Cherry Hill Campground

For us Californians, finding that perfect blend of natural beauty, affordability, and a genuine escape from the everyday hustle is a treasure. Cherry Hill Campground, nestled in the stunning Lassen National Forest near Forest Ranch, offers just such an experience. This charming campground is not about luxurious amenities, but rather about connecting with nature in its raw, beautiful form. It's a place where the sounds of Butte Creek lull you to sleep, the forest air is crisp and invigorating, and the opportunity to truly disconnect is not just possible, but encouraged.

Cherry Hill Campground has earned a reputation for its clean, large sites and friendly atmosphere, making it a beloved spot for many local campers. Despite its primitive nature, visitors consistently praise its well-kept grounds and the active presence of the Forest Service, ensuring a pleasant and safe environment. For those of us who appreciate the simple joys of camping—a roaring campfire, the scent of pine, and the quiet solitude of the woods—Cherry Hill offers an ideal setting.

One of the defining features of Cherry Hill, and something all prospective campers should note, is the temperature. As many have experienced, it gets "VERY COLD at night," even in the middle of August. This characteristic, due to Butte Creek running along the campground, adds to its unique charm, requiring campers to come prepared with warm layers but rewarding them with refreshing days and crisp, clear nights perfect for stargazing.

Beyond the temperature, Cherry Hill Campground offers a fantastic opportunity for a digital detox. With no cell service, it truly becomes "your time to disconnect from everyday life." This intentional break from screens and notifications allows for deeper engagement with your surroundings, your companions, or simply with your own thoughts. For Californians seeking to truly unwind and recharge in a beautiful, natural setting without breaking the bank, Cherry Hill Campground is a highly recommended destination that promises a memorable and invigorating experience.

Cherry Hill Campground is situated in the scenic Lassen National Forest, near Forest Ranch, CA 95942, USA. This places it in Northern California, within a region renowned for its volcanic landscapes, vast forests, and numerous recreational opportunities. The campground's location directly alongside Butte Creek further enhances its natural appeal and contributes to its unique climate.

Accessibility to Cherry Hill Campground is generally straightforward for most vehicles. While it’s located within a national forest, the roads leading to it are typically well-maintained. From the town of Forest Ranch, which is northeast of Chico, visitors would follow paved roads that transition into Forest Service roads as they approach the campground. There are no indications of particularly rough or high-clearance-only roads, making it accessible to a wider range of vehicles, including standard cars. This ease of access is a significant advantage for those who might not have specialized off-road vehicles but still desire a genuine forest camping experience.

Despite its relatively easy access, Cherry Hill Campground feels wonderfully remote. The lack of cell service is a testament to its secluded nature, allowing campers to truly unplug and immerse themselves in the natural environment. While this can be a highlight for many, it's also important to be prepared for the lack of connectivity. However, if needed, a quick 6-mile drive up the road can reportedly get you cell service, offering a convenient option for emergencies or quick check-ins.

The campground's proximity to Butte Creek provides not only a beautiful natural feature but also influences the local microclimate, contributing to the noticeably colder nights. For Californians traveling from various parts of the state, reaching Cherry Hill Campground offers a chance to experience a distinct part of the Lassen National Forest, characterized by its refreshing coolness, lush surroundings, and a peaceful atmosphere. It's a place where the journey itself transitions you from urban life to a serene wilderness retreat.

• Designated Campsites: Offers numerous individual campsites, noted for being clean and large, providing ample space for campers.
• Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, allowing for campfires (always check for current fire restrictions, especially during California's dry season).
• Provided Firewood (Unprocessed): Forest Service staff are reported to cut rounds of wood for each campsite; campers should bring an axe to split it into smaller pieces.
• Accessible Restrooms: Features accessible restrooms (likely vault toilets), which are frequently praised for being well-kept and clean.
• Hand Pump Water Sources: Provides hand-pump water wells for potable water. Campers should bring a wide-mouth container (like a water pitcher) for easier collection.
• No Cell Service: Offers a deliberate lack of cell phone connectivity, encouraging campers to disconnect from technology.
• Well-Maintained Grounds: The campground is regularly maintained by the Forest Service, ensuring cleanliness and good condition.
• Affordable Price: Noted by reviewers as having a very reasonable price for the camping experience offered.
• Quiet Atmosphere: Fosters a quiet camping environment, with no loud music or excessive noise, even on holiday weekends.
• Butte Creek Access: The campground runs along Butte Creek, offering direct access to the stream.

