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RV Parks In Burney, California

40.8824° N, 121.6608° W

Quick Overview

Burney is a small mountain town in Shasta County, and for RVers it's the gateway to one of Northern California's best camping regions. The headliner is Burney Falls, a spring-fed 129-foot cascade that runs full year-round through porous lava rock, and it anchors a whole cluster of camping around Lake Britton, Hat Creek, and the edge of Lassen Volcanic National Park. This is a real destination, not a highway pit stop, and the camping mix here is unusually good, with strong public options and a handful of private full-hookup parks to cover big rigs.

The public star is McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, about six miles north of town on Highway 89. It has a couple of campgrounds with well over a hundred sites, potable water spigots, and a dump station, but no hookups, and it caps RVs at 32 feet. Sites cost around $35 a night and book through California State Parks up to six months out, going first-come from Labor Day to mid-May. Nearby, the U.S. Forest Service runs Hat Creek Campground in Lassen National Forest, a creekside spot at about 4,390 feet with water and a dump station up the road, popular with trout anglers and Pacific Crest Trail hikers.

If you're pulling a big rig or want full hookups, the private parks are the answer. Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA Holiday sits between the falls and Lassen with full water, sewer, and electric on pull-through and back-in sites. Burney Falls Resort RV Park offers shaded full-hookup sites minutes from the falls, and Hat Creek Resort & RV Park in Old Station sits right on the PCT, about 11 miles from Lassen Volcanic National Park. Below we break down hookups, big-rig access, reservations, costs, and the mountain seasons in detail so you can plan the right kind of stay for your rig and your budget.

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Traveling to Burney by RV

Getting to Burney means mountain driving, so plan accordingly. From Redding, which is about 50 miles west and the nearest city for full services and an airport, you take CA-299 east into the mountains and then CA-89 north toward Burney and the falls. Both are two-lane roads with grades and curves; a big rig or a large fifth-wheel handles them fine, but you'll want to take them slow, use lower gears on the descents, and watch for slow-vehicle turnouts. The state park entrance sits six miles north of Highway 299 on Highway 89, well signed and easy to find.

Once you're in the area, the sights are close together along the Highway 89 corridor. Burney Falls, Lake Britton, and the private RV parks are all within a few miles of each other, and Hat Creek stretches south toward Old Station and the Lassen park boundary. Lassen Volcanic National Park's northern entrance is roughly 40 minutes south, and Subway Cave near Old Station is about 25 minutes. There's no closer airport hub than Redding, so this is a drive-to destination best reached with your own rig or a rental picked up in Redding or Sacramento. Fuel up and stock groceries in Redding before you climb, since Burney's in-town services are limited.

Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials

Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Burney, California, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.

Check your RV insurance coverage

A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.

Know your roadside assistance options

RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.

Decide about an extended warranty early

Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.

Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees

A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.

RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.

Dump Station Costs in Burney

Camping around Burney splits the usual way between cheaper public sites and pricier private full hookups. The public options are the value play: McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park runs about $35 a night for a no-hookup site with water and a dump station on hand, plus $10 per extra vehicle, and the U.S. Forest Service Hat Creek Campground is cheaper still in the budget range for a rustic creekside site. Neither has hookups, so you'll rely on your batteries, fresh tank, and the dump station, but for the setting the price is excellent.

The private parks cost more because you're paying for full hookups and, at some, big-rig room. Expect roughly the $$ to $$$ range, generally $45 to $70 a night, with the KOA typically toward the top given its amenities and location between the falls and Lassen. Burney Falls Resort RV Park and Hat Creek Resort & RV Park tend to sit a bit lower. Summer weekends command the highest rates and tightest availability, so book early. If you're comfortable dry camping and your rig fits, the state park is the best value; if you need sewer, 50-amp power, or you're over 32 feet, a private park is worth the premium.

