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.
Merrill Campground is located in the Eagle Lake Recreation Area of the Lassen National Forest. This recreation area has five campgrounds, three designated day use areas and a marina on the south shore of Eagle Lake. All of these recreation facilities are connected by a 5.2 mile paved hiking/bike trail. The Osprey Overlook, another day use area in the recreation area, can be hiked or driven to for a scenic view of the southern end of Eagle Lake and the surrounding forest basin. The Lassen National Forest offers a variety of lakes, streams and wilderness areas for recreational opportunities. The forest offers miles of trails that are used for hiking, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle riding and in the winter months, snowmobiling.
Fishing for the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout, a California Heritage Trout, is the primary recreational activity on Eagle Lake, but the 3rd largest natural lake in California (22,000 acres), provides for plenty of room for swimming, kayaking, skiing and all other boating activities by motor or sail. There are no 2-cycle restrictions for outboard boat motors or PWCs.
Fishing for the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout, a California Heritage Trout, is the primary recreational activity on Eagle Lake, but the 3rd largest natural lake in California (22,000 acres), provides for plenty of room for swimming, kayaking, skiing and all other boating activities by motor or sail. There are no 2-cycle restrictions for outboard boat motors or PWCs.
Eagle Lake is located where the Sierras meet the Cascades at the southwestern end of the lake, and the Modoc Plateau of the Great Basin at the northeastern end. This unique location offers diverse landscapes, geology, wildlife and vegetation. Merrill Campground is located in a mature conifer forest of pines and firs on the southern shoreline of Eagle Lake, at an elevation of 5,100 feet.
The Lassen National Forest has many other recreational opportunities and the Lassen Volcanic National Park is an easy day___s drive to and from Eagle Lake Recreational Area.
$45 - $77 / night
Summit Lake North 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 North is on the opposite side of the lake from Summit Lake South Campground.
The campground is a hub for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts. 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 from 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.
The campground is a hub for hiking and backpacking enthusiasts. 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 from 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.
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, providing many unique habitats.
$15 - $24 / night
Battle Creek Campground is a developed campground with 50 designated sites and a maximum of 8 people per site. Grills and tables are provided. Battle Creek Campground is close to__Lassen Volcanic National Park__which offers many diverse hiking trails and other outdoor amenities.__Battle Creek Campground is located on Highway 36 approximately__2 miles west of Mineral, CA, and 38 miles east of Red Bluff,__CA.
Almanor Campground is a large family-friendly facility for individuals and large groups alike. It provides direct access to beautiful Lake Almanor and a variety of recreational opportunities in the area.
The 28,000-acre lake provides ample boating, swimming, water skiing and sailing opportunities. A boat ramp can be found next to the north campground. The adjacent beach is mostly rocky, but contains some sand. Fishing in the lake or nearby streams, is a popular activity. Anglers will find a variety of trout, bass, salmon and catfish, among other species.The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail can be accessed from within the campground. The trail winds through the forest, providing spectacular views of the lake, nearby Dyer Mountain and Lassen Peak. The trail stretches approximately 11 miles along the west shore of the lake. It is a non-motorized trail, open to all non-motorized activity.
The 28,000-acre lake provides ample boating, swimming, water skiing and sailing opportunities. A boat ramp can be found next to the north campground. The adjacent beach is mostly rocky, but contains some sand. Fishing in the lake or nearby streams, is a popular activity. Anglers will find a variety of trout, bass, salmon and catfish, among other species.The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail can be accessed from within the campground. The trail winds through the forest, providing spectacular views of the lake, nearby Dyer Mountain and Lassen Peak. The trail stretches approximately 11 miles along the west shore of the lake. It is a non-motorized trail, open to all non-motorized activity.
The campground sits on the west shore of Lake Almanor at an elevation of 4,540 feet. A scenic mixed conifer forest covers the area. Parts of the campground are shaded, while other sections have grassy meadows that often contain wildflowers.
The campground is located 12 miles outside of the town of Chester, California.
$15 / night
At this time we offer 8 cabins, 9 motel rooms and 63 R.V. spaces for rent. Year after year our regulars return to visit or stay. Some groups book their weekend on the same date yearly, while other families move up for the whole summer and build a welcoming community that only gets stronger. Lake Almanor is a place where most people know one another’s names, and if we see a new face we’re quick to introduce ourselves with a smile.
If you’re looking for fine dining or a drink with friends, our lakeside restaurant and bar offers an unbeatable view. Plumas Pines Bar and Grill proudly claims the only lakeside restaurant on Lake Almanor. Cruise right up to our courtesy dock and unload your boat for lunch or dinner all summer long.
