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Map showing campground location near Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
Camper submitted image from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed CampingView 22 Photos
RoadsMap showing campground location near Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

8 ReviewsAdd Review

Managed by the US Forest Service within Lassen National Forest, this free dispersed area sits just off Highway 44 near the northwest entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, making it a practical overnight base for exploring the park without paying for a developed site. Campers turn off 44 onto a gravel road and find established fire rings within the first 100 meters, with sites tucked among pines on both sides of the road. The ground cover is thick with pine needles, so anyone planning a fire should clear a wide perimeter down to bare dirt first. Burn restrictions are reportedly in effect for much of the year.

The road is dusty but generally passable for two-wheel-drive vehicles in dry conditions, and reviewers have confirmed that rigs up to 23 feet have fit comfortably on the level ground near the creek. A stream runs close enough that campers can hear it from some spots, and water can be accessed on foot a short distance up the road. Deeper into the forest, additional sites exist but the road roughens and suits 4x4 vehicles better. Ground-nesting bees have been spotted at multiple sites, so checking carefully before settling in is worth the effort.

Cell coverage is limited: AT&T gets one bar, and Verizon users report no signal. Starlink, however, has worked reliably despite the tree canopy. There are no toilets, running water, or trash service on site. Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins to the north provides the nearest developed facilities. Road noise from Highway 44 is audible at the front sites, though reviewers describe it as manageable. Grant M. sums it up as "a convenient and quiet overnight stop for anyone exploring the Lassen area," and campers who pack in what they need will find it earns that description.

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Map & Directions31N17N is located in California near Lassen Volcanic National Park

Detail location of campground
Dispersed Camping

Coordinates

40.53707 N
121.594668 W

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Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 9/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 56 users
    Last on 9/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 9/7/26

Connectivity

  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
    Last on 9/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 56 users
    Last on 9/7/26
  • signal strength bars
    AT&TLTE
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 12 users
    Last on 9/7/26

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Dispersed
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

DISPERSED CAMPING

Enjoy dispersed camping on government land and leave no trace. Pack in and pack out. No (or limited) services at this camping area. Permit may be required.

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General Info

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Reviews8 Camper Reviews - 31N17N

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Guests frequently mentioned level sites suitable for RVs near Lassen's entrance. Some campers noted concerns about highway noise, though creek sounds and good accessibility were appreciated. Limited cell service but convenient location.

Reviewed Aug. 20, 2026

Wonderful

Just got here and parked next to a creek. Easy road to get a truck camper in. We will explore more tomorrow

Sitenot numered
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping by GIna G., August 20, 2026
  • Review photo of 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping by GIna G., August 20, 2026
  • Review photo of 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping by GIna G., August 20, 2026
Reviewed Aug. 8, 2026

Amazingly secluded

We bypassed the sites that were immediately to the right off FR17 (Mineral Rd) to see if there were others up the road. There is one cute site right near the creek but directly on the road so a lot of dust if you stayed there. We continued past 20W and came around the corner to an amazing multi site area! Easily could have had 3 or 4 rigs in here and indeed, there were 4 campfire rings. And no one there! We had it all to ourselves (Tue-Wed-Thu) and were able to easily get to Manzanita Lake and into Lassen. Don't let the piles of logging debris fool you - just go past it!

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 3, 2026

Behind the Lassen Pines

Being right off the main road and so close to Lassen, this spot almost felt too good to be true. Sure enough, there were established fire pits, although I’m fairly certain there is a burn ban for much of the year. I didn’t want to risk it, so I skipped even using a Solo Stove.

This is a decent overnight spot, but not really a destination in itself. We spent the day exploring the nearby Manzanita Lake picnic area and driving the scenic road through Lassen, including the Bumpass Mountain area, before returning after dark to spend the night.

The campsite itself isn’t anything particularly special, but it serves its purpose well as a quick and easy overnight stop. The sites are tucked back among the pines and feel reasonably secluded.

In dry conditions, I think most two-wheel-drive vehicles would be fine getting here. The gravel road has some fairly deep ruts in places, but the campsites are located very close to the road, so there isn’t much driving required once you arrive.

Starlink worked surprisingly well, even with the surrounding pine trees.

There are no amenities here—no water, toilets, trash service, or hookups—but Lassen National Park is just a short drive away if you need facilities during the day.

Overall, it’s a convenient and quiet overnight stop for anyone exploring the Lassen area.

