McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park
A comfy campout with 2 to 5 mile hikes
Driving to and sleeping at a campground
Perfect for families with young kiddos
Trip · 3-day camping trip
For · Friends and new campers
Vibe · Relaxing and chill
Reservations · Yes, reserve a site at Rim Campground
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!
Main image credit: Gracie Emory
Each campsite comes with a:
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 has heated cabins, RV, and tent campsites as well as a general store, restrooms and token-operated showers. Campsites can be reserved up to six months advance for peak summer months, and are first-come, first-serve between Labor Day and mid-May. If you have a flexible sked, keep an eye out for last-minute campsite cancellations over the summer!
Check-in: After 2 PM · Check-out: 12 PM
Quiet hours: 10 PM to 6 AM
Nightly Rate: $35
Burney Falls is named after Samuel Burney, who died in 1859. The McArthurs bought and later gifted the waterfall to the state in 1920.
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The Ilmawi were the first group of people to live near the falls. Today, they're part of the Pit River Tribe.
Burney Falls is one of the few known nesting sites for the Black Swift. You can often spot them soaring around the waterfalls
A spacious sleeping bag that will help you stay warm for spring, summer, and fall camping.
Essential Items
Whether it's coffee or cocoa, bring a silicone mug like this one into the wild. Your tummy will thank you.
Kitchen
Leave your backpacking pack at camp, and use this sleek, compressible pack for day hikes.
Shared Gear
An affordable day pack for bringing snacks, sunglasses, and water on your next day hike.
Shared Gear
Handmade in Seattle, Washington, this sleeping bag is pricey, but you can count on it lasting for years.
Essential Items
A fun, affordable tent for beginner car campers that can be used in the spring, summer, and fall.
Shared Gear
An absorbent, antimicrobial fabric that will keep you clean and dry down under.
Personal Stuff
This cook station has plenty of storage and counter space, and is easy to set up and carry out.
Kitchen
If you like to toss and turn at night, this sleeping pad is known for being a quiet, quality option for car campers.
Essential Items
A solid, lightweight, and relatively affordable tent for people are new to backpacking.
Shared Gear
Camp underneath the stars and watch glorious sunrises in Joshua Tree National Park, the second largest national park in California.
