Honn Campground

For Californians, the vast and varied landscapes of our state offer endless opportunities for outdoor escapes. From the dramatic coastlines to towering mountain ranges, there's a perfect spot for every kind of adventurer. Nestled in the scenic Hat Creek area, Honn Campground stands out as a charming and practical choice for those seeking a tranquil retreat, especially if you have a passion for fishing. This article is designed to introduce local users to Honn Campground, highlighting its unique features, convenient location, and why it's a suitable spot for your next Northern California outdoor experience.

Honn Campground, while perhaps not as widely known as some larger state parks, holds a special place for those who have discovered its quiet charm. As one returning visitor noted, they first stayed here "a very long time ago," attesting to its enduring appeal. The campground's setting along Hat Creek, renowned for its excellent trout fishing, makes it a prime destination for anglers. Beyond fishing, its abundant shade, even in the height of summer, offers a refreshing sanctuary from the California sun. It's a place where you can meet "great people" and create lasting memories, all while enjoying the simple pleasures of nature. While its proximity to the highway is mentioned, the overall positive experience, particularly for short stays, and the excellent natural features make it a truly worthwhile stop.

Honn Campground is located in the scenic Hat Creek area of California, with the address Hat Creek, CA 96040, USA. This places it within the Lassen National Forest, a region renowned for its volcanic landscapes, pristine forests, and abundant recreational opportunities. Its specific positioning provides a balance of natural immersion and convenient access, making it appealing to a wide range of campers.

A key aspect of Honn Campground's location, as noted in reviews, is its proximity to the highway. While this means some road noise might be present, it also provides "easy access to the highway and other spots to fish along the creek," simplifying travel for those exploring multiple fishing areas or passing through. The campground is situated along the banks of Hat Creek, a significant draw for anglers, offering immediate access to its "full of trout" waters. This stream flows "very well all year round," ensuring consistent opportunities for fishing enthusiasts.

In terms of regional accessibility, Honn Campground is conveniently located about "10 minutes or so from town and shopping," meaning essential supplies and amenities are within a short drive. It's also approximately the same distance to Lake Britton and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, expanding the range of nearby attractions for day trips. This strategic location offers campers the best of both worlds: a natural setting with the convenience of nearby services and popular recreational sites.

Honn Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offers a relatively primitive yet well-maintained camping experience, focusing on essential amenities that support a comfortable stay in a natural setting. While not a full-service RV park, it provides the fundamental facilities necessary for enjoyable outdoor living. Based on common offerings for such campgrounds and specific mentions in reviews, here are the services you can expect:

• Designated Campsites: Honn Campground features individual campsites suitable for tents and smaller RVs (max RV length typically 20 ft). Each site generally includes a cleared area for camping.

• Picnic Tables: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and gathering.

• Fire Rings/Barbecues: Sites include fire rings or barbecues, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires for warmth and cooking, though visitors should always be aware of and adhere to any fire restrictions in place due to dry conditions.

• Clean Restrooms: Customer reviews specifically highlight "Clean restrooms," indicating well-maintained vault toilets. It's important to note that these are typically basic, non-flush facilities.

• No Potable Water: It's commonly reported that Honn Campground does not offer potable (drinking) water. Campers must bring their own water supply for drinking, cooking, and washing, or have a reliable method for water purification.

• Shaded Sites: While not a direct "service," the excellent shade provided by the trees is a significant natural amenity that greatly enhances comfort, especially during midsummer. This is a highly valued feature by campers.

• Pet-Friendly: As is common in many Forest Service campgrounds, pets are generally allowed but must be kept on a leash and under control.

Visitors are expected to practice Leave No Trace principles, ensuring that all trash is packed out and the natural environment is preserved for future enjoyment.

Honn Campground, despite its relatively simple amenities, boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a cherished destination for many Californian campers. Customer reviews offer excellent insights into what makes this spot special:

• Excellent Shade: A consistently praised feature, the campground offers "excellent shade," particularly beneficial "in midsummer." This natural canopy provides a cool and comfortable environment, making even hot days enjoyable at the campsite.

