Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    McArthur Burney Falls State Park

    4.7 (359 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 8:30 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    McArthur Burney Falls State Park Photos

    You might also consider

    More like McArthur Burney Falls State Park

    Recommended Reviews - McArthur Burney Falls State Park

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Lower Falls
    Glen N.

    McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the second-oldest in the California State Parks system. "Suck it!" says Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the OG. The park sits about six miles north of Burney, California--a town clinging to life with boarded-up businesses and a foundation of extinct volcanic rock. The town was named after settler Samuel Burney, who was found dead in the valley in 1857. This is true: instead of calling it "The Valley Where Burney Died," they just shortened it to "Burney." (Frankly, they missed an opportunity. They could've propped him up for tourists--Weekend at Burney's, anyone?) Let's be honest: the only real reason to visit Burney is the state park. It offers camping, five miles of hiking trails (including a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail), horseback riding, and plenty of water activities along five miles of Lake Britton shoreline and the creek. But the star attraction is Burney Falls. Fed by underground springs, Burney Falls sends 100 million gallons of water plunging 129 feet every single day--rain or shine, drought or deluge. Though it's not the tallest, wettest, or widest waterfall in California, its unique curtain-like flow has earned it the title of "the jewel of the California state park system." President Theodore Roosevelt even called it the Eighth Wonder of the World, and it was named one of "Northern California's most spectacular waterfalls" in 2021, by either National Geographic or Grindr, I forget. Sure, Yosemite has taller, more dramatic waterfalls--but Burney Falls (along with nearby McCloud Falls- separate review) might just be the prettiest. The paved path to the overlook is accessible to just about anyone. Adventurers can take the Falls Loop Trail, a ¾-mile route that drops down to the base of the falls. There's a solid wooden staircase on the steepest part, and the switchbacks offer a few steep, Candyland-style shortcuts if you're feeling bold. The only major downside? Parking. It's extremely limited. I visited the day before Memorial Day and got turned around at the entrance, even though we could see open spots inside. Like many others, we ended up parking along Highway 89--which can earn you a $71.50 fine or a tow.

    Carlita C.

    This spot has been on my list for a long time, so I was really excited to hear the falls had reopened, especially since I had already booked a camping trip to Lassen Volcanic National Park. We took a day out of our itinerary to visit Burney Falls, and it was absolutely worth the scenic drive from Lassen. We arrived in the afternoon and had about five cars ahead of us at the entrance. It costs $10 per vehicle to enter. The walk to the falls is short, about 0.3 miles downhill with handrails along the way. If you want to get down to the pool at the base of the falls, you'll need to walk across some rocks, so I definitely recommend wearing good water shoes with grip. The rocks can be pretty slippery. I was in awe the entire walk down. Standing at the base of the falls and looking up was unreal. The mist, the sound, the power of the water...it was mesmerizing. I ended up sitting there for a couple of hours, just taking it all in. California really does have everything, but this has to be one of its most beautiful waterfalls. The area is incredibly well maintained, and I'm grateful for the park staff and all the work they put in during the closure. The walk back up the hill is definitely steep, but with a few breaks, it's totally manageable. There's a small park store near the entrance where you can buy souvenirs, ice cream, snacks, and drinks. The bathrooms were impressively clean. I'm so thankful I got to experience this place and hope I can return someday. It's an accessible and unforgettable spot that I truly believe everyone should experience at least once.

    follow da trail
    Darwin P.

    the whole trip and journey to Burney falls was amazing and one i recommend everyone take! the drive there for me was 4 hours and a half from walnut creek, but with the views, rivers and conversation on the way there, time flies! the entrance fee is $10 per vehicle, and there is plenty parking. i came on a monday, but i bet its way more packed on the weekends upon arrival and parking, you'll see the gift store, with food and beverages, and the directions towards Burney Waterfall. other routes take you to trails that branch to the waterfall, or away from it we came for the waterfall, and it was a beauty of God's creation. you truly feel the outside, its wildlife and the peace with it. i wasn't trailing though, not at 106 degrees, brothers its a MUST to visit Burney Falls PS: there is like, NO INTERNET here

    Our sandwich and soda(with no flavor or fizz)
    Sharon T.

