About GURNSEY CREEK
Overview Gurnsey Creek Campground is located in the mountains of northern California. It offers access to a variety of nearby recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing and picnicking.Recreation The area provides access to plentiful hiking trails, picnic spots and rainbow trout fishing.Facilities Gurnsey Group is located within Gurnsey Creek Campground. This unique site offers 2 reservable "loops". GS Loop # 1 is $56/night, includes 7 individual campsites (Site #s 31-37) and can accommodate 56 people. GS Loop #2 is $112/night, includes 13 sites (Site 38-51) and accommodates up to 112 people. Each site has its own fire ring, picnic table, and parking spur. Gurnsey Creek is a gorgeous campground sitting in a forest of tall evergreens near Highway 36. Drinking water and restrooms are available. No utility hookups are provided. A water-filling station is located at the campground entrance. Parking is limited within the campground. NOTE: THESE GROUP SITES ARE AVAILABLE BY RESERVATION ONLY. Natural Features The campground is nestled in a mixed conifer forest in the Lassen National Forest at an elevation of 4,700 feet. It is located next to Gurnsey Creek. Nearby Attractions The campground is located 14 miles west of the town of Chester and Lake Almanor, where boating, fishing, sailing and water skiing are popular activities. The southwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park is about 14 miles north. The park is known for its active hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots that continually shape and alter the landscape.
How to Get There
From the town of Chester, follow Highway 36 west for about 14 miles. Gurnsey Creek Campground is located on the right side of the highway, about 2 miles past the Highway 32 turnoff.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to GURNSEY CREEK
Heading to GURNSEY CREEK? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for GURNSEY CREEK?
No central reservation system listed for GURNSEY CREEK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232290) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to GURNSEY CREEK?
From the town of Chester, follow Highway 36 west for about 14 miles. Gurnsey Creek Campground is located on the right side of the highway, about 2 miles past the Highway 32 turnoff.
How do I contact GURNSEY CREEK?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-258-2141.
References & Official Resources