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Best Time to Visit Burney by RV

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Winter

Nov - Feb

25°F - 45°F

Crowds: Low

Cold and snowy at elevation. McArthur-Burney Falls State Park stays open but with reduced services, the Lassen park road closes, and most private parks shut for the season. Winter camping here means self-sufficiency, snow readiness, and checking road conditions on Highway 89.

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Spring

Mar - May

32°F - 60°F

Crowds: Low

Snowmelt swells Burney Falls to its fullest and most dramatic. Some campgrounds remain closed early, and the state park is first-come until mid-May. Days are pleasant but nights stay cold, so come prepared for near-freezing overnight temperatures.

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Summer

Jun - Aug

48°F - 85°F

Crowds: High

Prime season and busy. Burney Falls and Lassen draw crowds, so book McArthur-Burney Falls State Park six months out and expect July and August weekends to sell out. Warm days and cool mountain nights make for great camping, but pack layers.

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Fall

Sep - Oct

35°F - 65°F

Crowds: Medium

One of the best times to come: fewer people, crisp air, good trout fishing, and fall color. The state park shifts to first-come after Labor Day, and some Forest Service campgrounds start closing, so confirm what is open before you arrive.

Explore the Burney Area

Here's how we'd plan a Burney trip. If you want to camp at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, book it six months out for any summer weekend, because it fills fast and is one of the most sought-after campgrounds in the region. Remember the 32-foot RV cap there: if you're running bigger, don't fight it, just base at a private full-hookup park like the Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA or Burney Falls Resort RV Park and day-trip the short distance to the falls. Either way you get the same waterfall and lake.

Fish while you're here. Hat Creek is one of California's premier wild-trout spring creeks, and the Fall River and Lake Britton add more water. Use Burney as a base to knock out Lassen Volcanic National Park about 40 minutes south, and squeeze in Subway Cave, a mile-long lava tube near Old Station where it stays around 46 degrees, so bring a flashlight and a jacket. Speaking of cold, nights up here run chilly even in July, so pack layers and expect to run the furnace. Finally, watch late-summer wildfire and smoke conditions in Northern California, and always check current fire restrictions before you build a campfire.

National Parks Nearby

Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Burney

What are the best campgrounds and RV parks near Burney, CA?

The standout is McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, six miles north of town, where you camp within walking distance of the famous 129-foot falls and Lake Britton, though it has no hookups and caps RVs at 32 feet. For full hookups and big rigs, the Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA Holiday sits between the falls and Lassen with water, sewer, and electric, and Burney Falls Resort RV Park offers shaded full-hookup sites close by. Hat Creek Resort & RV Park in Old Station is a favorite with Pacific Crest Trail hikers. For a rustic public option, the U.S. Forest Service Hat Creek Campground puts you creekside for trout fishing.

Does McArthur-Burney Falls State Park have RV hookups?

No, and this is important to plan around. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has no water, sewer, or electric hookups at its campsites. What it does have are potable water spigots throughout the campground and a sanitary dump station within the park, so you can fill your fresh tank and empty your holding tanks, just not from your site. The park also limits RVs to 32 feet in length, so larger rigs won't fit. If you want full hookups or you're over 32 feet, book one of the nearby private parks like the Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA or Burney Falls Resort RV Park and drive over to see the falls.

How much does RV camping cost near Burney, CA?

Costs split between public and private. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park runs about $35 a night for a no-hookup site, plus $10 for each additional vehicle, and the Forest Service Hat Creek Campground is cheaper still, a budget-range rustic site. Those are the value options if you can dry camp. The private full-hookup parks cost more, generally in the $45 to $70 range, with the KOA typically toward the top for its amenities and location. Summer weekends bring the highest rates and tightest availability. If your rig fits under 32 feet and you're comfortable without hookups, the state park is a tremendous value for the setting.

How far ahead should I reserve a campsite near Burney?