    Easy to find, $10 entrance fee per car. We drove through their huge campground wish we'd had our camping gear maybe next time. Small parking lot by the park store with a large overflow parking lot across the road. Store is small and mostly a gift store. We were hungry so ordered the pastrami sandwich combo. Took about 10-15 min. Came with a drink asked for no ice told I needed ice soda is hot so said ok. We ate at the picnic bench outside sandwich had very little meat and soda tasted like water no fizz or flavor very disappointed in both, next time we'll plan ahead on food. There is a large clean bathroom next to the store. Short walk over to the fabulous falls. They are beautiful!! I'm so glad we stopped to see them.

    Nicho S.

    If you are on the way to Mount Shasta, look up this place. It is about an hour in off the path, but totally worth it. They charge $10 to go in. They have restrooms and an easy, moderate trail that will lead you to different angles of the fall. Truly a beautiful location.

    Jenny I.

    Rim campground gets an A+. Easy enough to navigate, spots are spacious, campground has very clean restrooms, with showers. Firewood-for-sale sheds abound ($18 will take care of 1 fire a night). Campsite was cheap, maybe $35 a night. Staff was friendly and knowledgeable. There was a visitor center which we didn't see because it was closed during the week. General store has overpriced snacks, drinks, tshirts and trinkets. I heard there's a grill selling food in there, but that was closed when we were there as well. It's an insanely short walk to the Falls overlook. The hike down to the base on the falls and back up takes about 45 minutes and it's fairly steep. But oh so worth it. The falls are an incredible sight. When everyone is really quiet at night you can hear the sound of the falls in the campground. Truly the dreamiest sound. Oh and also, I wish I had known before we got there but when we were there I saw on the map that the edge of a lake is technically in the state park. We drove to it from Rim campground (about 6 minutes) and were pleasantly surprised. There's a warm, sandy beach, a roped area for people to swim or wade into the water, a snack bar, and paddle boat rentals. Great spot!

    Albert L.

    Awe-inspiring! There's is a slow line getting into the park when we arrived around 2PM on a weekday, but it didn't toooo long. The parking lot was almost full, so they might have turned people away at a certain point. The path leading to and from the falls is well paved and easy to follow. The Pacific Crest Trail runs right along here, so it's cool to chat and see the hikers pass by on their journey.

    A picture is worth 1000 words!!
    Nathan D.

    Great spot for a short hike and some incredible views of a beautiful waterfall. Bummer that the trails to lake britton along burney creek are closed making already short hikes even shorter, but Burney Falls is a must see if you are in the area. There is a great campground at the park with a lovely gift shop / store / cafe. Great place to visit for a couple hours.

    Wow..
    Krishna H.

    If California's waterfalls were royalty, Burney Falls would wear the crown--and it makes sure everyone gets an audience. Tucked inside McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, this 129-foot cascade is shockingly easy to reach: pay the $10 day-use fee at the gate, park, stroll a paved path for a couple of minutes, and boom--there's the viewpoint, misty spray in your face. Photographers, bring extra memory cards. Between the lacy side-streams fanning out like bridal veils and the turquoise plunge pool, every angle looks curated for Instagram. Early morning light sets the falls aglow, while late afternoon brings dramatic shadows and perfect back-lighting for silhouette shots. Even smartphone photos here look pro-level. Pro Tips 1. Mind the parking signs. Rangers strictly enforce "No Parking" zones outside the main lots, and tickets are no joke--stick to designated spaces. 2. Pack a light jacket; the canyon mist can feel surprisingly cool even on hot summer days. 3. Hit the trail clockwise to keep the best viewpoints in front of you on the descent. Accessible, family-friendly, and jaw-droppingly beautiful, Burney Falls turns a quick pit stop into a bucket-list experience. Whether you're a road-trip warrior chasing Northern California gems or just craving a nature fix without the mileage, this waterfall delivers pure magic--no strenuous trek required.

    At the overlook
    Renee N.