Plumas Pines also has a full service marina with boat slips available both long and short-term, along with a boat launch and an extensive selection of boat/jet ski rentals. After launching your boat or jet skis, fuel up at our floating convenience store and boatside-service gas pump. We have everything you might need for the perfect lake getaway: the only thing that’s missing is you!
Come on up to Plumas Pines Resort and relax. You’re on mountain time now.
$54 - $150 / night
RV Sites, Tent Camping, Cabins, Yurts and Motel Rooms
Located near the shores of Silver Lake, Silver Bowl is a developed campground with 18 designated sites.__ There is a maximum of 8 people per site.__ Silver Lake offers a boat launch ramp, and__a nature trail encircling the lake and__two picnic areas provide a variety of recreational pursuits. Caribou Wilderness trailheads are located nearby.
3 group sites by reservation only
Formerly Childs Meadow Resort
Located on 18 private acres in the Lassen National Forest, The Village at Highlands Ranch is located just 10 minutes from the Lassen Volcanic National Park south entrance and visitor center, and just a few miles from reaching the peak of Mt. Lassen at 10,457 feet. The Village offers comfortable accommodations in the 19-room inn, 24-space RV park with 7 pull-thru and 17 back-in sites, and 7 tent camping sites with picnic tables and fire pits, along with equestrian camping for those traveling with their four-legged friends.
At 5,000 feet, our property offers breathtaking views of Lassen Volcanic National Park. During the summer, take in the quiet mountain breeze or enjoy a crackling fire with family and friends. During the winter, you are steps away from cross-country skiing or snowshoeing right out your front door at the inn. Experience a cosmic art show of stars painted against the dark mountain sky any time of the year!
It's definitely a 5-star campground, but if you don't fish, kayak or do paddle boarding, there is nothing else to do within 20 miles. National forest camping with power and electric, Wow!!! The price with a National Forest pass was only $32.
This was a perfect campsite. Came in late but everybody was eager and happy to help out. Met the hosts who took their time and explained about the park.
Located only 10 minutes from Lassen and by the road and still an rv spot in the forest. Very nice.
An upper class restaurant and a bar so something for everyone.
Very recommandable
One night stay. Well maintained and clean. Great landscaping and keeps it watered. Laundry just $1.50 a load and nice laundromat. Almost level site. Awesome and friendly owner...since 2022. Nice bathrooms. Great views and quiet.
Large state lakeside camp, well laid out. Clean toilets but no showers. Ca, so expensive. Great bike/hiking paved path In The pines. Lake entry about 200 yards from Lowest campsites which are unpowered sites. Water and electric available on the two upper levels. We did not have reservations, 4 powered sites and many unpowered were available. We chose the basic site, closer to the lake side.
Stayed one night and loved Eagle Lake. Rare USDA campground with power and water. Lovely forest area shades the camp. Lots of families with bikes and dogs all on leashes. Great bike paths to ride or walk right next to the lake.
North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024.
It took some digging on this information as the USFS website is wrong.
I camp here on the South campground at least once every year. For the 2024 season, they CLOSED it at the last second.
The North campground is OPEN, but you cannot reserve it. First Come First Served (FCFS).
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.
There is a General Store within walking distance and restaurant/bar right on the lake too. I highly advise reservations for dinner on the deck.
Nice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!
We stumbled across it when all the campgrounds in the national forest and national park for closed for the season and what a nice surprise. They had a little grocery store with ice cream..we had some ice cream. It was delicious.
They had the cutest little resort with little cabins, yurts and spots for a camper or big RV. They had a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area. Great little spot! We would absolutely come back. Internet on my phone was hit or miss outside. They offered internet for a cheap price. $1.95 a day. 12 minute drive to Park entrance. Otherwise, you are in the middle of nowhere. 20 minutes to a grocery store. Beautiful spot!
Stayed 2 nights, August 17 and 18 in B22, Loop B. This is a smaller campground that contains 2 Loops, A & B. We could see a bit of the lake from our site through the trees. No hookups although drinking water is offered as well as restrooms. Campgrounds are well maintained with bear lockers and rv sites ample. Road into the park as well as rv sites can accommodate big rigs. Generator hours are a bit odd although the only time we needed it was briefly in the morning to fix meals. Clouds drifted in about 2:00 p.m. each day with some sprinkles for about 1/2 hour keeping temps cool. Wonderful stay! Definitely would come back - picked out our preferred site already!
