Mill Creek Falls Campground
Located on the edge of the South Warner Wilderness this campground is nestled in the thick pine forests above Jess Valley at the south end of the Warner Mountains. It's easy access makes for a perfect weekend get away.
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | 1/24/2024: 4 to 5 inches of wet and heavy snow. No drinking water or trash collection. |
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Reservations: | Reservations are not accepted. All sites are first come, first served. |
Area Amenities: | Accessible, Tent camping, Camping trailer, Picnic tables, Drinking water, Parking |
Fees: | $15/single campsite $5/additional vehicle |
Open Season: | Facilities open as weather permits; usually early June to late October. |
Usage: | Light |
Restrictions: | Dogs on leash only. Please clean up after your dog. Camping limit 14 days. |
Closest Towns: | Likely, 6 miles, Alturas 24 miles. |
Water: | Yes |
Restroom: | Vault Toilets |
Passes: | America the Beautiful Senior and Access passes and Golden Age and Golden Access passes are accepted for half priced camping. Follow the instructions on the bulletin board at the campground entrance. |
Operated By: | US Forest Service |
Information Center: | Warner Mountain Ranger District 530-279-6116 |
General Information
Directions:
From 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.
Parking:
There is a parking area for trail users. Do not park in any of the numbered campsites except for paid campers.
Activities
Campground Camping
This lovely campground is on the edge of the South Warner Wilderness. A small creek runs by the campsites and the breathtaking Mill Creek Falls is just a short 1/2 mile walk up hill from the campground.
Reservation Info | Reservations are not accepted. All sites are first come, first served. |
Fire Information | Fires are permitted only in fireplaces provided. Gathering of dead and down wood is permitted. |
No. of Accessible sites | Some campsites are accessible to persons in wheelchairs with assistance. Some tables and restrooms will accommodate persons in wheelchairs with assistance. |
Sleeping Shelter | None |
RV Camping
Eight sites at Mill Creek Campground will accommodate RV's up to 22 feet. There is no dump station and no hook-ups.
No. of Sites | 8 RV sites plus additional tent sites |
Reservation Info | Reservations are not accepted. All sites are first come, first served. |
Pavement Type for Parking | Paved |
Vehicle Clearence | Watch overhead for low hanging branches. |
Size Restrictions | 22 feet |
Fire Information | Fires are permitted only in fireplaces provided. Gathering of dead and down wood is permitted. |
No. of Accessible sites | Some campsites are accessible to persons in wheelchairs with assistance. Some tables and restrooms will accommodate persons in wheelchairs with assistance. |
Lake and Pond Fishing
Clear Lake, located just inside the South Warner Wilderness, is a short hike (less than a mile) uphill from the Mill Creek Campground. This pristine lake is popular with anglers but is not stocked.
River and Stream Fishing
Stream fishing is available in Mill Creek and South Fork Fitzhugh Creek, just a few miles drive from Mill Creek Falls Campground. Poison Creek is a four mile hike from the campground. The South Fork of the Pit River, just a few miles drive, is stocked with trout by the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife. All anglers over the age of 16 must have a current CA Fishing License in possession when fishing all waters in California.
Day Hiking
The short 1/2 mile uphill to the Mill Creek Falls overlook may become your favorite day hike. Want to go further? Head on up to Clear Lake and make the loop around the lake. Total milage = 2 1/4 miles.
Backpacking
Hiking the 70 plus miles of trails in the South Warner Wilderness can be started from Mill Creek Campground. The trailhead at this location can take a hiker well into the wilderness. Californa campfire permits are required for any type of fire to be used while camping in the wilderness area and may be obtained free from most Forest Service personnel or at any of the Ranger Stations.
Amenities
Camping trailer: | Small trailers OK. |
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Picnic tables: | Tables at each campsite. |
Tent camping: | Some sites are level and suitable as tent sites. |
Parking: | Parking area for hikers and backpackers. |
Accessible: | Restrooms are accessible with assistance. |
Drinking water: | Piped water in the campground. |