Hawkins Landing Campground

For California locals yearning for a picturesque and serene camping experience amidst stunning natural beauty, Hawkins Landing Campground near Big Bend offers an ideal retreat. Situated on the shores of Iron Canyon Reservoir, this hidden gem is a go-to spot for those who appreciate clean sites, a tranquil environment, and direct access to water activities. Despite a slightly adventurous drive to get there, the rewards of this beautiful lakeside escape are well worth the journey, making it a favorite for many California outdoor enthusiasts.

Hawkins Landing Campground is a highly-regarded, although somewhat rustic, camping destination located near Big Bend, California. It's a facility operated by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) and offers a more natural and less developed camping experience compared to many larger state or national park campgrounds. Visitors consistently describe it as "gorgeous" and their "go to camping spot," highlighting its undeniable appeal. The campground is celebrated for its cleanliness, with one reviewer noting, "It's always clean and its so much fun." This commitment to a tidy environment significantly enhances the overall enjoyment for campers.

Hawkins Landing is particularly well-suited for water activities, with a boat ramp providing easy access to Iron Canyon Reservoir, making it "amazing for kayaking." While fishing can be a popular activity, as one camper humorously noted, they "always fish but rarely catch anything," suggesting it's more about the experience than the harvest, though "big trout" are known to be in the lake. Despite lacking showers and piped water, the presence of clean vault toilets and individual amenities like fire pits and picnic tables makes for a comfortable, self-sufficient stay. The straightforward $10 daily fee, paid via a money box, speaks to the relaxed and trust-based management of this charming lakeside retreat.

Hawkins Landing Campground is located at Big Bend, CA 96011, USA, specifically situated on the Iron Canyon Reservoir. This puts it within the vast and beautiful Shasta-Trinity National Forest region of Northern California. While the address indicates its general area, accessing the campground requires navigating some unpaved sections.

Accessibility to Hawkins Landing is a key point highlighted by visitors. It's described as "not the easiest to get to because of the potholes on the drive up but it's worth it." This suggests that the final approach to the campground involves a dirt or gravel road that may have rough patches. While many standard vehicles can likely make the journey, drivers should be prepared for uneven surfaces and potentially take it slow. The campground is generally suitable for tents and trailers, with 10 sites available. Its setting within forested terrain with a mix of trees and open spaces contributes to its natural charm. Being about 1 hour 35 minutes from Redding, it's a manageable drive for many Northern California residents looking for a tranquil getaway. The effort to reach it often contributes to its less crowded feel and the sense of having truly escaped into nature.

• Designated Campsites: Hawkins Landing offers 10 sites specifically for tents and trailers. These sites provide a dedicated space for campers to set up.
• Vault Toilets: Restroom facilities are available in the form of vault toilets. While basic, these are maintained for cleanliness, as noted by a reviewer: "They have restrooms but no showers or water."
• No Showers or Piped Water: Campers should be prepared for a rustic experience, as there are no shower facilities or piped (potable) water directly at the campsites. Visitors need to bring their own drinking water.
• Fire Pits with BBQ Grates: Each campsite is equipped with a fire pit that includes a BBQ grate. This allows campers to enjoy campfires for warmth and atmosphere, as well as cook meals over an open flame (always check for current fire restrictions).
• Picnic Tables: Every campsite also comes with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for dining, meal preparation, or simply relaxing.
• Boat Ramp: A significant amenity for water enthusiasts, the campground features a boat ramp, providing easy access to Iron Canyon Reservoir for various boating activities.
• Self-Pay System: The campground operates on a self-pay system. Visitors put their daily fee (around $10, as noted in a review) into a money box, typically found near the entrance or an information board.
• Cleanliness: The campground is consistently noted for being "always clean," indicating good maintenance by the operating entity (PG&E).

• Gorgeous Lakeside Setting: Hawkins Landing is celebrated for its stunning location directly on Iron Canyon Reservoir. The "beautiful beach area" and clear water make for an idyllic backdrop to any camping trip.
• Excellent for Kayaking: The calm waters of Iron Canyon Reservoir, accessed via the on-site boat ramp, make it "amazing for kayaking" and other non-motorized boating activities, perfect for serene paddles.
• Trout Fishing Opportunities: Iron Canyon Reservoir is known to hold "big trout," including Rainbow and Brook Trout, offering good fishing prospects for anglers. Despite a humorous note from a reviewer about rare catches, the potential is certainly there.
• Quiet and Peaceful Atmosphere: While not explicitly stated, the general tone of reviews suggests a tranquil environment, ideal for those seeking to escape noise and enjoy nature's sounds.
• Consistent Cleanliness: Campers frequently praise the campground for being "always clean," ensuring a pleasant and hygienic outdoor experience.
• Scenic Forested Surroundings: The campground is surrounded by forested terrain, providing a mix of shade and open spaces, with opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.
• Wildlife Viewing: The natural setting, particularly the lake and surrounding forest, offers opportunities for wildlife spotting, from various bird species to other forest inhabitants.
• Affordable Camping: With a reported daily fee of around $10, Hawkins Landing offers a very affordable camping option, making it accessible for budget-conscious travelers.
• Less Crowded: Due to the slightly challenging access, the campground tends to be less crowded than more easily reachable destinations, offering a greater sense of solitude.

Hawkins Landing Campground is a facility operated by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). While the provided information doesn't include a direct phone number for the campground itself, general inquiries or more detailed information about PG&E recreation areas can often be found through their larger recreation management offices.

Address: Big Bend, CA 96011, USA (This is the physical location of the campground.)

General PG&E Recreation Information Phone: (916) 386-5164 (This number is sometimes listed for PG&E facilities in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest area and can be a starting point for inquiries about Hawkins Landing).

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on fees, current conditions, any fire restrictions, or operational details, it is highly recommended to check the official PG&E Recreation website or contact the Shasta-Trinity National Forest office if it falls under their broader management. Given it's a self-pay, first-come, first-served campground, direct communication about site availability might not always be possible.

Hawkins Landing Campground is an ideal and highly suitable destination for California locals, especially those residing in Northern California, who are searching for an authentic, tranquil, and budget-friendly outdoor escape. For Californians who appreciate a more rustic experience and are willing to navigate a few potholes to reach a truly beautiful spot, this campground offers immense rewards.

Its direct access to Iron Canyon Reservoir makes it a paradise for water enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy kayaking and the peaceful pursuit of trout fishing. The consistently clean environment, coupled with the essential amenities of fire pits and picnic tables, provides a comfortable base for self-sufficient camping. The affordability, at just around $10 a day, makes it an attractive option for extended stays, allowing locals to truly immerse themselves in the natural surroundings without breaking the bank.

Hawkins Landing embodies the spirit of California's diverse outdoor offerings – a place where you can disconnect, enjoy the serene sounds of nature, and create lasting memories by the water. For locals, it's not just a campground; it's a cherished "go to" spot that represents the accessible beauty and peaceful retreats hidden within their own state's vast landscapes, offering a refreshing break from the everyday hustle.

Hawkins Landing Campground

Big Bend, CA 96011, USA