• Creek-Side Setting: The campground is directly situated along Hat Creek, a major highlight. Reviewers note that the "Creek flows through very well all year round," offering a soothing natural soundtrack and direct access to the water.

• Prime Fishing Opportunities: Hat Creek is renowned for its trout fishing, and Honn Campground provides "easy access to the highway and other spots to fish along the creek and even Baum and Crystal lakes." One reviewer even speculated, "by the way the creek looks good so maybe the fishing will be excellent this year!" It's a "beautiful place Hat Creek is full of trout." This makes it an ideal "good place to stage if someone is fishing Hat Creek."

• Clean Restrooms: The specific mention of "Clean restrooms" in reviews is a significant highlight, as well-maintained facilities greatly enhance the camping experience at more rustic campgrounds.

• Friendly Atmosphere and Community: One reviewer enthusiastically shared, "Met some great people there and are still friends with them," suggesting a welcoming and communal atmosphere at the campground.

• Proximity to Local Attractions: Beyond fishing, the campground's location is a highlight for its easy access (about 10 minutes) to "town and shopping," as well as "Lake Britton and State Park." This means diverse recreational and practical needs are met nearby.

• Quick Turnover: The reviewer noting that "the campground is usually full although the turnover is pretty quick" indicates its popularity and perhaps the efficiency of site availability for those planning shorter stays.

These features combine to create a highly appealing experience, especially for those who prioritize excellent fishing, natural beauty, and a peaceful environment over extensive modern amenities.

To plan your visit to Honn Campground or to inquire about its current operating status (especially as one review mentioned "although not open yet" at the time of writing), it's best to contact the managing authority, the Lassen National Forest. Here is the relevant contact information:

Address:

Hat Creek, CA 96040, USA

Phone:

(800) 832-1355 (This is a general reservation line, likely for recreation.gov or similar national forest reservation services)

Mobile Phone:

+1 800-832-1355

For specific local information about Honn Campground's opening dates, conditions, or site availability, it is highly recommended to contact the Hat Creek Ranger District directly. While a direct phone for Honn Campground isn't provided, the general phone number for Lassen National Forest (or Hat Creek Ranger District) can provide real-time updates:

Lassen National Forest - Hat Creek Ranger District:

Address: 43231 Highway 299 E, Fall River Mills, CA 96028

Phone: 530-336-5521 (This number is often associated with inquiries for campgrounds in the Hat Creek area, including Honn Campground, within the Lassen National Forest.)

Checking the official U.S. Forest Service website for Lassen National Forest or Recreation.gov for reservations and up-to-date information is also advisable before planning your trip.

For Californians, Honn Campground in Hat Creek offers a particularly suitable and appealing option for an outdoor escape, perfectly blending natural beauty with practical convenience. Its suitability for locals stems from its prime location, its excellent natural features, and its specific appeal to popular California pastimes.

Firstly, the campground's setting directly on Hat Creek, a renowned trout fishing destination, makes it an ideal spot for anglers across California. For those passionate about fly fishing or simply enjoying a relaxing day by the water, the consistent flow of the creek "all year round" and the potential for "excellent" fishing provide a compelling reason to visit. The fact that it's "a good place to stage if someone is fishing Hat Creek and wants easy access to the highway and other spots to fish along the creek and even Baum and Crystal lakes" speaks directly to the needs of local fishing enthusiasts who understand the regional nuances.

Secondly, the "excellent shade," particularly valuable "in midsummer," is a significant draw for Californians looking to escape the often intense heat of the warmer months. This natural cooling, combined with the refreshing presence of the creek, creates a comfortable and inviting atmosphere for relaxation and outdoor activities. The "clean restrooms" further enhance comfort, even in a more primitive setting.

Finally, while "next to the highway" might be a minor downside for some, for many locals, this translates to "easy access" and less travel time, making it convenient for short, spontaneous trips. Its proximity to "town and shopping" and other popular destinations like Lake Britton and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park means that campers have both wilderness immersion and essential amenities or additional recreational options within a short drive. Honn Campground, with its enduring charm, focus on fishing, and welcoming natural environment, truly offers a slice of authentic California outdoor living that resonates deeply with local users.

Honn Campground

Hat Creek, CA 96040, USA