreciate the secluded nature and traditional camping feel but have expressed concerns over noise from younger campers.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great place to camp off the beaten path," "I love it with all of my heart 💗"

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users mentioned that it has turned into a party spot for the younger generation, which can disrupt the peace.

Based on 19 reviews

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Go if

You want an off-the-beaten-path spot in Lassen with fall foliage and fewer crowds.

Skip if

You need RV hookups or prefer developed campgrounds with more amenities.

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Campgrounds

Lassen National Forest

Hole-In-The-Ground Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Hole-In-The-Ground Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>True to its name, Hole-in-the-Ground is tucked away in a steep, tree-covered draw alongside Mill Creek. A developed campground with 13 designated sites, there is a maximum of 8 people per site at this campground.  Campfire rings and tables are provided. Only shorter travel trailers recommended.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 4,300 ft. Located between two steep, tree-covered hillsides, the campground stretches along Mill Creek. Cedar, Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine provide ample shade. Although not all campsites are along the creek's edge, the stream's fast moving water can be heard from each site. This is a pretty campground. Most all sites have Klamath Ovens. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques. Lassen National Forest 135

Seasons & access

Open Memorial Day weekend through second weekend in October - weather dependent

Facilities

The water spigot is a handpump.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt.

Directions

In Mineral, CA, at intersection of State Rts. 36 and 172 east, take Rt. 172 east 5.5 miles to an "Adopt a Highway" sign. Turn right after sign onto Forest Rt. 28N06 (gravel, single-lane) and go 2.8 miles to an unmarked road on left. Turn left and go 0.6 miles to campground. NOTE: State Rt. 172 is a winding, narrow two-lane road.

National Forest: Lassen National Forest
Ranger District: Almanor
Elevation: 4,300
Rate: $12 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May – September