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

Kayaking in Lake Britton and chasing waterfalls at Burney Falls State Park

Yvonne Leow

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http://www.bewilder.club/experiences/mcarthur-burney-falls-memorial-state-park-lake-britton

Last updated

August 3, 2024

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!‍

Official State Park Website

Directions To Campground

Main image credit: Gracie Emory

Prep Itinerary Gear Food

Stuff to know

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

Where to camp

Rim Campground

Each 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 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

View Campground Map‍

Nightly Rate: $35

Reserve your campsite

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Itinerary

Day One

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 Burney Falls Loop Trail

Walk a mile-long loop and enjoy Burney Falls at golden hour

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. Credit: Karam Alani

Make brekkie, pack a picnic, and spend the day swimming in Lake Britton

Pack a daypack with lunch, snacks, sunscreen, sunhat, bug spray, and plenty of water
Hike 2 miles round-trip along Rim trail, which eventually merges with Burney Creek Trail, to spend the day swimming and lounging by Lake Britton
Enjoy the sun, water, and an afternoon picnic!