    After a long day beginning at the crack of dawn to hike and summit Lassen Peak, my wonderful husband decided to surprise me on our way to Oregon with a stop here at these magnificent falls. We were there in mid September at around 5-6pm. The park was pretty empty which made it easy and nice to walk down the short trail and loop to see the falls. This was a soul filling experience for me. I was so awed by the sound of the falls and the views. There is a small fee of $10 to park your vehicle and the park is open from 8:00am to sunset. No dogs are allowed on the trail down to the falls, but are allowed at the overlook. The falls are named after a settler by the name of Samuel Burney who lived in the area during the 1850's. Thankfully between him and the McArthur family they were able to save the falls and the land from development. They ended up gifting the property to the State of California. A 129 foot fall occurs in the middle and 100 million gallons of water flow over it every day. They are at their most intense during the spring from all the snow melt. Along with the falls, there is a campground and rental cabins to stay. There are boat rentals to take out on Lake Britton and plenty of fishing in the park as well. I love that the Pacific Crest Trail travels through this park on its way to Canada. Definitely worth the stop to get out and enjoy this "Eighth Wonder of the World" per President Theodore Roosevelt.

    John L.

    This was the perfect side trip my wife and I did while we were in Redding, CA... About an hour-drive northeast of our location, McArthur - Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a popular destination primarily because of the majestic Burney Falls located inside the park. Dedicated as a National Natural Landmark in 1954, it attracts roughly 250,000 visitors each year and reached 350,000 during the peak pandemic years. Due to the high foot traffic, erosion has caused the Burney Falls Loop Trail to be temporarily closed during the spring and summer months of 2024. We were here in 2022 so we got to see the waterfall in all its splendor. The mile-long trail took us from the overlook down to the base and back. The fall stands 129-ft high and even with an average water temperature of 45°F, people were taking a dip in the ice-cold pool. We stayed for about an hour down below, hopping from one rock to another. We took nothing but photos, left nothing but footprints, and killed nothing but time. We came in early so we avoided the horrible queue of vehicles along CA-89 trying to get into the park. Recognized as "the Eighth Wonder of the World" by President Theodore Roosevelt, a March 2021 National Geographic article mentioned Burney Falls as one of NorCal's most spectacular waterfalls. Just two solid reasons why people have been making their way here.

    05.25.24
    May A.

    National natural landmark [Burney CA] Parking fee is $10. Park hours are 8:00a to sunset. We arrived around 9:25a and we found there to be plenty more parking. Burney Falls from the parking lot was just a short walk at 150-ft. The park is best known for the spectacular 129 foot tall Burney Falls. It does get crowded. The viewing area at the top of the falls was pretty but our visit was limited. The hike down to the base is 0.3 miles. Unfortunately, this popular hike down to the falls was temporarily closed for critical repairs. Bummer. Yes, Falls Loop Trail and Burney Creek Trail are temporarily closed for improvements until the remaining of 2024. The General Store had a nice supply of merchandise and souvenirs. It also stocked some sundries and groceries for campers -- baked beans, pork & beans, SPAM, sausage, coffee and cream, cereal, canned soup are just a few. McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is the second oldest park in the California State Park system. Review #3454

    Nikole G.

    Went for my five year anniversary with my husband and had such a beautiful time it was definitely worth the 3 hour Drive. The loop was a super easy walk..

    See all

    10 months ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 3
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 2
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 2
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Nicho S.
    161
    1506
    1853

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Albert L.
    410
    20
    23

    10 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 39
    Thanks 15
    Love this 40
    Oh no 1
    Photo of John L.
    140
    285
    5704

    2 years ago

    Helpful 12
    Thanks 5
    Love this 10
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 33
    Thanks 8
    Love this 36
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bobby C.
    94
    138
    66

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Helpful 20
    Thanks 3
    Love this 21
    Oh no 1
    Photo of April M.
    43
    55
    2403

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rick S.
    116
    815
    3420

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kim T.
    91
    608
    4380

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ed T.
    101
    356
    2829

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 35
    Thanks 0
    Love this 35
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 4
    Love this 19
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 9

    Ask the Community - McArthur Burney Falls State Park

    Anyone been on a weekday? Have crowds and being able to even get in be an issue?