SiteNA
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping by Grant M., June 3, 2026
  • Review photo of 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping by Grant M., June 3, 2026
  • Review photo of 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping by Grant M., June 3, 2026
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 23, 2025

Gem of a level secluded spot with babbling brook

We’ve been on the road for about a month now and this might take the cake for our favorite dispersed spot. There are a few others along this road, but this one takes the gold. It’s next to the creek and we fell asleep to the sounds of the flowing water. It’s quite level for our 23’ rig. Nice smooth road to access. If I had to say one negative it would be the dusty road, but it’s absolutely worth coming back here if you can secure this spot. It’s also very shaded in the morning which is always nice. 1 bar AT&T, no service for Verizon. Starlink worked great as always.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping by Brock S., July 23, 2025
  • Review photo of 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping by Brock S., July 23, 2025
Reviewed Sep. 3, 2024

Convenient dispersed site near Lassen

Same experience as the other reviews. Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Jun. 20, 2024

Exactly what we needed

About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on. We camped to the right of the road, as we saw another camp site that was filled to the right. Tent campers will have no issues finding a spot. We didn’t venture too far down the road due to having a lower car, but we had plenty of options.

Although you feel secluded, the highway isn’t too far, so you’ll have some road noise (nothing crazy). We did hear coyotes off in the distance, which is so cool and spooky at the same time. Bear activity was reported in the area before we arrived, so keep that in mind. Make sure to bring your buh spray!

Will definitely stay here again if we visit the park again. Arrived June 19, left June 20.

Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping by Elaine S., June 20, 2024
Reviewed Jun. 5, 2024

Very much a Nike camp area, "Just Do It

Immediately prior to turning down road to Lassen turn in to dirt road. Again less than 50 yards on right is area to camp. Could also turn a big rig.

A 4 wheel drive is not required, it's just a dusty road. About 100 yards further, you could walk up the road and grab some water from the stream.

No Verizon phone or internet reception

Siten/a
Month of VisitJune
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2023

Great dispersed spot near Lassen Volcanic NP

We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park.

Right when you turn off 44, go up a small hill, maybe 100m, then there is a clearing on the west side of the road. There is a perpendicular dirt road at the clearing (running west/east) with several spots to park a van, trailer, or even smaller RV. We saw four distinct sites where people had made fire rings—however due to the number of pine trees the ground is covered in a thick layer of pine needles— make sure you sweep at least a 20’ fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before you make a fire. You can also hear noticeable road noise from 44 in the front spots so not super secluded.

Many of the sites we checked (near the entrance and deeper into the woods) had bumble bees coming out of holes in the ground so be careful picking your site, particularly at night so you don’t wake up to an unpleasant surprise.

Going further south down the main road you can find many other more hidden camping spots deeper in the forest, but the road is rougher and only suited for a 4x4.

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Month of VisitJuly
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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best dispersed camping areas near Lassen National Park?

31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping is one of the best dispersed camping areas near Lassen National Park. Located about one mile south of the northwest entrance, it offers convenient access to the park. The camping area is situated right off Highway 44 - when traveling from the Redding direction, you turn right onto a dirt road and then take the first right. The turnoff is marked on Google Maps and is easy to find. There are several spots along this road, with the first clearing about 100 meters up the hill on the west side of the road. This free camping option is perfect for those looking to stay close to Lassen without paying for developed campgrounds.

Do I need a permit for dispersed camping near Lassen National Park?

No permit is required for dispersed camping at 31N17N - North Manzanita, which is located on National Forest land near Lassen Volcanic National Park. This area offers free camping with no reservation system. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. However, it's always good practice to follow Leave No Trace principles and be aware of any seasonal fire restrictions that may be in effect. For the most current information on regulations, contact the Lassen National Forest office.

What amenities are available at dispersed camping sites near Lassen National Park?

31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping is a primitive camping area with no developed amenities. There are no restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, or garbage service available. However, the location does offer natural advantages - some sites are situated near a creek where you can collect water (though you should filter or treat it before use). The area features level ground suitable for tents and even RVs up to 23 feet. While the sites are primitive, they provide beautiful natural surroundings with the peaceful sound of flowing water at creek-side spots.

What is the best time of year for dispersed camping near Lassen National Park?

The best time for dispersed camping at 31N17N - North Manzanita is late spring through early fall, with summer being the prime season. The area becomes accessible once snow melts, typically by late May or June, and remains viable until the first significant snowfall in autumn. Summer offers warm days and cool nights, perfect for exploring nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park. Even during peak times like Labor Day weekend, campers have reported finding available spots. Weather conditions are generally pleasant during this period, though always be prepared for mountain temperature fluctuations.

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