Camping + Easy Trails at McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park

McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park is a great spot for a multi-day camping trip, where you're sure to have an amazing time cooking meals over the campfire, exploring off the beaten path and appreciating quality time with friends, without distractions. The campsites we booked, 86 & 87, were perfect for a large group because the back of the campsite was just an open forest. That way, you won't have to worry about the noise too much, and you can walk through the trees to watch the sky change colors during sunset.

One of the hands-down best parts of camping here is the trail along the waterfall, Burney Falls. This short walk along the Falls Loop Trail (0.3 mi) starts at the base of the waterfall, heads up north around the Rainbow Bridge to the top of the waterfall, and then comes back down across another beautiful bridge. If you're feeling rebellious, get off the beaten path to get closer to the water that leads down the fall. The whirling pool of the most clear and cold water just before the drop is incredible and the ~10 degree drop in temperature near the water makes it a perfect spot on a hot afternoon.

Another great activity is a brisk walk through the Pioneer Cemetery Trail near the campgrounds, where you might discover a small graveyard with tombstones dating over a hundred years back!