For summer, as far ahead as you can. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park books through reservecalifornia.com up to six months in advance, and it fills solid for July and August weekends, so reserve the day your window opens. The private parks and the Forest Service Hat Creek Campground also fill during peak summer, so book those early too. From Labor Day through mid-May the state park operates first-come, first-served, which makes shoulder-season and weekday trips much easier to pull off spontaneously. Our rule: treat summer weekends as sellouts requiring six-month planning, and enjoy the flexibility of first-come camping in the quieter months.

When is the best time to go RV camping in Burney?

Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and every attraction open, from Burney Falls to Lassen Volcanic National Park, but it's also the most crowded and expensive, and the state park sells out months ahead. Our sleeper pick is early fall: crisp days, cool nights, good trout fishing, fall color, thinning crowds, and first-come availability at the state park after Labor Day. Spring is dramatic because snowmelt swells the falls to their fullest, though nights stay cold and some sites remain closed. Winter is snowy and quiet, with the Lassen road closed and most private parks shut, suited only to prepared self-sufficient campers.

Can big rigs camp near Burney, CA?

Yes, but not at the state park. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park caps RVs at 32 feet and has no hookups, so bigger rigs need to look to the private parks. The Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA Holiday is the best big-rig bet, with full-hookup pull-through and back-in sites and room to maneuver, and Burney Falls Resort RV Park offers shaded full-hookup sites that handle larger units. Getting there means driving mountain highways CA-299 and CA-89, which have grades and curves, so take them slow in a big rig and use lower gears on descents. Once you're parked, day-tripping to the falls and Lassen is easy.

Are there free or first-come camping options near Burney?

Yes, several. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park operates first-come, first-served from Labor Day through mid-May, which is a great way to camp near the falls without a reservation in the off-season. The surrounding Lassen National Forest also permits dispersed camping for self-contained rigs, so you can find free, primitive spots off forest roads, subject to current fire restrictions, which are common in late summer. The Forest Service Hat Creek Campground is inexpensive and sometimes has first-come sites. Always check fire rules before camping dispersed or building a campfire, and pack out everything, since these primitive areas have no services or trash collection.

What is there to do around Burney while camping?

A lot, and it's why Burney is a destination. The must-see is Burney Falls itself, a spring-fed 129-foot waterfall that flows full year-round, with trails down to its base and to Lake Britton, where you can swim, boat, kayak, and fish. Hat Creek is a world-class wild-trout spring creek, and the Fall River adds more fishing. About 40 minutes south, Lassen Volcanic National Park showcases all four volcano types with steam vents, mudpots, and 150-plus miles of trails. Near Old Station, Subway Cave offers a mile-long self-guided lava-tube walk, and the Pacific Crest Trail threads through the whole area for day hikes.

How close is Burney to Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Close enough to make Burney an excellent base for it. The northern reaches of Lassen Volcanic National Park are roughly 40 minutes south of Burney down the Highway 89 corridor, and Hat Creek Resort & RV Park in Old Station is only about 11 miles from the park. That means you can camp in the Burney area, with its better lodging options and the draw of Burney Falls, and still day-trip into Lassen to see its steam vents, mudpots, painted dunes, and volcanic peaks. Keep in mind that the main road through Lassen closes in winter due to heavy snow, so plan Lassen day-trips for summer and early fall when the park is fully open.

Do campgrounds near Burney stay open in winter?

Some do, but with big limitations. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park stays open year-round, so you can camp near the falls in winter, but services are reduced and you'll be dealing with cold and snow at elevation. Most private parks close for the season, and many Forest Service campgrounds shut down too. The Lassen park road closes in winter, cutting off that day-trip. If you camp here in the cold months, you need a snow-ready rig, cold-weather rigging for your water system, and you should check Highway 89 road conditions before traveling. For most RVers, Burney is a late-spring through fall destination, with summer as the peak.

Is Hat Creek good for trout fishing while camping?

