Chester is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.
"Our visit to Lake Almanor was amazing. My Dad brought his sail boat and the wind was perfect for sailing. The campgrounds are spacious and the restrooms are clean."
"The spaces are large, sunny and shaded with lovely trees and all within walking distance from the lake. Staff is friendly and helpful and the park is always clean. "
$26 / night
"Manzanita Lake is a really family friendly campground. It’s great seeing the kids ride around the loop on their bicycles and scooters."
"We took an eight-day tour through Northern California and this was our first leg. Tent-camped three nights."
"High Bridge Campground is located in the Lassen National Forest, about 10-15 minutes outside of Chester. Chester is a good town to fill up your gas tank, get supplies, etc."
"were there to camp this weekends started aug 6 we went to roam around the National Park had a great time at the end ot the day we went back to the camp ground we have a notice that their closing the park"
$37 / night
"Located off a well maintained gravel road near beautiful Butte Lake. We had no problem towing our trailer to this location and neither did our friends whose trailer is 30+ ft."
"Stayed at Butte Lake for two nights in late June 2022. None of the campsites has an unobstructed lake view, but it’s a short walk to the day use area on the shore."
"Turn on Hwy 36 towards Chester. BYW. Chester is a nice town to visit and get gas and food."
"Pre-Covid, Chester, CA was a great town spot to grab a local breakfast or meal- not sure about that now. Good grocery/gas/supply spots are there as well."
"Operated by PG&E on Lake Almanor. There are no bear boxes, just food lockers, so secure your food in your vehicle. Each loop has its own host, so information is always near by."
$15 - $100 / night
"Boat ramp is at the North campground, but if you just have a paddleboard or kayak, you can just walk to the water by just waking down the road and launch at the edge of the lake. "
"Nice distance between most sites."
$54 - $150 / night
"So much to do around - hiking, water sports, geo-caching, and stargazing (when you roam a bit outside the lights of the camp)."
"The sites are close to each other, but every site has a small balcony you can back up next too. Majors Outpost boat rentals are also here and they are Super Friendly."
$17 / night
"This campground is a hidden gem on Butt Lake. There are first come first serve sites and also sites to be reserved. It has a few walk in sites and mostly drive in."
"We were fortunate to discover Butt Lake near Lake Almanor. Only one small burn area far from the campgrounds. Friday was opening day for Cool Springs campground. "
$34 - $112 / night
"The campground is near a highway but it stayed relatively quiet the whole time, since there's not much traffic on the road."
"Manzanita Lake Campground canceled on us, and we needed a spot with plenty of FCFS availability.
Campground: Basic USFS campground."
LegendWe enjoyed staying at Manzanita Campground when we made a last minute change of plans to have cooler weather. The elevation makes a big difference! We were in two different sites as we made same day and next day reservations. Yes, some of the spots are tight, but we were able to get two nice sites that felt more open. I loved being able to hike right by from the campground on multiple hikes. Sadly, due to staff shortages, the wonderfulv Loomis museum which chronicles the eruption is closed during the week days. Bathrooms in B loop nicer than in A loop. But A loop closer to lake. Be ready to level your camper.
GuideDrove right by it, but had the aea to ourselves. Took a nice walk by the lake.
GuideThe 6 mile gravel road to the campground is the only challenge. Traverse at your own pace — we have a bumper pull trailer and went slow the last 1.6 miles in (thanks to a friend’s warning). Still not a deterrent or worthy of less than 5 stars. Campground is spacious and clean. Hiking is amazing. Lake is pristine and the beauty of the place is unparalleled. No potable water. No dump station. Generators can be run 3 times a day for 2 hours — see ranger station for specific times. Online reservations only! No FF spots.
TravelerWe arrived late, and pulled into the first spot we found just to be safe. Woke up this morning and it's beautiful, quiet and no one else near by. We have a 34 ft travel trailer and no on issues getting into our spot. 20 minute drive to the cinder cone trail head in Lassen National Park. There is a vault toilet but it is not well kept.
TravelerLots of flies but a beautiful site
TravelerOur parking spot is big enough for our travel trailer, right next to the creek. Clean, quiet, safe. No traffic. But No cell service.
TravelerWasn’t too hard to find and site was well maintained. Lot of logging activities happening in the area but didn’t affect our stay.
TravelerNice spot near the river. We stayed in a tent and just pitched it adjacent to the car park. The ranger came by in the morning just had a little look around and left. Didn’t bother anyone
RangerFirst of all, it is a BEAUTIFUL area and drive in. Gorgeous area. BLM land by water is relatively flat.
NOT big rig friendly. It is a sharp, steep curve to come into gate and road is narrow gravel/sand. I would not have been able to get into area and turn around if my rv had been any longer that it is (19ft) and I had to use 4WD and Maxtraxs. Road just ends so you have to turn around in grass/rock terrain if you go too far because there is no warning.
Only other downside of this spot is the mosquitos are horrible. Sitting outside during sunset isn’t even possible with bug repellent. They were covering my dogs. So be aware if you stay here. Will do for an overnight stop. Also no cell service.
Camping near Chester, California, offers a fantastic mix of natural beauty and outdoor activities. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent or park your RV.
Camping around Chester, California, has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for adventure or a peaceful retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Chester, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 199 campgrounds and RV parks near Chester, CA and 26 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chester, CA is Rocky Point Campground - Lake Almanor with a 4.1-star rating from 7 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Chester, CA.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Chester, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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