McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

Wheelchair accessible hikes and campgrounds
Driving to and sleeping at a campground
A comfy campout with 2 to 5 mile hikes
Perfect for families with young kiddos

Picnicking at Lake Britton and chasing waterfalls at Burney Falls State Park

Picnicking at Lake Britton and chasing waterfalls at Burney Falls State Park

Picnicking at Lake Britton and chasing waterfalls at Burney Falls State Park

Picnicking at Lake Britton and chasing waterfalls at Burney Falls State Park

Picnicking at Lake Britton and chasing waterfalls at Burney Falls State Park

Designed by Yvonne Leow

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Last updated
March 8, 2022

Trip · 3-day camping trip

For · Friends and new campers

Vibe · Relaxing and chill

Reservations · Yes, reserve an ADA site at Rim Campground (#1, #3, #23, #27, #30, #47, and #51)

Drive · 4.5 hours from SF

Ideal dates · May to September

Pets · Welcome at camp, but not on trails

The star of McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park (BFSP) is its 129-foot high namesake: Burney Falls. People flock from all over to witness this natural wonder, which never fails to disappoint, but the park does get packed over summer weekends. Avoid the crowds by reserving a mid-week campsite and visiting the falls around 7 AM. As they say, early birds get Burney Falls for themselves!

Official State Park Website

Access Parks Overview

Directions To Campground

Main image credit: Gracie Emory

Stuff to know

  • Apply for a lifetime disabled discount pass to receive 50% off on CA state park fees
  • You can't swim in the falls, but Lake Britton is an awesome nearby alternative
  • Mosquitoes like to hang out during the summer. Bring your bug spray!
  • Day-use passes are $10 per car, but parking lots can be full during the summer
  • The best views of Burney Falls can be found from the main trail, a 1.3 mile loop

Resources

Check the weather
Burney Falls

Where to camp

Rim Campground

Each ADA campsite comes with a:

  • Picnic table
  • A fire pit and grill
  • Space for up to 8 people
  • 1 to 3 parking spots
  • Food storage locker

Rim Campground is located between Burney Falls and Lake Britton, an under-rated highlight within the park. Unlike Pioneer campground, Rim is located closer to the falls. The campground also has ADA cabins (#59 and #62), RV, and tent campsites (#1, #3, #23, #27, #30, #47, and #51). There's a general store, accessible restrooms and token-operated showers. Sites can be reserved up to six months advance for peak summer months, and are first-come, first-serve between Labor Day and mid-May.

Check-in: After 2 PM · Check-out: 12 PM

Quiet hours: 10 PM to 6 AM​

View Campground Map

Nightly Rate: $35

Rim Campground
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Itinerary

Day One

2 Guys and a Grill food truck
2 Guys & A Grill food truck. Credit: Google Reviews

Leave SF by 9 AM and grab lunch at 2 Guys and A Grill

  • Diners love their Mediterranean chicken, lamb, and veggie platters
  • Located at 1120 Churn Creek Road in Redding, CA
  • Open Mondays to Saturdays · 11 AM to 9 PM
  • Last pit stop · Chevron - 37300 Main Street in Burney

Check in and settle in at Rim Campground

  • Set up camp, wander around the campground, and relax

Hike Headwaters Trail and soak up views of Burney Falls

  • Enjoy this wheelchair accessible trail that is about 0.7 miles each way. The trail is constructed of compacted aggregate, rock, and soil, and is generally flat at less than a 5% slope with a few sections between 5% to 12%.
Accessible Trail Data for Headwaters Trail in Burney Falls State Park
Credit: Access Parks

Return to camp for dinner and s'mores

  • Prep dinner, s'mores, and enjoy an evening of drinking and stargazing
Burney Falls is named after Samuel Burney, who died in 1859. The McArthurs bought and later gifted the waterfall to the state in 1920.

Day Two

View of the top of Burney Falls
View of the top of Burney Falls. Credit: Karam Alani

Make brekkie, pack a picnic, and spend the day relaxing by Lake Britton

  • Pack a daypack with lunch, snacks, sunscreen, sunhat, bug spray, and plenty of water
  • Drive to Lake Britton Marina along Lake Road. Beach wheelchairs are available for loan, but reach out to park staff for more details. There's accessible picnicking, parking, and restrooms near the boat launch
  • Enjoy the sun, water, and an afternoon picnic!
Lake Britton Marina
Lake Britton Marina

Return to camp and unwind

  • Clean up, prep a delicious meal and warm up with your favorite hot bevvie
  • Roast up s'mores and soak up your last night in Burney Falls State Park!
The Ilmawi were the first group of people to live near the falls. Today, they're part of the Pit River Tribe.

Day Three

Burney Falls
Say bye to Burney Falls. Credit: Tucker Monticelli

Pack up and check out before noon

  • Cook up brekkie, clean up around camp, and throw away any random pieces of litter

Head home!

Burney Falls is one of the few known nesting sites for the Black Swift. You can often spot them soaring around the waterfalls

Packing List

Essential Items
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Clothing
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Personal Stuff
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Camp Kitchen
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Shared Gear
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