Yes, it's one of the reasons anglers base near Burney. Hat Creek is one of California's longest spring creeks and a renowned wild-trout fishery, drawing fly anglers from all over, and the Forest Service Hat Creek Campground puts you right along it for easy morning and evening fishing. The nearby Fall River is another famous spring-creek trout destination, and Lake Britton at Burney Falls State Park adds lake fishing for trout and bass. If fishing is your focus, camping at Hat Creek Campground or a Hat Creek-area RV park keeps you close to the water. Check current California fishing regulations and any special spring-creek rules before you cast.

What should I know about driving to Burney with an RV?

Burney sits in the mountains, so the drive is the main consideration. From Redding, the nearest city about 50 miles west, you climb CA-299 east and then CA-89 north, both two-lane mountain highways with grades, curves, and elevation gain. A big rig or large trailer can make the trip, but drive it slowly, use lower gears on the downgrades to save your brakes, and pull over at turnouts to let faster traffic by. Fuel and groceries are limited in Burney itself, so top off and stock up in Redding before you head up. In winter, carry chains and check road conditions, as snow is common on both highways at these elevations.

What are the best campgrounds and RV parks near Burney, CA?

The standout is McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, six miles north of town, where you camp within walking distance of the famous 129-foot falls and Lake Britton, though it has no hookups and caps RVs at 32 feet. For full hookups and big rigs, the Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA Holiday sits between the falls and Lassen with water, sewer, and electric, and Burney Falls Resort RV Park offers shaded full-hookup sites close by. Hat Creek Resort & RV Park in Old Station is a favorite with Pacific Crest Trail hikers. For a rustic public option, the U.S. Forest Service Hat Creek Campground puts you creekside for trout fishing.

Does McArthur-Burney Falls State Park have RV hookups?

No, and this is important to plan around. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park has no water, sewer, or electric hookups at its campsites. What it does have are potable water spigots throughout the campground and a sanitary dump station within the park, so you can fill your fresh tank and empty your holding tanks, just not from your site. The park also limits RVs to 32 feet in length, so larger rigs won't fit. If you want full hookups or you're over 32 feet, book one of the nearby private parks like the Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA or Burney Falls Resort RV Park and drive over to see the falls.

How much does RV camping cost near Burney, CA?

Costs split between public and private. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park runs about $35 a night for a no-hookup site, plus $10 for each additional vehicle, and the Forest Service Hat Creek Campground is cheaper still, a budget-range rustic site. Those are the value options if you can dry camp. The private full-hookup parks cost more, generally in the $45 to $70 range, with the KOA typically toward the top for its amenities and location. Summer weekends bring the highest rates and tightest availability. If your rig fits under 32 feet and you're comfortable without hookups, the state park is a tremendous value for the setting.

How far ahead should I reserve a campsite near Burney?

For summer, as far ahead as you can. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park books through reservecalifornia.com up to six months in advance, and it fills solid for July and August weekends, so reserve the day your window opens. The private parks and the Forest Service Hat Creek Campground also fill during peak summer, so book those early too. From Labor Day through mid-May the state park operates first-come, first-served, which makes shoulder-season and weekday trips much easier to pull off spontaneously. Our rule: treat summer weekends as sellouts requiring six-month planning, and enjoy the flexibility of first-come camping in the quieter months.

When is the best time to go RV camping in Burney?

Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and every attraction open, from Burney Falls to Lassen Volcanic National Park, but it's also the most crowded and expensive, and the state park sells out months ahead. Our sleeper pick is early fall: crisp days, cool nights, good trout fishing, fall color, thinning crowds, and first-come availability at the state park after Labor Day. Spring is dramatic because snowmelt swells the falls to their fullest, though nights stay cold and some sites remain closed. Winter is snowy and quiet, with the Lassen road closed and most private parks shut, suited only to prepared self-sufficient campers.

Can big rigs camp near Burney, CA?