    What forms of payment do they accept at the general store? Cards?

    Cash and credit cards can be used when the kiosk is,open at the front gate. If you plan to arrive very early or late, bring cash. Thanks!

    What's the outlook (2021, specifically) for the stream fishing above the falls? When I was a kid, my dad used flies, while we used salmon eggs and worms for Rainbow, Brown, and Brooke Trout, during the Summers. I'd love to do that as an adult!

    Fishing in the streams at Burney Falls is seasonal and subject to all CA Fish and Wildlife regulations. Open fishing season for Burney Creek is the last Saturday in April - November 15. Everyone over 16 must have a fishing license. Upstream of… Read more

    Is this dog friendly?

    Pets have to be on a leash at all times and are restricted on certain trails. Please check their website for further details. Enjoy and be safe.

    I have a cabin rented at Burney falls next weekend, will I be able to rent canoe or paddle board at the lake?

    Unfortunately, the lake is suffering from an algae bloom dangerous to people and pets. So, no canoes or paddle boats are to be rented. There is a pontoon boat and a couple of fishing boats for rent, but the weekend will be a busy one. The Park… Read more

    What trail can dogs access? Are service dogs allowed to go in the trails?

    Dogs are permitted on the Cemetery Trail on a leash but not on other trails. Registered service dogs are permitted on trails.

    Can you swim in the falls?

    The water in the falls pool is terrifically cold and the currents are dangerous. Swimming is not permitted at the falls. The Park has a lovely lake, Lake Britton, with a swimming beach, and a marina with lake access and boating rentals.

    Is it better to come in the late afternoon/early evenings on a weekday to avoid crowds (around 5 or 6pm)?

    It would be better to arrive late in the day for a brief visit. As you likely know, the Park is now closed to camping, so unless you have reserved a cabin, you would be able to stay for a couple of hours. You could also arrive early in the day.… Read more

    Is there picnic area or place to setup little canopy?

    Yes indeed. The Park is closed to camping, but open for day use. There are picnic areas with room for a little canopy.

    Can I bring my dogs?

    Dogs can be in the park. They must be on a leash. They are not permitted on most trails. Thank you for asking.

    Are you guys open?

    The Park is open for day use; camping is being cancelled from this week through Labor Day. The cabins, store and boat rental will remain open. The Park has been extremely busy, so it is temporarily closed for parts of the day when all the parking… Read more

    Is there plenty of parking or is it always packed? I live far so I want to make sure I could get a spot!

    The Park has become much busier since the opening for day use. As you know, camping is not currently permitted and the Visitor Center and Park Store remain closed. Weekdays should be fine, but come as early as possible on weekends. It has been a… Read more

    With the parking lot closed to vehicles where can people park? Thank you

    You will need to park on Highway 89 and walk in. Be careful to pull completely off the highway, as it is a highway where cars and trucks travel at some speed. McArthur Burney Falls Interpretive Association

    My mom is disabled and can't walk very far. How long is the path from the parking lot to the waterfall and is it wheelchair accessible?

    The Burney Creek Trail is accessible for 1.25 miles. The trail starts at accessible parking spaces located at the Lake Britton Beach parking lot. This trail provides an accessible trail route from the beach parking lot to an overlook of Burney Falls.

    How is the weather in mid November?

    It is likely to be cool and clear, though snow has rarely occurred that early. The Park is especially nice in the off season!

    Hi just double checking because its a holiday weekend: is the park open September 1st?

    Yes we are - all holiday weekend. McArthur Burney Falls Interpretive Association

    Is it wheelchair accessible?

    The viewing area for the falls is wheelchair accessible and, of course, restrooms and the Visitor Center as well. The trail around the falls is not. There are accessible campground sites. If you would like to stay longer and camp, contact the… Read more

    Can I bring my dog here?

