Cave Campground

For Californians seeking a camping experience that balances natural beauty with convenient access to unique attractions, Cave Campground in Old Station, CA, stands out as an excellent choice. Nestled within the Lassen National Forest, this campground offers a strategic location for exploring the region’s fascinating volcanic landscapes, enjoying world-class fishing, and embarking on memorable hiking adventures. It’s an ideal destination for those who appreciate a well-maintained site with essential amenities, providing a comfortable base for outdoor exploration in Northern California.

Cave Campground is particularly appealing for its proximity to some of the area's most popular features, including the unique Subway Cave lava tube and the renowned Hat Creek, famous for its trout fishing. While located near a highway, thoughtful site placement and the natural sounds of the creek can contribute to a peaceful atmosphere, making it a suitable spot for families, anglers, and adventurers looking for a balance of activity and relaxation. It’s a place where you can easily transition from a morning of fishing to an afternoon of subterranean exploration, all within a short distance from your campsite.

Cave Campground is conveniently located at Cave Campground, Old Station, CA 96071, USA. This central position in Old Station places it at a hub for exploring the surrounding Lassen Volcanic region and Lassen National Forest. Its accessibility is a significant advantage for campers, as it is situated directly next to a highway. This means paved roads lead right to and through the campground, making it easily reachable for all types of vehicles, including RVs and trailers (up to about 30 feet for RVs and 22 feet for tent sites). No rough, unpaved backroads are required to reach this destination.

The campground's immediate proximity to the highway means visitors should anticipate some traffic noise, especially from larger vehicles like logging trucks. However, many sites are well-distributed, and those closer to Hat Creek often benefit from the sound of the flowing water, which can help to mitigate road noise. Its location directly across from the popular Subway Cave lava tube is a major draw, offering immediate access to this unique geological attraction. Additionally, the campground provides direct access to Hat Creek, a highly regarded trout fishing stream.

For those looking to explore further, Lassen Volcanic National Park is a short drive away, providing extensive hiking opportunities and geothermal features. The Old Station Visitor Information Center is also nearby, serving as a valuable resource for maps, permits, and local insights. The ease of access combined with its strategic location makes Cave Campground a practical and attractive choice for various Northern California adventures.

Cave Campground, managed by the US Forest Service, offers a range of essential services designed to provide a comfortable and functional camping experience. The amenities focus on convenience and basic necessities, ensuring a pleasant stay in the natural setting.

• Campsites: The campground features 46 designated sites that can accommodate tents or trailers. Sites have paved surfaces, and while some are suitable for RVs, they generally have a maximum length of around 30 feet. Each site is designed for up to 6 people and a maximum of 2 vehicles.
• Site Amenities: Every campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for cooking over an open flame and enjoying campfires (always remember to check for and adhere to current fire restrictions).
• Toilets: The campground offers both vault toilets and one bathroom with flush toilets. Reviews consistently highlight that these facilities are well-maintained and clean, a significant plus for campers.
• Potable Water: Drinking water is available on-site through water spigots. This ensures campers have a reliable source of fresh water during their stay. Water services are typically available from late April/May through early October.
• Campground Host: A camp host is generally on-site, providing assistance, answering questions, and maintaining the campground. Visitors frequently praise the camp hosts for being helpful and friendly.
• Trash Collection: Bear-safe trash cans are provided throughout the campground, promoting responsible waste disposal and helping to keep the area clean and safe from wildlife interactions.
• Day Use Parking: Free day-use parking is available, particularly useful for those visiting Hat Creek for fishing or using the restrooms before exploring nearby attractions like Subway Cave.
• Pet-Friendly: The campground is pet-friendly, allowing furry companions to join your adventure. Standard leash laws and responsible pet ownership are expected.

Cave Campground's primary appeal lies in its strategic location and the variety of recreational opportunities it offers right at its doorstep. Its highlights cater to those interested in fishing, unique geological exploration, and general outdoor activities.

• Proximity to Subway Cave: A standout feature is its direct proximity to Subway Cave, a fascinating self-guided lava tube. This unique underground attraction offers an exciting and educational experience for all ages, just across the highway from the campground.
• Excellent Hat Creek Fishing: The campground is situated on the banks of Hat Creek, a renowned stream for trout fishing. Visitors frequently report great success, often seeing "many people coming out with full stringers." This makes it a prime spot for anglers.
• Good Hiking in the Area: The region offers excellent hiking opportunities, including the Spatter Cone Trail nearby. The campground serves as a convenient starting point for various trails in the Lassen National Forest and within short driving distance of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
• Clean and Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistent feedback praises the campground for being "well maintained and clean," particularly highlighting the quality of the flush and vault toilets. This attention to upkeep enhances the overall camping experience.
• Friendly Camp Host: The presence of a "great camp host" is a recurring theme in reviews, contributing to a welcoming and supportive environment for campers.
• Natural Ambiance (with noted traffic): While close to the highway, sites closest to Hat Creek can offer a pleasant ambiance with the sound of the creek, providing some natural buffer to traffic noise. The presence of birds and chipmunks accustomed to visitors adds to the natural feel.
• Strategic Base for Exploration: Its location makes it an ideal base for exploring a wider range of Northern California attractions, including Lassen Volcanic National Park, Burney Falls, and various other forest recreational areas.
• Variety of Site Types: With sites catering to both tents and RVs, and a mix of more exposed and more private spots, the campground can accommodate diverse camping preferences.

For inquiries and to plan your visit to Cave Campground, please use the following contact details. As a US Forest Service campground, specific site reservations or detailed information might be best obtained through the managing district or official federal recreation websites.

Address: Cave Campground, Old Station, CA 96071, USA

For general inquiries, conditions, and information related to Lassen National Forest campgrounds in the Old Station area, you can contact the managing Forest Service office:

Phone: (530) 257-2151 (This number is associated with the Lassen National Forest Supervisor's Office, which typically handles inquiries for campgrounds within its jurisdiction, including Cave Campground.)

It is always recommended to check the official USDA Forest Service website for Lassen National Forest or recreation.gov for the most up-to-date information regarding operating seasons, current fire restrictions, and any reservation policies for Cave Campground. While some campgrounds are first-come, first-served, confirming this directly is advisable, especially during peak travel times in Northern California.

For Californians seeking a well-rounded and easily accessible outdoor adventure, Cave Campground in Old Station is a highly suitable choice. Its prime location makes it a convenient weekend getaway or a central hub for a longer Northern California exploration, minimizing travel time and maximizing outdoor enjoyment. The ease of access directly off a major highway means less stress on the journey, accommodating all vehicle types from passenger cars to RVs.

Locals will particularly appreciate the campground's immediate access to two significant regional highlights: the exceptional trout fishing on Hat Creek and the unique geological wonder of Subway Cave. These attractions offer diverse activities right at your doorstep, catering to both active adventurers and those seeking a relaxing day by the water. The proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park further enhances its appeal, providing a vast playground for hiking, sightseeing, and experiencing California's remarkable volcanic landscapes.

Despite being near a highway, the consistent praise for its cleanliness, well-maintained facilities (including both flush and vault toilets), and the presence of a helpful camp host, ensures a comfortable and positive camping experience. For Californians looking for a practical, amenity-supported, and activity-rich base camp in a scenic part of their home state, Cave Campground offers an excellent blend of convenience, natural beauty, and engaging outdoor opportunities.

Cave Campground

Cave Campground, Old Station, CA 96071, USA