Within Lassen Volcanic National Park, Crags Youth Campground operates as a specialized facility managed by the National Park Service, having transitioned from general public use to youth-focused programming in 2014. The campground sits near both creek and lake features, providing access to fishing and swimming activities during its mid-May through late October season.
Standard amenities include drinking water, restrooms, a dump station, and picnic tables, with firewood available for purchase and campfires permitted. The site allows pets and offers drive-in access at $62 per night. For families seeking broader options in the region, campgrounds outside Lassen Volcanic National Park provide additional choices. Campers should verify current availability and reservation requirements through the National Park Service, as the facility's youth-oriented mission may affect general public access.
Description
Overview
Lost Creek Group Campground (elevation 5,700 ft.) is approximately five miles south of Manzanita Lake, and close to the Lost Creek and Devastated areas. Located on the main park road, it is also in close proximity to the main attractions and hiking trails of Lassen Volcanic National Park, the general store, showers and other amenities. The Loomis Museum and educational programs are a within a short drive.
Recreation
Within a short drive, campers can access several hiking trails and Manzanita Lake. The lake is popular with fly fishermen for catching trout; however, the area does maintain a catch-and-release policy and requires the use of artificial lures and single barb-less hooks only. Non-motorized boating is also permitted with kayak rentals nearby.
Facilities
There are eight group sites within the campground, each containing picnic tables, campfire rings, food storage lockers and parking. Drinking water is provided. The facility does not provide electric and water hookups. The closest dump station is at Manzanita Lake. For more information visit Campgrounds of Lassen Volcanic.
Natural Features
The Lost Creek area has a pleasant atmosphere dominated by large ponderosa pines. 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 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.
Nearby Attractions
The Loomis Museum is located about a fifteen minute drive away and the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center is located about forty-five minute drive away.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundCrags Youth Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park is located in California
Directions
From Redding, California drive 48 miles east on State Highway 44 to State Highway 89. Turn right into Lassen Volcanic National Park and continue five miles south to Lost Creek Group Campground. It is 1/8-mile south of Crags Campground.
Address
LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100
Mineral, CA 96063
Coordinates
40.5625 N
121.5166667 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Market
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
