Established Camping
Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park
About
National Park Service
Lassen Volcanic National Park
Overview
Juniper Lake Group Campground (elevation 6,800 feet) is a remote, rustic facility in the southeastern part of Lassen Volcanic National Park. It is on the eastern shore of Juniper Lake, a popular swimming spot, and offers a fantastic view of Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park, towering at 10,457 feet.
Recreation
The main trailheads for Horseshoe Lake, Snag Lake and the interior of the park are within the facility. The Mount Harkness Trail ascends to a historic fire tower that is still in use. Juniper Lake is popular for canoeing, kayaking and swimming; Motorized boating is not permitted.
Facilities
This is a tent-only facility with two group sites. Drinking water is not available. It is connected to the rest of Juniper Lake Campground, which is all first-come, first-served. Access is via a 13-mile road (seven miles gravel, six miles roughly paved). For more information visit Campgrounds of Lassen Volcanic.
Natural Features
The national park is known for its volcanic history, as well as its diversity of plants and animals. It contains 300 active volcanic domes and many hydrothermal features, such as mud pots and steam vents, some of which are close to the campground. Lassen Peak is the southernmost active volcano in the Cascades, and the second-most recent volcano to erupt in the lower 48 of the United States before Mount Saint Helens in 1980. Lassen National Park boasts over 700 species of flowering plants and 250 species of vertebrates, including birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. The park is at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin, thus providing many unique habitats.
Reservation Info
First come first served
Trailers/RVs not recommended!
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiUnknown
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileUnknown
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- Group
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
TravelerJuniper Lake (non group)
The smaller sites at Juniper Lake are first come first serve, unlike the group sites that can be reserved. Over the last few years the popularity of Juniper Lake has grown and it is difficult to find a spot on weekends, but early to mid week there's a pretty good chance you can find a spot. If you're lucky enough to get a spot on the lake you'll have one of the most beautiful camping spots in Northern California with an epic view of Mt. Lassen. There are a couple of good day hikes nearby as well. Typically camping here is tent camping, but if you have a smaller trailer like a tent trailer or Rpod you might be able to get it in. There are no RV hook ups.
GuideNext to a beautiful lake
If you enjoy privacy and a very secluded campground this is it. We stayed at group site A. This site is amazing is right next to the lake I haven’t stayed at a more beautiful site. The only downside that I didn’t like was that there wasn’t a camp host. Having a camp host always gives me a little bit of ease especially in an area with no service, deep in the forest, and stores are more than 20 minutes away. For others they might love this but to each their own! Unfortunately the time we stayed it began to snow, and no other campers were staying in the sites. It was pretty much all to ourselves. We stayed there in late September 2019. Mother Nature never ceases to surprise me. But overall I definitely keep this bookmarked because it is so beautiful! Lassen in general has great hiking trails with many views, you got to visit bumpass hell if you go.
GuideMediocre Campground in a Unique Park
This review is specific to the Juniper Lake Campground. There is no water available and no separation between sites. It is high elevation and dry so the landscape is sparse. There is a very cold lake that is lovely. Canoes and row boats available for rent. This campground would be great for RVs if you don’t require any hookups or amenities. There are other campgrounds at lower elevation that have running water and firewood available. The park itself has incredible geothermic features. The visitor center is not to be missed.
Location
Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in California
Directions
From the Red Bluff (I.5), drive east on state HWY 36 approximately 70 miles to Chester. Turn left at fire station immediately after crossing Feather River Bridge (watch for National Park Service sign on right) continue approximately 13 miles follow signs to Juniper Lake Campground and Group Campsite Area. Campground access is via paved and dirt road, last 6 miles is narrow, rough and dusty dirt road.
Address
PO BOX 100 C/O LASSEN VOL NP
Mineral, CA 96063
Coordinates
40.4511111 N
121.2958333 W