Nestled within the rugged terrain near Shasta Trinity National Forest, surrounded by the imposing silhouettes of Chalk Mountain and Bald Peak, you'll discover Big Bend and its pristine wilderness. This remarkable destination in Shasta County is situated alongside the Pit River, which holds the distinction of being the Sacramento River's longest tributary. The name Big Bend originates from the river's distinctive sharp turn at this precise location. The surrounding landscape offers a breathtaking mix of the majestic Cascade Mountains and expansive high-desert panoramas, providing endless opportunities for outdoor recreation including camping, backpacking, river activities, and hiking adventures. The area is particularly renowned for its abundance of natural thermal springs, making it a geothermal wonderland. Within a convenient two-hour drive, visitors can explore the wonders of Mount Shasta, Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the striking formations of Castle Crags State Park.
Camping Near Big Bend
Explore Vast Canyons and Starry Skies - Immerse Yourself in Big Bend's Rugged Beauty.
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The 5 best campgrounds near Big Bend, CA
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Lassen Volcanic National Park
Shasta County, CA
Lassen Volcanic National Park boasts diverse volcanic wonders from steaming fumaroles to serene lakes complemented by pristine forests teeming with wildlife and well-equipped campsites amid breathtaking mountain vistas.
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McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
Burney, CA
McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park boasts a breathtaking 129-foot waterfall cascading into a misty pool surrounded by lush meadows and dense forests of towering pines and firs offering scenic hiking trails and well-equipped campsites.
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Lassen RV Resort Campground
McArthur, CA
Nestled in the heart of the Lassen National Forest this picturesque campground offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush meadows. With spacious campsites and modern amenities it's the perfect retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
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Shasta-Trinity National Forest
Mount Shasta, CA
This immense national forest spans pristine wilderness with secluded campsites nestled among towering evergreens tranquil lakes and rushing rivers perfect for outdoor adventures.
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Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park
McArthur, CA
Ahjumawi Lava Springs State Park boasts secluded campsites amid rugged volcanic landscapes featuring mesmerizing lava springs and ancient Native American rock carvings to explore.
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Camping near Big Bend guide
Natural hot springs
The Big Bend region is a veritable treasure trove of geothermal activity, featuring numerous natural hot springs scattered along the Pit River's course. While accessibility to specific springs may vary throughout the year, intrepid explorers can often discover their own secluded soaking spots through careful exploration.
National and state parks
For those establishing a base in the Big Bend region of Shasta County, several world-class destinations await within a two-hour radius. Lassen Volcanic National Park, Castle Crags State Park, and the magnificent Burney Falls each offer exceptional camping experiences. Adventure seekers can summit peaks exceeding 10,000 feet on Mt. Brokeoff or Mt. Lassen within Lassen National Park, tackle the challenging but rewarding ascent of the granite formations at Castle Crags, or find serenity beside the cascading waters of Burney Falls. The journey between these destinations offers equally stunning drives through diverse landscapes.
Iron Canyon Reservoir
Adjacent to the Pit River, Iron Canyon Reservoir provides excellent opportunities for water recreation, particularly canoeing and float tubing adventures. Camping enthusiasts can choose between wilderness camping and two established facilities: Deadlun Campground and Hawkins Landing Campground.
Situated at an elevation of roughly 1,700 feet, Big Bend experiences mild winters with minimal snowfall risk. However, nearby attractions like Lassen Volcanic National Park and Mount Shasta reach alpine elevations where winter conditions often necessitate snow chains. Throughout the Cascade and Sierra Nevada mountain ranges, the optimal travel window typically spans from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when weather conditions are most favorable and roads remain clear. Popular campgrounds in these premier destinations tend to reach capacity during summer months and holiday weekends, making advance online reservations highly recommended.