Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park
Reviewed Nov. 25, 2023

Campground - Meh; Lassen - Gorgeous!

General: Four loops plus a cabin loop, however, after September 5 at noon, the only loops open are A, B, and cabins. 

Site Quality: Some pull-throughs and some back-in. The back-in sites were, for the most part, better suited for tent camping as the camper pads were quite short and many were not level. We lucked out in that our camper pad was only slightly unlevel and we could make it work with our camper van. Some sites were close together with minimal separation while others had more trees separating them. 

Bath/Shower house: There were several toilet options ranging from vault toilets to basic bathrooms with flush toilets, to larger restrooms with dishwashing sinks. Although there was a soap dispenser in the two closest to our site, there was no soap. The very cold water was oh-so refreshing on a cold September morning! The dishwashing sink in the A loop was locked but we did see campers using the one in the B Loop.

Activities/Amenities: There is a camper store with food, showers, gas, and laundry available. You can access both Manzanita and Reflection Lakes (1.5 and.5 miles respectively) from the campground. The Chaos Crags trailhead is approximately a half mile from the A Loop. There are kayak, cataraft, and SUP rentals available for Manzanita Lake but it was a bit chilly when we were there. There is zero cell service in the campground but it is noted there is a milepost where you can grab a signal. On our Chaos Crags hike, however, we got a strong signal on Verizon!

The campground was okay but worth it as a base camp for exploring the northwest part of the park. Happy this one has not been outsourced to a vendor and the price is still reasonable ($26 or$13 with the senior pass).

SiteA9
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023
  • Review photo of Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park by Lee D., November 25, 2023