Is Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground?

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground is open Operational Hours This recreation site is usually open mid-April through November, although not regularly maintained. It may be inaccessible during winter months due to snow and weather.. 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 Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground?

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground have?

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock 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 Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground?

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground

4.23

31 reviews

Featured in:Fall Camping California

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

5,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Operational Hours Th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

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

5,100 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Operational Hours Th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground

41.2767, -120.2881

Weather at Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground

Best Time to Camp at Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities — trails are snow-free, creeks are fishable, and the long daylight makes for big loop hikes and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F and cool nights around 35–50°F at 5,100 ft; wildflower displays and active trout fishing peak in mid to late summer. Crowds are moderate — the site is a small, tent-only 20-site campground so weekends and holiday weeks fill up, but weekdays feel secluded. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: trails clear, creek strong, temps 65–80°F; campground open and lively.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Operational Hours This recreation site is usually open mid-April through November, although not regularly maintained. It may be inaccessible during winter months due to snow and weather.

About Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Lassen National Forest, serving as a quiet staging point for hikers bound for Mill Falls and surrounding trails. The small campground offers flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables under a canopy of trees, with tent and primitive camping options. Reviewers praise the tranquility, clean facilities, and dark skies for stargazing.

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground is a backcountry site primarily catering to tent campers. It offers primitive camping without modern amenities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the fullest range of activities — trails are snow-free, creeks are fishable, and the long daylight makes for big loop hikes and wildlife viewing. Expect daytime highs roughly 65–80°F and cool nights around 35–50°F at 5,100 ft; wildflower displays and active trout fishing peak in mid to late summer. Crowds are moderate — the site is a small, tent-only 20-site campground so weekends and holiday weeks fill up, but weekdays feel secluded. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a bowl-shaped depression surrounded by pines. The trees provide steady shade but block long views. Mill Creek runs nearby, feeding the seasonal waterfall accessible via trail. The forest floor is typical mid-elevation Sierra: pine duff, scattered granite, and understory that stays green through summer. Wildlife sightings are common. Dark skies at night favor stargazing when clouds don't settle in the low terrain.

Lodging & Accommodations"This is a basic backcountry campground with no additional accommodations such as lodges."

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

AccessibilityThe campground has no mention of accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeSites are spacious, accommodating small to medium camping setups, although larger RVs and trailers may face difficulty.

PrivacySites are well-spaced in a pine forest setting, providing ample privacy but no scenic views due to the location being in a bowl.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Amenities available

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground is a backcountry site with basic amenities. It is described as a quiet and shaded area with natural water sources, ideal for those seeking solitude. The facilities include clean toilets and potable water, but there are no hook-ups for RVs or larger vehicles.

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers hiking opportunities, including a trailhead to Mill Falls, which is a notable nearby attraction. Fishing and dark-sky stargazing are also popular activities.

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

31 reviews

Satisfactory

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is described as quiet, out-of-the-way, and surrounded by a serene natural environment, but lacks modern amenities and may not suit large RVs. The trailhead to Mill Falls is a highlight.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently highlight the tranquility, shade from trees, and access to hiking trails like the one leading to Mill Falls. Clean facilities and dark skies for stargazing are appreciated.

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users note issues with noise from other campers and the lack of cell service or hook-ups for RVs.

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary supplies as there is no camp store. Use the trails to explore the falls and surrounding areas. Campers with larger vehicles or RVs may face challenges.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground appears to be quieter outside of peak seasons, offering more solitude, as noted by users who had the campground to themselves during certain times.

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet, out-of-the-way spot with shade and a natural water source nearby." - Rob Stanco "Quiet and pretty, we had a very nice spot. There is a trailhead to the falls and beyond in the campground. The...

Based on 31 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews regarding accessibility features are provided.

Based on 31 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are welcomed, with a two-pet limit per site. One reviewer mentioned bringing their dog for a camping trip.

Based on 31 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a peaceful base camp for hiking in Lassen National Forest with clean facilities and dark skies.

Skip if

You need hookups, want lakefront access, or prefer campgrounds with more amenities and activity options.

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Lassen National Forest

Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Mill Creek Trailhead/Black Rock Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Located on the edge of the South Warner Wilderness this campground is nestled in the thick pine forests above Jess Valley at the south end of the Warner Mountains.  It's easy access makes for a perfect weekend get away.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 5,600 ft. The campground, at the edge of South Warner Wilderness, is a single loop meandering up and down a hillside with campsites tucked in among Jeffrey pine and fir trees. Because of the hillside, some parking aprons may pose a challenge for leveling RVs. The campground has a close, compact feel with minimal privacy between campsites. The impressive Mill Creek Falls is 0.5 miles from campground - good photo opportunity.

Seasons & access

Services provided June 1 through September 30.

RV information

The parking aprons are paved.

Directions

In Likely, CA at intersection of US Rt. 395 and Jess Valley Rd../County Rt. 64, take Jess Valley Rd. east 9.3 miles to a "Y" intersection. Bear left, staying on County Rt. 64 and go 2.7 miles to a "T" intersection. Turn right, again continuing on County Rt. 64, and go 1.5 miles to campground on left.

National Forest: Modoc National Forest
Ranger District: Warner Mountain
Elevation: 5,600
Rate: $12 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: Facilities open as weather permits; usually early June to late October.