The best camping in McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, CA

Situated in the Lassen National Forest, northwest of Redding, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a popular spot for hiking and camping, particularly in the summer months. The park's star attraction is Burney Falls, a 129-foot-tall waterfall with multiple streams that descend into a basin below. Other features include fishing docks, a boat launch, and around five miles of hiking trails, and the Pacific Crest Trail passes through here. While the park gets a lot of day-use visitors, there are two connected campgrounds plus a couple dozen cabins for rent.

• Best for accessible camping: Rim Camp has two accessible cabins and seven accessible campsites.
• Best for hikers: Pioneer Camp offers direct access to the Pioneer Cemetery Trail.

1. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis from Labor Day until mid-May.
2. If you are visiting between mid-May and Labor Day, you can book your site up to six months in advance on the California State Parks website or over the phone.
3. If you plan to come during the non-reservable period, it's a good idea to arrive early to secure your spot, particularly in May and September.
4. If you don't manage to secure a campsite at McArthur Burney Falls, there are plenty of alternatives in the area, including private campsites and campgrounds managed by the Lassen National Forest.

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is open year-round, though it’s at its busiest during the summer months when parking lots often fill up early in the day. The best time to camp is from May through September, when temperatures are generally warm and pleasant. The park also hosts an annual Heritage Day in October with demonstrations focused on life in the late 1800s.

• The closest place to pick up supplies and groceries is the town of Burney, a 15-minute drive away.
• Vehicles over 32 feet long are not allowed into the park or the campground.
• Dogs are allowed in the parking areas and at the campground. However, they are not allowed on the trails near the falls or on the beach, and cannot be left unattended in vehicles.
• Campsites 1, 3, 23, 27, 30, 47, and 51 are ADA accessible, as are the showers and restrooms. Cabins 59 and 62 are also accessible.