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Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

8 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Summit Lake South, near Mineral, California, is a charming campground that offers a rustic experience right next to the stunning Summit Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park. With a mix of tent and RV sites, it’s a solid choice for those looking to immerse themselves in nature without the frills.

The campground features picnic tables and fire pits, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Visitors have noted the clean facilities, including vault toilets and water spigots, which keep things simple and functional. One camper mentioned, “Beautiful lake. Great campsites. Cannot pay at site,” highlighting the scenic beauty and the need to plan ahead for your stay.

For outdoor enthusiasts, the area is a gateway to fantastic hiking trails and breathtaking views of the park's volcanic landscape. Some sites are conveniently located right by the lake, offering a peaceful spot to relax or enjoy a swim. Just be aware that the campground can get a bit dusty in the summer, so come prepared.

While the campground is more primitive compared to others, it has its own charm, especially for those who appreciate a quieter, less commercialized experience. Whether you’re here for a weekend escape or a longer adventure, Summit Lake South provides a great base for exploring the natural wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park.

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Location

Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Redding, California take State Highway 44 east approximately 48 miles to the Manzanita Lake entrance of the park. The campground is 14 miles south of the entrance on the main park road.

Address

LASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100
Mineral, CA 96063

Coordinates

40.4902778 N
121.4236111 W

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Connectivity

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    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Big Pine Dispersed Camping

Big Pine Dispersed Camping

26 min away

High Bridge Campground

High Bridge Campground

1 hr 19 min away

Drive Time

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Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Pull-Through Sites

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Reviews

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out of 5

8 Reviews

Jason G.
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2025

Great campground, but you will get to know you neighbors

I really liked this campground, and the convenience of being inside the park was great. The spots are decent sized, but are very close together and there isn't much for vegetation to separate the sites. You will see your neighbors and what they are doing, saying (and visa versa).

It's a tent only (or no hook ups) campground, which I prefer, but when I booked I didn't think about the parking pads. Many of the parking pads are at extreme angles, and would NOT be usable for folks with a roof-top tent, such as myself. I got lucky and the spot I booked just happened to be one of the flat ones. But driving through on my way to the site, I was getting very nervous, not many of them have the flat parking.

SiteE17
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Jason G., July 17, 2025
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Jason G., July 17, 2025
April C.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2022

Surprise Camping

Went on a backpacking trip in Lassen and parked at this campsite for the trailhead. The last day of our trip there wasn't any water in the backcountry and decided to just hike out to this campsite and try to get a spot. We found a great campsite to park my jeep at. Very clean with a lot of room. you can collect firewood from downed trees. The only downside was that you have to park on the parking pads that are not level. I have a Jeep with a rooftop tent, and you can't park at dramatic angles. We parked on the dirt, and they let it slide. We were so exhausted and just wanted to relax.

Month of VisitSeptember
T
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2022

Quaint and primitive

The campground is basic with vault toilets and water spigots. Bear box, fire pit and picnic table provided. Some of the sites are very close to one another. Very dry and dusty in the summer time. Good location as far as getting to other points of interest in the park. Stayed in E loop for tents only which was nice because there was no noise from RVs and generators.

SiteE9
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Taylor A., July 18, 2022
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Taylor A., July 18, 2022
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MarinMaverick
Reviewed Sep. 9, 2020

Has Tent Only Sites

Summit lake is a great place to hang.  There are campgrounds on either side of the lake and this one is the more primate of the two - no flush toilets.  That said there are some sites right on the lake and an area just for tents- no generators!

Some sites are a bit open - due to elevation tall trees with little underneath - so some sites not real private.

The location is good and you have easy access to both sides of Lassen.  Also connected to great hiking.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by MarinMaverick , September 9, 2020
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by MarinMaverick , September 9, 2020
Corinna B.
Reviewed Mar. 31, 2020

Nice campground, but I like the North side better

Summit Lake is a small, swimmable lake with one campground on the north, and the other on the south. Technically I believe they are the same campground (with A and B loops in the North and C, D, and E in the south), but they're separate enough with different facilities and names that they really are two different experiences.

South side: Nice trees, nice camping spots. There's a whole loop (E I think) that is only for tents. South is $2 cheaper than the North side, most likely because the North has the flush toilets vs the pit toilets on the South. Which brings me to the two reasons I like the "other" (North) campground better:

First, the North side has flush toilets. Totally worth spending the extra $2 to go to the other spot if there's openings.

Secondly, the North side has a nice little beach/swimming area, whereas from the South side you run into a lot more swampy water weeds trying to get down to the swimmable parts of the water.

That said, if the North side is booked up or if you want something with perhaps a bit more room (depending on which site you find), the South side is nice, too. There's even a couple of very nice spots right on the lake. Either way, you'll do fine at either campground.

Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Corinna B., March 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Corinna B., March 31, 2020
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Corinna B., March 31, 2020
  • (10) View All
Brian C.
Reviewed Sep. 1, 2018

Great National Park Campground in Lassen

Like its sister site to the north, this camp site is next to Lassen’s Summit Lake at approximately 7000 feet. The lake is gorgeous and the camp sites are nice, with flush toilets and sinks available.

However, we prefer the northern campground location given that the camp sites are closer to the lake and the southern campground had more marsh/grass along the shoreline.

Still beautiful, and still next to plenty of places to explore inside the awesome Lassen National park.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Brian C., September 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Brian C., September 1, 2018
  • Review photo of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Brian C., September 1, 2018
  • (10) View All
Showing results 1-8 of 8 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do Summit Lake South Campground reviews compare to other Lassen National Park camping options?

Summit Lake South Campground is generally well-regarded within Lassen Volcanic National Park, earning consistent 4-5 star ratings. Campers appreciate the nicely spaced sites, convenient location for accessing park attractions, and the beautiful lakeside setting. The campground is noted for being more primitive than Summit Lake North but offers the advantage of having some sites directly on the lake and a dedicated tent-only area. While some sites lack privacy due to minimal vegetation between them, the campground's proximity to hiking trails and the swimmable lake makes it a popular choice for visitors seeking a balance of amenities and natural beauty.

What amenities are available at Summit Lake South Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Summit Lake South Campground offers basic amenities including vault toilets and water spigots throughout the campground. Each site comes equipped with a bear box, fire pit, and picnic table. Unlike Summit Lake North, this campground doesn't have flush toilets, making it more primitive. The campground has multiple loops including C, D, and E, with E loop designated specifically for tent camping with no generators allowed. Some sites are situated right on the lake, providing easy water access for swimming and recreation.

Where is Summit Lake South Campground located within Lassen Volcanic National Park?

Summit Lake South Campground is situated alongside Summit Lake at approximately 7,000 feet elevation within Lassen Volcanic National Park. It's positioned on the southern shore of the lake, with Summit Lake North Campground on the opposite side. This central location provides convenient access to major park attractions and trailheads. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the park, with several hiking trails accessible directly from the campground. Its position beside the small, swimmable Summit Lake offers beautiful views and recreational opportunities right from the campsite.

What are the best times to visit Summit Lake South Campground in Lassen?

The optimal time to visit Summit Lake South Campground is during summer and early fall when the alpine lake is ideal for swimming and recreation. However, be aware that summer months can be dry and dusty. Late spring through early fall provides the most reliable access, as the campground sits at approximately 7,000 feet elevation. The campground's popularity peaks during summer weekends, so consider weekday visits for a quieter experience. Weather can change quickly at this elevation, so pack for variable conditions even in summer.

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