    Dogs are permitted in the Park, but must be on a leash. One trail is available for dogs on a leash; others do not permit dogs. Thank you for asking! McArthur Burney Falls Interpretive Association

    How long is the hike from parking lot to the waterfalls? We are planning to go there on August! Is it easy for 5 years old kids to hike? Thank you!

    The viewing area for the falls is just across the street from the parking area. There is a loop trail from the viewing area to the base of the falls and back up that is just over a mile. It is do-able for children. We hope you enjoy your visit!… Read more

    Are dogs allowed at the park?

    Dogs are allowed in the park, but they must be on a leash. They are not allowed on most trails, in deference to the wild animals who live here. There is one trail where dogs on leash are allowed. Thank you for asking. McArthur Burney Falls… Read more

    View All 36 Questions

    Review Highlights - McArthur Burney Falls State Park

    There are plenty of places to picnic, a store to buy supplies or souvenirs, or rent boats for Lake Britton.

    Mentioned in 26 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Burney Falls Resort

    Burney Falls Resort

    4.5(15 reviews)
    1.5 mi

    Our last visit was in March 2019. Hubby planned this weekend trip for us and to celebrate my…read morebirthday. I don't like surprises, but was over joyed to getaway for the weekend. Our kids were bummed when I told them it was just us. I felt guilty seeing their pouting faces, so our reservation for two became one for four. Burney falls was so mesmerizing, I'm glad we brought our kids. I love waterfalls and being outside in the warm Summer months hiking or camping. We lucked out and were there right before the area was shut down for the fires nearby. We were pleasantly surprised that there were cabins and hookups for RVs right there in the park. We totally could have brought our RV instead of staying in town. It's a small town and if you have never visited a small town with any stop lights, you wouldn't understand where I'm going with this analogy. Lol! Iykyk! We had a great time and do look forward to making our way back to do some more hiking and camping. This park is a must see and a family friendly hike to get to the falls! Fun fact: Burney Falls is never dry, 100 million gallons flow daily, so no matter what time of year you visit there will be flow.

    Big shout out to Alan for making our stay perfect. This quaint property has all the makings of a…read morefun family resort. Unfortunately this week was in the middle of a 100+ degree heatwave so hanging out wasn't in the cards. We were inside with the AC on or on the Lake. Alan stopped by several times to make sure everything was perfect for us and our dogs. We felt so welcomed. He hauled our trash, provided firewood, and gave us directions to a cool beach spot on Lake Briton. Regardless of the heat, the amenities were exactly what we were looking for! Full hookups, clean, peace & quiet, friendly neighbors, etc. Our shady spot was perfect for our dogs that we had fenced in around our trailer. If Burney Falls is on your bucket list, this is the place to bring your RV!

    Photos
    Burney Falls Resort
    Burney Falls Resort
    Burney Falls Resort

    See all

    Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA - The office store. Very well stocked

    Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA

    4.4(14 reviews)
    21.1 mi

    Great place to stay if you are visiting Burney Falls, about 25 minute drive from the campground…read more Bathrooms were nice & clean and staff was so friendly. It's a little close to the main road so you will get a little noise in the morning, but every evening was super quiet. The pond is nice to look at but also a mosquito breeding ground so make sure you are ready with bug spray , citronella and bug screens on your RV doors. Thanks for the hospitality- Cheers!!

    Where do I start? The grounds have large pines and a lake. 50 amp service has been added since KOA…read moretook over a long time privately owned camp. The office store is well stocked and also has a restaurant that is open weekends in the offseason. Check with the staff for hours during the summer months. Part of the office includes a kitchen, game room and a giant big screen. Pool, air hockey and table tennis awesome. They don't only have a restaurant ,they have one with fantastic food. Take a night off from cooking and stroll over to enjoy the fare. But the best part of our time there was the staff. Everyone was helpful and courteous. My wife had a zoom guitar lesson, so Kevin showed us where she could setup in a quiet private space. He didn't have to be so nice but of course he was. This is an example of how everyone treated us. Thank you all. We will be back for a visit real soon.