Yes, but not at the state park. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park caps RVs at 32 feet and has no hookups, so bigger rigs need to look to the private parks. The Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA Holiday is the best big-rig bet, with full-hookup pull-through and back-in sites and room to maneuver, and Burney Falls Resort RV Park offers shaded full-hookup sites that handle larger units. Getting there means driving mountain highways CA-299 and CA-89, which have grades and curves, so take them slow in a big rig and use lower gears on descents. Once you're parked, day-tripping to the falls and Lassen is easy.

Are there free or first-come camping options near Burney?

Yes, several. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park operates first-come, first-served from Labor Day through mid-May, which is a great way to camp near the falls without a reservation in the off-season. The surrounding Lassen National Forest also permits dispersed camping for self-contained rigs, so you can find free, primitive spots off forest roads, subject to current fire restrictions, which are common in late summer. The Forest Service Hat Creek Campground is inexpensive and sometimes has first-come sites. Always check fire rules before camping dispersed or building a campfire, and pack out everything, since these primitive areas have no services or trash collection.

What is there to do around Burney while camping?

A lot, and it's why Burney is a destination. The must-see is Burney Falls itself, a spring-fed 129-foot waterfall that flows full year-round, with trails down to its base and to Lake Britton, where you can swim, boat, kayak, and fish. Hat Creek is a world-class wild-trout spring creek, and the Fall River adds more fishing. About 40 minutes south, Lassen Volcanic National Park showcases all four volcano types with steam vents, mudpots, and 150-plus miles of trails. Near Old Station, Subway Cave offers a mile-long self-guided lava-tube walk, and the Pacific Crest Trail threads through the whole area for day hikes.

How close is Burney to Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Close enough to make Burney an excellent base for it. The northern reaches of Lassen Volcanic National Park are roughly 40 minutes south of Burney down the Highway 89 corridor, and Hat Creek Resort & RV Park in Old Station is only about 11 miles from the park. That means you can camp in the Burney area, with its better lodging options and the draw of Burney Falls, and still day-trip into Lassen to see its steam vents, mudpots, painted dunes, and volcanic peaks. Keep in mind that the main road through Lassen closes in winter due to heavy snow, so plan Lassen day-trips for summer and early fall when the park is fully open.

Do campgrounds near Burney stay open in winter?

Some do, but with big limitations. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park stays open year-round, so you can camp near the falls in winter, but services are reduced and you'll be dealing with cold and snow at elevation. Most private parks close for the season, and many Forest Service campgrounds shut down too. The Lassen park road closes in winter, cutting off that day-trip. If you camp here in the cold months, you need a snow-ready rig, cold-weather rigging for your water system, and you should check Highway 89 road conditions before traveling. For most RVers, Burney is a late-spring through fall destination, with summer as the peak.

Is Hat Creek good for trout fishing while camping?

Yes, it's one of the reasons anglers base near Burney. Hat Creek is one of California's longest spring creeks and a renowned wild-trout fishery, drawing fly anglers from all over, and the Forest Service Hat Creek Campground puts you right along it for easy morning and evening fishing. The nearby Fall River is another famous spring-creek trout destination, and Lake Britton at Burney Falls State Park adds lake fishing for trout and bass. If fishing is your focus, camping at Hat Creek Campground or a Hat Creek-area RV park keeps you close to the water. Check current California fishing regulations and any special spring-creek rules before you cast.

What should I know about driving to Burney with an RV?

Burney sits in the mountains, so the drive is the main consideration. From Redding, the nearest city about 50 miles west, you climb CA-299 east and then CA-89 north, both two-lane mountain highways with grades, curves, and elevation gain. A big rig or large trailer can make the trip, but drive it slowly, use lower gears on the downgrades to save your brakes, and pull over at turnouts to let faster traffic by. Fuel and groceries are limited in Burney itself, so top off and stock up in Redding before you head up. In winter, carry chains and check road conditions, as snow is common on both highways at these elevations.

Are there free dump stations in Burney?

Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Burney.