• Beautiful Lassen National Forest Location: Nestled in a stunning natural setting within the Lassen National Forest, known for its scenic beauty.
• Butte Creek Proximity: The charming Butte Creek runs along the campground, providing soothing sounds and influencing the cool night temperatures.
• Exceptionally Clean & Well-Maintained: Frequently praised for its very clean accessible restrooms and overall well-kept grounds.
• Large, Spacious Campsites: Offers generously sized campsites, providing a sense of privacy and comfort.
• True Digital Detox: The complete lack of cell service is a major highlight for those actively seeking to disconnect from technology and daily life.
• Affordable Camping: Provides a high-value camping experience at a very reasonable price point.
• Quiet and Friendly Atmosphere: Known for being quiet after 9 pm, even on holiday weekends, and fostering a friendly environment among campers.
• Provided Firewood (Uncut): The unique service of providing cut firewood rounds (for campers to split) adds convenience, though an axe is necessary.
• Cold Nights, Even in Summer: The consistently cold nights (even in August) offer a refreshing contrast to California's heat, appealing to those who enjoy cooler temperatures for sleeping.
• Walkable Grounds: The beautiful grounds are pleasant for walking and exploring within the campground area.
• Opportunities for Exploration: While primitive, the surrounding national forest offers extensive opportunities for hiking, nature observation, and other outdoor activities.
• Star-Gazing: Away from urban light pollution, the clear, cold nights are ideal for stargazing.

Address: Forest Ranch, CA 95942, USA (Cherry Hill Campground is located within the Lassen National Forest near this address.)

Phone: (530) 257-2151 (This number is for the Lassen National Forest, or a specific Ranger District within it, which manages Cherry Hill Campground.)

Mobile Phone: +1 530-257-2151 (Same as above, directs to the National Forest or Ranger District.)

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding Cherry Hill Campground, including operating seasons, current conditions (like fire restrictions, water availability, or road status), and any specific regulations, it is highly recommended to contact the Lassen National Forest directly via the provided phone numbers. While the campground is generally first-come, first-served, calling ahead can provide crucial insights into typical occupancy, especially during peak times. Their knowledgeable staff can offer essential details to help you prepare for the cold nights and ensure a safe and enjoyable primitive camping experience. You can also visit the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Lassen National Forest for additional resources and alerts before your trip.

For us Californians, Cherry Hill Campground stands out as an exceptional choice for a genuine, no-frills outdoor adventure right here in our beautiful state. It’s perfectly suited for locals who seek a truly immersive forest experience, emphasizing natural beauty, tranquility, and a much-needed break from the constant connectivity of modern life.

Its suitability stems from several key features that resonate with our local outdoor culture. The campground's location in Lassen National Forest provides a stunning backdrop of pine-filled landscapes and the refreshing presence of Butte Creek. We, as Californians, often seek cooler temperatures during our hotter months, and the notoriously cold nights at Cherry Hill offer a unique and invigorating contrast, making it a perfect summer escape for those who pack warm layers.

The commitment to a quiet and friendly atmosphere is a significant draw. In a state where many popular campgrounds can become crowded and noisy, Cherry Hill maintains a peaceful ambiance, allowing for true relaxation and enjoyment of nature’s sounds. This, combined with the complete lack of cell service, creates an intentional digital detox, empowering us to disconnect, recharge, and reconnect with our surroundings and companions without digital distractions. This deliberate separation from screens is a luxury many of us actively seek.

Furthermore, the practical amenities, like the remarkably clean flush bathrooms and readily available hand-pump water, enhance the primitive camping experience without detracting from its rustic charm. The Forest Service's diligence in maintaining the grounds and even providing firewood rounds (for splitting) shows a commitment to the camper's experience while promoting responsible forest use. For any Californian looking for an affordable, serene, and authentic camping adventure that encourages preparedness and offers a true escape into the wild, Cherry Hill Campground in Lassen National Forest is an outstanding choice that promises memorable moments under the stars.

Cherry Hill Campground

Forest Ranch, CA 95942, USA