Mill Creek Falls Campground

4.48

31 reviews

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$12 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Facilities open as w...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Modoc National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$12 - $15/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Facilities open as w...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Modoc National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Mill Creek Falls Campground

$12.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$15 per single campsite per day, with a maximum of 2 vehicles. A $5 fee applies for additional vehicles.

Standard Site Fee$15.00

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

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What Campers Say

4.48

Recommended

Based on 31 reviews

27 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikingwater

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight that this campground is a quiet, clean, and scenic spot with easy access to a hiking trail leading to Mill Creek Falls. However, noise from other campers and the lack of modern amenities are common complaints."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mill Creek Falls Campground

41.2767, -120.2881

Driving directionsFrom Alturas, go south on US Hwy 395 approximately 18 miles to Likely, CA. Turn east on County Road 64/Jess Valley Rd and go 3.2 miles to Blue Lake Road and West Warner Road. Turn left (northeast) on West Warner Road for 2.5 miles to Mill Creek Road. Turn right and follow the signs to Mill Creek Falls Campground.

Access is via paved roads, but the road within the campground is a single loop meandering up and down a hillside. RV parking aprons may pose leveling challenges due to the slope.

Nearby places

Likely, CA (approx. 18 miles south of Alturas)

Best Time to Camp at Mill Creek Falls Campground

From early June through late October, Mill Creek Falls transforms into a high-country paradise where warm, sun-drenched days invite exploration and cool evenings call for campfire gatherings. Peak services run June through September, when wildflowers paint the meadows and clear skies showcase brilliant stars. As autumn approaches, golden light bathes the forest while crisp air hints at the winter wonderland to come. Off-season visitors should prepare for nature's dramatic mood swings—freezing temperatures, possible snowfall, and shorter days that remind us of the mountains' wild heart.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season June–Sept: warm days, trail access, and full services June–Sept support summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Quieter in early/late fall, pleasant conditions, but services often unavailable outside summer window.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Early spring quieter but services often unavailable; variable snow at elevation noted.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground generally closed in winter; facilities open as weather permits (usually Jun–Oct).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 1 through September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Facilities open as weather permits; usually early June to late October. Services provided June 1 through September 30.

About Mill Creek Falls Campground

Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Mill Creek Falls Campground beckons adventurers with its tranquil hillside setting among towering Jeffrey pines and fragrant firs. This intimate single-loop campground rises gently above the verdant expanse of Jess Valley, where ancient trees filter the mountain sunlight and create a natural cathedral of shade and serenity. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the whisper of wind through pine needles and the distant murmur of cascading water.

Mill Creek Falls Campground offers tent camping and combined tent/RV sites. There are no RV pull-throughs or dedicated RV amenities.

Weather and SeasonsFrom early June through late October, Mill Creek Falls transforms into a high-country paradise where warm, sun-drenched days invite exploration and cool evenings call for campfire gatherings. Peak services run June through September, when wildflowers paint the meadows and clear skies showcase brilliant stars. As autumn approaches, golden light bathes the forest while crisp air hints at the winter wonderland to come. Off-season visitors should prepare for nature's dramatic mood swings—freezing temperatures, possible snowfall, and shorter days that remind us of the mountains' wild heart.

ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet where the air grows crisp and pure, Mill Creek Falls Campground offers a refreshing escape from valley heat. This mountain elevation brings cooler temperatures that make summer camping a delight, though visitors from lower altitudes should take time to acclimate. The thin air here carries the essence of pine resin and wildflowers, while the elevated perspective opens up breathtaking vistas that make every breath worth savoring.

Natural Features and SceneryA mere half-mile stroll leads to the campground's namesake treasure—Mill Creek Falls, where water plunges over ancient volcanic rock in a spectacular display of nature's artistry. The surrounding forest creates an emerald embrace of Jeffrey pine and fir, their branches forming a living canopy overhead. Nearby Clear Lake mirrors the sky like a jewel set in the wilderness, offering moments of reflection both literal and spiritual. This is a landscape that invites wonder, where every trail promises discovery and every vista tells a story written in stone and stream.

Geological RegionMill Creek Falls Campground claims its place at the dramatic southern terminus of the Warner Mountains, where volcanic peaks meet pine-cloaked valleys in a testament to Earth's creative forces. Positioned at the threshold of the South Warner Wilderness, the campground sits amid dense coniferous forests that blanket the slopes above Jess Valley. This unique location offers campers a front-row seat to one of California's most overlooked mountain ranges, where ancient lava flows have created a rugged paradise far from the crowds of more famous peaks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping limit 14 days.

Groups

No designated group camping areas are available.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutA single-loop layout meandering up and down a hillside, with campsites tucked among trees.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; no reservations are accepted.

AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible.

Site SizeCampground has a single loop layout, and parking aprons are paved. Sites may be challenging for larger RVs due to the hillside terrain.

PrivacyThe campground has a compact feel, with minimal privacy between sites as noted in the general comments.

Total Campsites19 campsites

Recommended SitesReviews suggest arriving early for the best choice of sites, as the campground is first-come, first-served.

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground is ideal for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the natural surroundings. The Mill Creek Falls Trail starts within the campground, leading to a scenic 0.5-mile hike to the falls. Fishing enthusiasts can visit Clear Lake, located 0.5 miles away, which offers trout fishing opportunities.

HikingHiking is a key activity here, with the Mill Creek Falls Trail (2 miles long) connecting to a broader trail network in the South Warner Wilderness. Reviews highlight the trail's ease and the waterfall as a notable destination.

FishingFishing is available at Clear Lake, approximately 0.5 miles from the campground. Trout are commonly caught here. One reviewer noted their successful catch and release of five large trout.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

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

Weather at Mill Creek Falls Campground

Reviews

4.5

31 reviews

Recommended

Mill Creek Falls Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight that this campground is a quiet, clean, and scenic spot with easy access to a hiking trail leading to Mill Creek Falls. However, noise from other campers and the lack of modern amenities are common complaints.

Review Summaries

Based on 31 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the campground for its cleanliness, the beauty of the surrounding pine forest, and the proximity to hiking trails and the waterfall.

Based on 31 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include noise from RV generators and barking dogs, the absence of modern amenities like showers and flush toilets, and no cell phone service. One reviewer mentioned the campground's...

Based on 31 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all necessary supplies as there is no camp store. Early morning or late evening hikes to the falls are recommended for solitude and better lighting for photography.

Based on 31 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is described as quieter and less busy during early spring and late fall, though services are unavailable outside the June-September operational window. Summer months see higher usage...

Based on 31 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Quiet and pretty, we had a very nice spot. There is a trailhead to the falls and beyond in the campground." - Philip Cohen. "Great place to just get away for a day or two." - Ali Massey. "Clean pit...

Based on 31 reviews