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.

## Overview

 Summit Lake South Campground (elevation 6,700 ft.) is conveniently located on the main road of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The campground is within walking distance of the small but scenic Summit Lake and eight miles from the 10,457-ft. Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park. Hikers will find one of the park's major trails only 1/4-mile away from the campground and many more within a close proximity. Summit Lake South is on the opposite side of the lake from Summit Lake North Campground.
## Recreation

 The campground is a hub for hiking and backpacking trails within the park. Campers can access many of the park's 150 miles of hiking trails from the Summit Lake area. The Cluster Lakes loop trail--a major trailhead into the park's interior that bypasses several alpine lakes and is popular among birders--is located a short walk away at the Summit Lake Ranger Station. This is the closest campground to the Lassen Peak Trail and within 10 miles of the hydrothermal area, Bumpass Hell. Educational programs are presented at an amphitheater within the facility.
## 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. 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. Lassen National Park boasts over 700 species of flowering plants and 250 native species 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.

Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

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Mineral

The Best Camping Near Mineral, California

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.

Great National Park Campground in Lassen

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.

Nice campground, but I like the North side better

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.

Has Tent Only Sites

Good chill spot

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. 

Quaint and primitive 

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.

Surprise Camping

Beautiful lake. Great campsites. Cannot pay at site.

Photos of Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

Real photos from real campers