Mill Creek Falls Campground

For Californians seeking a tranquil escape into the heart of nature, far from the bustling crowds of more well-known destinations, Mill Creek Falls Campground in Eagleville offers a truly refreshing experience. Nestled within the picturesque Modoc National Forest, this "great campground" provides a serene and beautiful setting for those who appreciate quietude, clean facilities, and direct access to stunning natural features like waterfalls and scenic trails. It's an ideal spot for locals looking to reconnect with the wilderness and enjoy the peace that only California's lesser-known gems can offer.

Mill Creek Falls Campground is particularly appealing for its intimate size, typically featuring around 20 campsites, which contributes to its "quiet and pretty" atmosphere. This allows for a more personal and undisturbed camping experience, a welcome change for those who often find popular campgrounds overcrowded. Its location on the edge of the South Warner Wilderness further enhances its appeal, inviting campers to explore a truly wild and captivating landscape.

Whether you're an avid hiker, a keen wildlife observer, or simply looking for a peaceful spot to relax under a canopy of pines, Mill Creek Falls Campground provides the perfect backdrop. It's a testament to the diverse natural beauty found across our Golden State, offering an authentic outdoor adventure for any Californian ready to discover a hidden treasure.

Mill Creek Falls Campground is located in Eagleville, CA 96110, USA, specifically within the Modoc National Forest. It sits at the south end of the Warner Mountains, nestled in thick pine forests above Jess Valley, and is on the edge of the South Warner Wilderness. Its elevation provides a pleasant climate, especially during the warmer months.

Access to the campground is generally considered "easy," making it a convenient weekend getaway for many. From Alturas, a common approach is to travel south on US Highway 395 for approximately 18 miles to Likely, CA. From there, turn east on County Road 64/Jess Valley Rd for 3.2 miles to Blue Lake Road and West Warner Road. A left turn (northeast) onto West Warner Road for 2.5 miles leads to Mill Creek Road, where you turn right and follow the signs directly to Mill Creek Falls Campground. While it is noted that the last few miles involve a dirt road, it is generally passable for most vehicles, including small trailers or RVs, though some sources advise that it's "best suited for tents."

The campground's location offers immediate access to the South Warner Wilderness, with a trailhead directly within the campground that leads to Mill Creek Falls and beyond. This excellent accessibility to both the campground and its recreational features makes it a prime choice for Californians eager to explore this stunning, less-traveled region of their state.

Mill Creek Falls Campground, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, offers a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable primitive camping experience. Based on consistent customer reviews and official information, here's what you can expect:

• Campsites with Basic Amenities: The campground features "maybe 20 campsites," with official sources specifying 19 single-family campsites. These sites are "best suited for tents," though a "few can fit a small trailer or RV" (up to 22 feet). Each campsite is equipped with a "table, fire ring and grate," providing the essentials for cooking and gathering.
• Clean Restrooms: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of the facilities, noting "clean pit toilets" and that "The Forest Services keeps clean toilets." While they are vault (pit) toilets, their consistent maintenance is a significant positive. Restrooms are also "accessible with assistance."
• Potable Water: The campground offers "potable water" via "piped water in the campground." However, it's important to note that "Water systems are off, and water is no longer available for the season!" outside of the typical early June to late October operating season, so checking current conditions is advisable.
• Bear-Resistant Waste Management: "Bear garbage cans" and "recycle container" are provided, which is crucial for safe food storage and waste disposal in bear country. This also helps maintain the cleanliness of the campground.
• First-Come, First-Served Sites: All 19 campsites are operated on a "first-come, first-served" basis. This means advance reservations are not accepted, requiring campers to arrive early, especially during peak times, to secure a spot.
• Firewood & Food Storage: Fires are permitted only in provided fireplaces, and gathering of dead and down wood is allowed. Food storage lockers are available at some sites or in common areas, essential for bear country.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash, and owners are expected to clean up after them.

Mill Creek Falls Campground boasts several compelling features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for Californians seeking a tranquil and nature-filled outdoor experience:

• Stunning Waterfall and Lake Access: A major highlight is the "Nice waterfall and lake to hike to." A "trailhead to the falls and beyond" is conveniently located within the campground. The "short 1/2 mile uphill to the Mill Creek Falls overlook may become your favorite day hike," and campers can continue "up to Clear Lake and make the loop around the lake" (totaling 2 1/4 miles). This direct access to a natural wonder is a significant draw.
• Quiet and Beautiful Atmosphere: Visitors consistently describe the campground as "Quiet and pretty." Its small size, "maybe 20 campsites," contributes to a peaceful and less crowded environment, allowing for true relaxation and enjoyment of nature.
• Dense Pine Forest Setting: The campground is "sits in a dense pine forest" with "thick pine forests," providing ample shade and a classic forest camping ambiance. This natural setting is ideal for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of the woods.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: The consistently "clean pit toilets" and the presence of bear-resistant garbage cans and recycle containers are notable features that enhance the camping experience, ensuring comfort and responsible waste management.
• Excellent Trail System: Beyond the falls, the campground serves as a gateway to the "70 plus miles of trails in the South Warner Wilderness," offering extensive opportunities for "hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and dirt biking" for both day-hikers and backpackers.
• Wildlife Viewing and Stargazing: The remote, natural setting provides abundant opportunities for "wildlife viewing" and "stargazing," with the Modoc National Forest known for its dark skies.
• Proximity to Fishing: "Stream fishing is available in Mill Creek and South Fork Fitzhugh Creek, just a few miles drive from Mill Creek Falls Campground. Poison Creek is a four mile hike from the campground." The South Fork of the Pit River, also nearby, is stocked with trout, making it appealing for anglers.
• Accessible for Day Use: There is "ample parking for day hikers and backpackers in addition to campsites," allowing non-campers to enjoy the trails and falls.

For Californians planning a serene getaway to Mill Creek Falls Campground, here is the essential contact information:

Address: Eagleville, CA 96110, USA

Phone: (530) 279-6116

Mobile Phone: +1 530-279-6116

The provided phone numbers are associated with the Warner Mountain Ranger District of the Modoc National Forest, which manages Mill Creek Falls Campground. Since all sites are first-come, first-served, calling ahead is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons (typically early June to late October), to inquire about campsite availability and current conditions, such as water system status and any fire restrictions. This will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to this beautiful Modoc National Forest gem.

Mill Creek Falls Campground is an ideal destination for Californians seeking a peaceful, beautiful, and authentic outdoor experience within their home state. For locals, its primary appeal lies in its ability to offer a genuine escape from the crowds often found at more popular California parks. The campground's intimate size and "quiet and pretty" atmosphere foster a sense of tranquility, allowing visitors to truly relax and immerse themselves in nature.

The direct access to a "Nice waterfall and lake to hike to" directly from the campground's trailhead is a significant draw, providing immediate opportunities for scenic walks and exploration of the South Warner Wilderness. The consistently "clean pit toilets" and bear-resistant waste containers reflect a well-maintained site, enhancing the comfort and safety of the camping experience, which is always a priority for California campers.

Furthermore, its location within the Modoc National Forest provides a gateway to extensive hiking and biking trails, excellent fishing streams, and abundant opportunities for wildlife viewing and stargazing—activities that resonate deeply with California's outdoor culture. Mill Creek Falls Campground offers locals a chance to discover a serene and unpretentious slice of California's natural beauty, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate simplicity, stunning landscapes, and a genuine connection with the wild heart of their state.

Mill Creek Falls Campground

Eagleville, CA 96110, USA