Willow Creek Campground
4.3517 reviewsWillow Creek Campground
$15.00 - $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. Maximum of 2 vehicles allowed per site. Additional vehicle fee is $5.
About this campground
Tucked away in the enchanting Modoc National Forest, Willow Creek Campground beckons travelers seeking an intimate escape into nature's embrace. This hidden gem features eight thoughtfully spaced back-in sites, each nestled beneath a protective canopy of towering trees that filter sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Despite its convenient proximity to Highway 139, the campground maintains a remarkable sense of tranquility, with only the gentle murmur of the creek and rustling leaves breaking the peaceful silence. Each site comes equipped with essential amenities including sturdy picnic tables perfect for outdoor meals, fire pits for evening gatherings, and well-maintained pit toilets, ensuring comfort without compromising the authentic camping experience.
Willow Creek Campground offers primitive camping with minimal facilities. It accommodates both tent and RV camping, making it suitable for a variety of camping experiences.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's full symphony of seasons at Willow Creek, where each time of year paints the landscape in dramatically different hues. Summer transforms the campground into a sun-dappled paradise, with warm days perfect for creek exploration and star-filled nights ideal for campfire conversations. As autumn arrives, crisp air carries the scent of changing leaves, while spring awakens the forest with bursts of new growth and melodic bird songs. Winter cloaks the area in pristine snow, creating a serene wonderland for the adventurous souls who brave the freezing temperatures and shorter days to witness the forest's quiet beauty in its most dramatic season.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryWillow Creek Campground offers an immersive forest experience where majestic old-growth trees create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches forming a living roof that provides blessed shade even on the warmest days. The campground's namesake creek meanders gracefully between the camping area and picnic grounds, its gentle waters creating a soothing soundtrack and serving as a natural playground for wildlife watching and quiet contemplation. This pristine waterway adds both beauty and life to the landscape, attracting local fauna and creating microhabitats that showcase Northern California's diverse ecosystem.
Geological RegionSituated in the rugged and diverse landscape of Modoc National Forest in Northern California, Willow Creek Campground occupies a special niche where accessibility meets wilderness. The surrounding terrain showcases the region's volcanic heritage and forest ecology, with the campground strategically positioned to take advantage of both the cooling shade of ancient conifers and the life-giving waters of its namesake creek. Though conveniently located near Highway 139 for easy access, the natural topography and dense forest buffer create an atmosphere of seclusion that makes visitors feel worlds away from civilization.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information is provided about accessibility features.
Sites SizeSites are spacious enough to accommodate setups like a 52-foot trailer without unhooking.
Sites PrivacySites provide some privacy due to plenty of shade trees, although they are relatively close to the highway.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended Campsitesnull
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Camping limit 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 2 vehicles per site
Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground features 8 back-in campsites arranged along a small loop road.
Open and Closed SeasonFacilities open as weather permits; usually mid-May to late October.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-serve basis. Historically, the campground is rarely full even during peak season.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Willow Creek Campground is a quiet spot best suited for those looking to relax at the campground or use it as a stopover on a road trip. There are no marked hiking trails or other structured activities nearby.
Winter Activities
No specific winter activities like cross-country skiing or snowshoeing were mentioned.Water Sports
No information available about non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted within designated fire pits and grills.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include non-potable water requiring boiling, occasional highway noise, and wildlife such as bears and other forest animals. Visitors are advised to secure food properly.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
84
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Emergency Services
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Good to know
Peak season datesMid-May to late October
Trash and recyclingNo designated trash or recycling facilities mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresA small creek flows through the campground, separating the camp area from the picnic zone.
Common complaintsReviews mention the lack of potable water and proximity to the highway. Occasional mechanical noises were also noted. Some reviewers reported off-leash dogs causing tension.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Adin go south on Hwy 139 approximately 14 miles and the campground is on the left just past the picnic area. From Susanville it's about 53 miles north on Hwy 139.
The campground is located directly off Highway 139, making it easily accessible. Roads are paved, with a small loop for turning around. Seasonal access depends on weather conditions.Nearby places
Adin: 14 miles, Susanville: 53 miles
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.4
17 reviews
Willow Creek Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's peaceful and scenic setting, spacious campsites, and the charm of the tiny creek running through it. The lack of potable water and proximity to the highway are common points of concern. Several reviewers emphasized its suitability as a stopover spot rather than a destination for extended stays.
Review Summaries
Based on 17 reviews
What Campers Love
- 'One of the prettiest little campgrounds of the Modoc forest.'
- 'Very beautiful place to check out. Luv the small creek that flows thru there.'
- 'Spacious sites and the power was decent.'
- 'We...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- 'It's okay, would be better if it had water.'
- 'Bathrooms were being replaced so just a porta potty.'
- 'A few seethy folks with big dogs off leash made things tense.'
Based on 17 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
- Bring your own drinking water or a means to boil the on-site non-potable water.
- Be prepared for the possibility of porta-potties if the pit toilets are unavailable.
- Keep dogs on a leash and...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground sees low visitor numbers and offers a quiet experience even during peak camping months like June and August. Highway noise is noted but is less intrusive at night. The creek and shade...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Pit toilets that weren't too awful (be sure to bring toilet paper if you will need it).'
- 'Despite being close to highway, no noise problem. Lots of big trees.'
- 'Spacious sites and the power...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
User Merrill Hanson noted that each of the 8 sites is back-in and spacious enough to accommodate a 52-foot setup without unhooking. Another camper appreciated the concrete fire pits and grills...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews or information addressing accessibility features.
Based on 17 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, but they must be kept on a leash. A reviewer mentioned, 'A few seethy folks with big dogs off leash made things tense a couple of times.' There was one reported dog fight at the...
Based on 17 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025