Bridge Campground
4.639 reviewsBridge Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee for overnight camping is $10 per night for single sites. Each additional vehicle is $5 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Pass holders receive a 50% discount on the single site fee. All fees are payable by cash or check.
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About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of Hat Creek, this charming campground offers a perfect blend of wilderness and comfort. Natural rock fire rings dot the landscape, inviting you to gather around crackling flames under starlit skies. The Fishermen's Trail beckons anglers and hikers alike, winding alongside the creek's gentle currents. Each campsite tells its own story – some offer intimate seclusion among the pines, while others create opportunities for new friendships with fellow adventurers. Despite its developed amenities and convenient day-use parking, the campground maintains an authentic, cozy atmosphere that makes you feel instantly at home in nature.
Bridge Campground caters to campers with tents or small RVs, providing basic amenities and a rustic, scenic environment.
Historical SignificanceYour basecamp sits at the crossroads of geological wonder. Just a short drive away, the mysterious Subway Cave awaits – a lava tube that tells the ancient story of this volcanic landscape. The majestic peaks and geothermal features of Lassen Volcanic National Park rise on the horizon, offering endless opportunities to explore one of America's most dynamic volcanic regions. This area has long captivated visitors with its unique blend of fire and water, mountain and meadow.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic beauty of Northern California's changing seasons at 3,800 feet. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with temperatures that demand cozy sleeping bags and the occasional dusting of snow on pine boughs. As spring melts into summer, the campground awakens to warm days perfect for creek-side adventures, though afternoon temperatures can climb to sweltering heights. The dry mountain air keeps humidity at bay, creating ideal conditions for stargazing and comfortable camping throughout the warmer months.
ElevationPerched at 3,800 feet in the heart of Lassen National Forest, this mountain retreat offers the perfect elevation for four-season camping. The volcanic origins of the land are evident everywhere you look – ancient lava rock mingles with soft beds of pine needles, creating a unique tapestry underfoot. This elevation provides relief from valley heat while remaining accessible year-round, offering that sweet spot where mountain air meets comfort.
Natural Features and SceneryHat Creek's crystal-clear waters serve as the campground's centerpiece, its gentle murmur providing nature's soundtrack to your stay. Towering mixed conifers create a living cathedral overhead – majestic Sugar pines drop their distinctive long cones, while aromatic cedars perfume the air. Volcanic rock formations add dramatic texture to the landscape, while hardy manzanita shrubs paint splashes of red-barked beauty around select campsites. The interplay of water, stone, and forest creates an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty.
Geological RegionWelcome to the Hat Creek Recreation Area, where the raw power of Lassen National Forest's volcanic past meets the serene beauty of mountain streams. This remarkable landscape tells a story written in stone and forest – ancient lava flows now carpeted with pine needles, and mixed conifer forests that have reclaimed the volcanic terrain. Majestic cedars and Sugar pines stand as sentinels over a land shaped by fire and time, creating a unique ecosystem where geological history and natural beauty converge in perfect harmony.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe vault toilets are wheelchair accessible, but further details on accessibility around the campground are not provided.
Sites SizeSites are described as cozy, with parking aprons paved and tight interior roads suitable for smaller setups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies, ranging from minimal to good. Some campsites are surrounded by middlestory vegetation like manzanita and young conifers.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring your own drinking water, as potable water is not available.
Best CampsitesNot specified.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check in after 3:00 PM
Check-out
Check out by 2:00 PM
Stay Limit
14 day limit
Groups
No group camping sites or information specific to group reservations is provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle loop through mixed conifer forest.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen weekend before Memorial Day through the first hard freeze.
Reservation PlatformsNot specified, reservations may apply.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-serve availability as stated.
Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bridge Campground offers activities centered around its natural setting. Fishing along Hat Creek is a highlight, with trout species like Rainbow, Brown, and Brook available. Hiking options include the 4-mile Hat Creek Trail and the 1.5-mile Spattercone Trail. Wildlife viewing opportunities and other passive recreational activities also abound.
Hiking
Two trails are accessible from the campground: the 4-mile Hat Creek Trail and the 1.5-mile Spattercone Trail, suitable for various fitness levels.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity at Hat Creek, with users praising it as 'one of the best fishing holes.' Species include Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout. User reviews mention catching fish easily using power bait or spinnerbait.Wildlife viewing
General opportunities for wildlife viewing exist, though specific species are not mentioned.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities are mentioned, but the campground is open only April through October.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not supported as boating and associated activities are unavailable.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- "Campfires allowed in designated fire rings only."
Hazards
General hazardsNo potable water on-site; traffic noise from State Rt. 89 may be heard occasionally.
Active alertsTemporarily closed status mentioned with no additional details.
Weather forecast
82
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
"The waste station is available, for a fee, behind the visitor center at the intersection of St. Rts. 44 and 89." No other emergency service details provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details were provided about trash and recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresHat Creek runs nearby, offering fishing for Rainbow, Brown, and Brook trout. No swimming or boating available.
Common complaints"No drinking water available but there is in next campground."
Host"The camp host is so sweet bathrooms which are Vault toilets are really really clean."
Campground Map
Driving directionsIn Old Station, CA, at intersection of State Rts. 44 and 89, take Rt. 89 north 3.9 miles to campground sign on left. Turn left into campground.
"Located on the east side of Hwy 89, approximately four miles north of Old Station, CA." Roads are accessible, paved parking aprons, but the interior road is described as tight.Nearby places
Old Station, CA (approx. 4 miles)
Nearby supplies
No specific stores or suppliers mentioned
drinking water available at the next campground.
Camper Reviews
4.6
9 reviews
Bridge Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Users generally describe Bridge Campground as clean, quiet, and scenic, with excellent fishing opportunities and a cozy feel. However, the lack of potable water is a recurring concern.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praise the campground's cleanliness, particularly the vault toilets, and its proximity to Hat Creek for fishing. Comments like 'really nice campground' and 'beautiful campground right on...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Several users highlight the absence of potable water as a significant drawback. One user notes, 'Although it says it has water, currently it does not, so bring your own.' Traffic noise from nearby...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own drinking water as none is available on-site. Some users recommend using power bait or spinnerbait when fishing at Hat Creek.
Based on 9 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews do not explicitly differentiate by season, but the campground is noted for its fishing and hiking, likely thriving best in warmer months (April–October).
Based on 9 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'Really nice campground. No running water so make sure to bring your own!!' - Samantha Sparks
- 'One of the best fishing holes on the Hat Creek river, just amazing,' - Tracey Walsh
- 'Vault toilets...
Based on 9 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsites are highlighted as better or worse; however, privacy levels vary across the 25 sites.
Based on 9 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are noted to be wheelchair accessible, but no further accessibility features are reviewed.
Based on 9 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews or policies regarding pets are mentioned.
Based on 9 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025