The Burney Falls Hat Creek KOA is a privately owned campground located in Hat Creek, California. One of its biggest strengths is its location. It sits between Burney Falls Memorial State Park and Lassen Volcanic National Park, making it a convenient home base for exploring this part of Northern California.
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This review covers campsite layout, amenities, activities, and nearby attractions to help you decide if Hat Creek KOA is a good fit for your camping style.
Hookups & Dump Station
Hat Creek KOA allows both tent camping and RV camping, with a maximum trailer length of up to 100 feet, making it suitable even for larger rigs.
All RV sites are full hookup sites, including:
- Water
- Electricity
- Sewer
Because every RV site includes sewer hookups, there is no dump station at the campground. While that may seem unusual at first, there’s simply no need for one. Drinking water is also available on site.
Campsite Layout & Amenities
The parking pads at Hat Creek KOA are lightly graveled dirt. Campsites are very small and fairly close together, with little space beyond the parking pad. This is the type of campground we often describe as “camping in a parking lot.”
It can work well if you’re camping with a group or if full hookups are a priority, but it offers very little privacy and isn’t ideal if you prefer space or a more secluded camping experience.
Each campsite includes:
- A picnic table
- A low-profile, in-ground fire pit with a cooking grate
There are no bear boxes provided at the campsites.
Cabins
In addition to tent and RV sites, Burney Falls Hat Creek KOA also offers cabin accommodations.
There are three standard cabins located near the general store that sleep up to four people. These cabins include a queen bed, a bunk bed, and a bathroom, making them a comfortable option for families who want the camping experience without bringing an RV or tent.
On the opposite side of the campground, there is also a larger cabin with an additional room and more sleeping space. From the outside, it looked spacious and well maintained, and it could be a good option for larger families or groups.
Road Noise Consideration
Some campsites, specifically sites 30-35, are located very close to the main highway. Traffic moves fast, and road noise can be significant, especially at night. Light sleepers or families with young kids may want to avoid sites near the road if possible.
Facilities & Supplies
The facilities at Hat Creek KOA are clean and well maintained.
- Flush toilets
- Showers
- Trash disposal throughout the campground
The campground also includes:
- A general store with basic supplies
- A laundromat
- A small on-site restaurant with very limited hours
Internet
There was no cell service available with our Verizon coverage.
Free WiFi is available, but it’s primarily accessible near the general store and front office. Once you move farther into the campground, the signal drops off quickly.
Trees & Animals
The campground is surrounded by a mix of pine and cedar trees, giving the area a classic Northern California feel.
Wildlife you may see around camp includes:
- Birds, including eagles
- Chipmunks
- Ducks and geese at the pond
- Frogs near the water
Activities
Hat Creek KOA offers a wide variety of activities, making it especially appealing for families.
At the Campground
Play Areas & Community Spaces
On-site amenities include:
- A playground with a play structure, swings, and a tire swing
- Basketball hoop and tetherball
- Open areas for bike riding
There is also a community area with:
- Barbecues
- An indoor hangout space
- A kitchen area
- Air hockey and ping pong table
The indoor space can get quite warm, but it’s still a fun place for kids to hang out.
Petting Zoo & Dog Run
One unique feature of this campground is the small petting zoo, which includes sheep and goats. You can stop by the store for a free cup of feed and feed the animals. This was something our kids really enjoyed.
There is also a dog run if you’re camping with pets.
Fishing Pond
The campground has a pond that allows catch-and-release fishing. Several campsites are located right along the pond.
Important note: bait is not allowed when fishing in the pond.
While fishing success at the pond seems limited, many campers enjoy the convenience of being able to fish right from their campsite.
Nearby Activities
Hat Creek Fishing
Hat Creek is located just outside the campground, with several roadside access points only a short drive away. Old Station is less than 10 minutes away and is a convenient place to pick up bait and fishing supplies.
Hat Creek is a popular trout fishing destination, though success often requires hiking farther along the creek. While we didn’t have much luck, the kids still enjoyed practicing casting and spending time by the water.
Subway Cave (8 Minutes Away)
Subway Cave is only 8 minutes from Hat Creek KOA and is a fun stop, especially on hot days. The cave stays cool year-round and is formed by lava, with a rocky and uneven floor.
Things to know:
- Bring a flashlight, it’s very dark
- Wear sturdy shoes
- Bring a jacket, even in summer
- Dogs are not allowed inside the cave
There is, however, a trail above the cave that runs from the entrance to the exit and is dog-friendly.
Burney Falls Memorial State Park (24 Minutes Away)
Burney Falls Memorial State Park is about 24 minutes from the campground and features one of California’s most iconic waterfalls. You can view the falls from the parking lot or take an easy hike to get closer.
We’ve visited Burney Falls separately and have a dedicated Burney Falls guide covering what to do there.
Lassen Volcanic National Park (30 Minutes Away)
Roughly the same distance in the opposite direction is Lassen Volcanic National Park, a great place for hiking and exploring volcanic landscapes.
Highlights include:
- Scenic hiking trails
- Manzanita Lake, another popular fishing spot
This is another location we’ve visited separately and we have a dedicated Manzanita Lake guide covering what to do there.
Camping Costs
RV site prices at Hat Creek KOA typically range from $79–$92 per night, depending on site type.
Best Campsites
- Site 18 – One of the best trailer sites in the campground, offering a small amount of extra space compared to others.
- Sites 19 & 20 – These sites work well together and provide some shared space. Cabin 4 is located across the road and could be a good option for groups that include cabin campers.
Recap
This campground’s biggest strength is its location. Being roughly half an hour from both Burney Falls and Lassen Volcanic National Park makes it a convenient basecamp if you want to explore multiple destinations without moving camp.
While the campsites are small, privacy is limited, and road noise can be an issue in some areas, Hat Creek KOA can be a good option for families traveling in a group or for campers who specifically need full hookups.
Here’s a summary of the items you need to know before visiting Burney Falls / Hat Creek KOA:
| Tents Allowed | Yes |
| Trailers Allowed | Yes |
| Max Trailer Length | 100 Feet |
| Hookups | Yes; Full water, electric, and sewer hookups |
| Drinking Water | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Flush Toilets | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Internet | None |
| Cost | $79-$92/night |
Campground Details:
Burney Falls / Hat Creek KOA Holiday
15565 Black Angus Ln, Hat Creek, CA 96040
Can reserve online at koa.com. Reservations open 1 year ahead.