    Photos
    Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA - Propane tank fills  ups on-site for $4.10

    Propane tank fills ups on-site for $4.10

    Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA - Had fun chilling. The site has very limited wifi and cellular service

    Had fun chilling. The site has very limited wifi and cellular service

    Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA - Photos from site #118 and across the pond.

    See all

    Photos from site #118 and across the pond.

    Castle Crags State Park

    Castle Crags State Park

    4.3(69 reviews)
    36.0 mi

    I spent the past four nights here, and it was very quiet, dark, and peaceful…read more Quiet with the caveat that there was a TON of train noise. But if you like white noise, that might be a plus. This was the darkest campground I've ever camped at so far. The view of the stars was great. The cold was on another level. I wouldn't recommend tent camping unless you really know what you're doing. Theoretically, this campground has free showers, but they are closed for the season. I couldn't help but notice that the windows have been broken into and boarded back up. There was theoretically potable water, but it tasted a little funky. Most of the pumps were broken, which made it seem like maybe the rest are about to be determined to be broken soon. There was an electric outlet in the bathroom with a sign warning not to leave personal items. In site 25, which is reserved for PCT hikers, I found another sign warning that items are frequently stolen from the bathrooms, and to use the outlets hidden in the amphitheater instead. (There is also a Starbucks about fifteen minutes away in Shasta.) A trail behind site 25 leads to the PCT, but the trail was currently full of fallen trees and hazards. Another trail near Vista Point turned out to be a safer route to the PCT. A 2 mile trail leads from the campground to Vista Point, where you can either keep hiking, or take in the panoramic views of Mt. Shasta, Castle Crags, and the Gray Rocks. I chose site 38 to camp in, which was at the end of the line of sites that are currently open. The first two nights, I paid with the self serve envelope. The rest I purchased from the Ranger Station. Camping was only $25/night, half off with qualifying passes. So it only cost me $50 to stay here 4 nights. The spaces on the main road were huge, and very well spaced. There was a camp host on duty on site 20, and maintenance came through every day to clean the restrooms and empty the trash. I didn't see much wildlife except for a lot of birds. Wildflowers were just beginning to bloom on the trails. There isn't much to do near the campground, but I found this to be a great place to have some relative peace and quiet for a few days.

    We opt to hike up to the Castle Dome. It's a gorgeous hike especially the snow cap view of…read moreMr.Shasta and the fall foilage! A must hike

    Photos
    Castle Crags State Park
    Castle Crags State Park
    Castle Crags State Park - Small rainbow trout

    See all

    Small rainbow trout

    North Shore Campground - Sunset from the boat dock

    North Shore Campground

    2.9(123 reviews)
    54.1 mi

    The campground all around was pretty clean and maintained…read more A small beach area is next to the check-in, and a dock area is on the opposite end. The rocks are along the water in a good portion of the spots around the lake. We camped over the 4th of July holiday and found there to be only a few issues that didn't make the stay a complete hit. The spiders in the area were so bad. Harmless, but man, everything seemed to get spiders on it, and we brought some home. The power was out one night until midnight and then the campground cut power around 3:00 until 7:00ish a few of the days. We took the full hookups seriously and didn't bring a backup generator. We highly suggest brining one or solar panels to get you by during the extra hot portions of the day. Also, an additional note. They offer tent spots and cabins at North Shore Campground. We had access to one of the cabins during our stay, which were very nice.

    Warning: MAGA country. I had to overlook the trump and thin blue line flag for the weekend but upon…read moreexiting and seeing the "Put Your Bidens Here" sign at the dump station I was angry and disgusted. Also, the camp grounds are on top of each other and they don't enforce the leash rule for dogs in camp. I had aggressive neighbor dogs invade our camp and they continued to leave them unleashed. Didn't have a bad experience with the management as I didn't have a reason to talk to them. Overall, I have a negative opinion of this camp and won't be back.

    Photos
    North Shore Campground - Offensive sign posted at the dump.

    Offensive sign posted at the dump.

    North Shore Campground - This lovely sign is at the RV clean out station.

    This lovely sign is at the RV clean out station.

    North Shore Campground

    See all

    McArthur Burney Falls State Park - hiking - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...