Hat Creek
HAT CREEK
Part of Lassen National Forest
Overview
Hat Creek is one of six campgrounds available in the Hat Creek Recreation Area, home to some of the area's best trout fishing. Scenic hiking trails and an active volcanic area can easily be accessed from the facility.Facilities
Hat Creek offers three group campsites that can accommodate up to 50 people each. Individual sites are also available on a first-come, first-served basis.Picnic tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as are accessible flush and vault toilets, utility sinks and drinking water. The RV dump-station is located 1.5 miles north of the campground behind the Old Station Visitors Center.
Natural Features
The campground is situated next to Hat Creek in a mixed conifer forest at an elevation of about 4,390 feet. Pine needles, grasses and volcanic rocks cover the forest floor. Sites are widely spaced for privacy.Recreation
Hat Creek is popular for its trophy trout fishing. The cold waters of the creek allow for a refreshing play on hot summer days. Other popular activities in the area include wildlife viewing, hunting, backpacking, hiking and caving.A variety of day hikes are available in the area, including the Spatter Cones Nature Trail, which is located just across the highway from the campground. The 1.5-mile loop trail provides hikers with a unique opportunity to explore craters, cones and crevices, as well as other geologic features left by the Hat Creek Lava Flow.
Nearby, visitors can take a self-guided tour of Subway Cave. The trail is less than a half-mile long and explores the underground world of a lava tube. Visitors are encouraged to bring flashlights for hiking through the cave.
Nearby Attractions
The campground is located about a mile west of the town of Old Station, and 12 miles east of the northwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, where active, hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots are continually shaping the landscape.The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail can be accessed near the Spatter Cones Nature Trailhead.
Important Notices
- Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground
- Click here for more information on the Lassen National Forest
- Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest
- 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.
Available Activities
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
Directions
From Highways 44 and 89, go through Old Station and continue 1.5 miles west to the campground.
Contact Information
Phone: 530-336-5521
LASSEN NATIONAL FORESTHAT CREEK RANGER DISTRICT
PO BOX 220
FALL RIVER MILLS, CA 96028
Rental Options
Available Campsites
- Site 006, Loop HAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop HAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop HAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop HAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop HAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop HAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop HAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop HAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site GS3, Loop GRP, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site GS2, Loop GRP, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site GS1, Loop GRP, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop HAT, Type Standard Nonelectric
