Mill Creek Falls Campground
4.4812 reviewsMill Creek Falls Campground
$12.00 - $15.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$15.00
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
$15 per single campsite per day, with a maximum of 2 vehicles. A $5 fee applies for additional vehicles.
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About this campground
Nestled at the gateway to the South Warner Wilderness, Mill Creek Falls Campground beckons adventurers with its tranquil hillside setting among towering Jeffrey pines and fragrant firs. This intimate single-loop campground rises gently above the verdant expanse of Jess Valley, where ancient trees filter the mountain sunlight and create a natural cathedral of shade and serenity. Here, the modern world fades away, replaced by the whisper of wind through pine needles and the distant murmur of cascading water.
Mill Creek Falls Campground offers tent camping and combined tent/RV sites. There are no RV pull-throughs or dedicated RV amenities.
Weather and SeasonsFrom early June through late October, Mill Creek Falls transforms into a high-country paradise where warm, sun-drenched days invite exploration and cool evenings call for campfire gatherings. Peak services run June through September, when wildflowers paint the meadows and clear skies showcase brilliant stars. As autumn approaches, golden light bathes the forest while crisp air hints at the winter wonderland to come. Off-season visitors should prepare for nature's dramatic mood swings—freezing temperatures, possible snowfall, and shorter days that remind us of the mountains' wild heart.
ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet where the air grows crisp and pure, Mill Creek Falls Campground offers a refreshing escape from valley heat. This mountain elevation brings cooler temperatures that make summer camping a delight, though visitors from lower altitudes should take time to acclimate. The thin air here carries the essence of pine resin and wildflowers, while the elevated perspective opens up breathtaking vistas that make every breath worth savoring.
Natural Features and SceneryA mere half-mile stroll leads to the campground's namesake treasure—Mill Creek Falls, where water plunges over ancient volcanic rock in a spectacular display of nature's artistry. The surrounding forest creates an emerald embrace of Jeffrey pine and fir, their branches forming a living canopy overhead. Nearby Clear Lake mirrors the sky like a jewel set in the wilderness, offering moments of reflection both literal and spiritual. This is a landscape that invites wonder, where every trail promises discovery and every vista tells a story written in stone and stream.
Geological RegionMill Creek Falls Campground claims its place at the dramatic southern terminus of the Warner Mountains, where volcanic peaks meet pine-cloaked valleys in a testament to Earth's creative forces. Positioned at the threshold of the South Warner Wilderness, the campground sits amid dense coniferous forests that blanket the slopes above Jess Valley. This unique location offers campers a front-row seat to one of California's most overlooked mountain ranges, where ancient lava flows have created a rugged paradise far from the crowds of more famous peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeCampground has a single loop layout, and parking aprons are paved. Sites may be challenging for larger RVs due to the hillside terrain.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has a compact feel, with minimal privacy between sites as noted in the general comments.
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesReviews suggest arriving early for the best choice of sites, as the campground is first-come, first-served.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsite numbers were not mentioned in the source materials.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Camping limit 14 days.
Groups
No designated group camping areas are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutA single-loop layout meandering up and down a hillside, with campsites tucked among trees.
Open and Closed SeasonFacilities open as weather permits; usually early June to late October. Services provided June 1 through September 30.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served; no reservations are accepted.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground is ideal for hiking, fishing, and enjoying the natural surroundings. The Mill Creek Falls Trail starts within the campground, leading to a scenic 0.5-mile hike to the falls. Fishing enthusiasts can visit Clear Lake, located 0.5 miles away, which offers trout fishing opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking is a key activity here, with the Mill Creek Falls Trail (2 miles long) connecting to a broader trail network in the South Warner Wilderness. Reviews highlight the trail's ease and the waterfall as a notable destination.Fishing
Fishing is available at Clear Lake, approximately 0.5 miles from the campground. Trout are commonly caught here. One reviewer noted their successful catch and release of five large trout.Winter Activities
There are no winter-specific activities noted. However, services are not provided from October to June due to weather conditions.Water Sports
Not applicable as the campground does not support water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire policies were not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Hazards
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 26%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 through September 30.
Trash and recyclingRecycling containers and bear-proof garbage cans are available.
Proximity to water featuresMill Creek Falls is located 0.5 miles from the campground, and Clear Lake is also nearby, offering opportunities for fishing.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention issues with noisy neighbors, including idling RVs, barking dogs, and generator noise, detracting from the quiet ambiance of the campground.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Alturas, go south on US Hwy 395 approximately 18 miles to Likely, CA. Turn east on County Road 64/Jess Valley Rd and go 3.2 miles to Blue Lake Road and West Warner Road. Turn left (northeast) on West Warner Road for 2.5 miles to Mill Creek Road. Turn right and follow the signs to Mill Creek Falls Campground.
Access is via paved roads, but the road within the campground is a single loop meandering up and down a hillside. RV parking aprons may pose leveling challenges due to the slope.Nearby places
Likely, CA (approx. 18 miles south of Alturas)
Camper Reviews
4.5
12 reviews
Mill Creek Falls Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight that this campground is a quiet, clean, and scenic spot with easy access to a hiking trail leading to Mill Creek Falls. However, noise from other campers and the lack of modern amenities are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Users praised the campground for its cleanliness, the beauty of the surrounding pine forest, and the proximity to hiking trails and the waterfall.
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints include noise from RV generators and barking dogs, the absence of modern amenities like showers and flush toilets, and no cell phone service. One reviewer mentioned the campground's...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring all necessary supplies as there is no camp store. Early morning or late evening hikes to the falls are recommended for solitude and better lighting for photography.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The campground is described as quieter and less busy during early spring and late fall, though services are unavailable outside the June-September operational window. Summer months see higher usage...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Quiet and pretty, we had a very nice spot. There is a trailhead to the falls and beyond in the campground." - Philip Cohen. "Great place to just get away for a day or two." - Ali Massey. "Clean pit...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are limited, but multiple users appreciated the overall cleanliness and access to hiking trails.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible features include wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash and cleaned up after. Some users appreciated the pet-friendly policy.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025