The campground was very nice however the restrooms and showers were dirty on a Sunday through Tuesday morning.
Overall we had a nice time! The sites are first come, first serve and it was $18/night. We came on Fri 7/28 at 6pm and there were still sites available. We found fire wood there around the campsite. The bathrooms were portable bathrooms. The regular vault toilets were locked. There were people in golf carts making sure you paid. It was very quiet but you can occasionally hear cars from the highway. Our site was pretty big but has limited parking to one maybe two cars. Would definitely stay here again!
We were lucky to get a FF spot and spent three nights. Clean restrooms and campground. Super easy access to the lake from this site where you can paddle board and kayak in peace.
Quiet starry nights. Recreational lake. Friendly peeps.
Fire hit this area hard and lots of burned trees and logging going on in the area. We used to come here a lot but its depressing to see so much destruction and hazardous trees. Most of our family doesn't want to stay up here anymore. Nice to have the stream near by but we always filtered the water from the creek.
Despite the beautiful Joshua trees this campground is not a great to stay. The roads are in terrible condition, trash is strewn throughout, and staff is less than friendly or helpful. Roads are terribly narrow and sites are small and very uneven. Not a great place for a trailer nor class A. No direct access to park via road. Is next to neighborhood
Beautiful campground
As a beginner RV-er/camper this site was great. Great staff, easy to get to and find your spot, and convenient spots with decks and hookups.
The neighbors were also awesome, and helped us with questions and guidance.
Lots of RV's but didn't feel crowded at all, as most of them were not there(seasonal spots).
The marina and rental folks were super friendly, helpful and accommodating. we rented a boat for fishing, and the guys slowly explained and guided us (yes... first time fishing as well).
So much to do around - hiking, water sports, geo-caching, and stargazing (when you roam a bit outside the lights of the camp).
My wife and I and two dogs stayed at campsite 51. Wonderful site with hook ups. easy to find and loved the proximity to the PCT.
We did not have reservations and just showed up. It’s nice that they have first come first serve sites available with full hook ups. The Camp Hosts are wonderful people
We stayed here two nights after spending one night at the larger Manzanita Lake CG.
The are two loops and about 40 sites. There is also a South Summit Lake CG. We stayed at A5 for 2 nights in the north CG. Not the best site, but the place was full by night fall. We were near the helpful host and near the restrooms with flush toilets, no showers. The CG is about halfway point on the park road, so convenient for visiting the trails and vistas.
We walked around the lake one evening and saw some interesting wild flowers. Drove the road to the visitor center near the south entrance a couple times to see all the volcanic features.
Close proximity to Eagle Lake. Sites are close together = no privacy. Bathrooms were clean. No showers but flushing toilets. Limited cell coverage. Great hiking trail on paved path accessible from campground.
Nice campground near the creek. Sites are nice and clean but some are a bit crowded. Lots of nearby fishing.
Very pretty views of the valley from the campground, and having hiking trails start from the campground was really nice. Only complaints are very close neighbors and little shade.
We loved our stay here. Stayed at the end of May 2022. Sites are large and spaced out. Big trees everywhere. Restrooms are clean, but don’t have anything to dry your hands with. Also no showers here. But everything is so nice it makes it a non-issue. Lake is amazing. Nice 10 mile paved trail for biking and walking.
I had a very enjoyable time looking out at the scenery. I had peace and quite with no large buildings and being on a private road. It all gave me the feeling I was one with the nature all around me. The camp also represents and embodies that same unity.
Our annual camping trip to Eagle Lake at the Merrill Campground in Lassen National Forest started as a family trip for a good friend about three generations ago. Ourselves and other friends have since tagged along for the last 6-8 years (some longer). We now routinely book 6 or more campsites, most with power for trailer hook ups though a couple of us still tent camp. Half the group are avid fisherman and go out every morning. The trout fishing is world class and makes for an out-of-this-world fish fry! This is one of the most pristine and quiet campgrounds we visit. The camp hosts and other campers are always extremely friendly and respectful. The facilities are clean and well maintained, the marina is well stocked (both fishing and daily food/drink essentials). We look forward to coming year after year.
The campground and hosts were….awesome! The hosts were attentive and drove around in their golf cart regularly and diligently and were informative and friendly. The camp was good too. All was fairly quiet and the spots are far enough apart. However, the lake was dismal. It smelled like sewage and there was an algal scum floating all over the surface…the bad part is, we didn’t notice the smell until we were already in the water. I have been out on the lake about 20 years ago and it was great, from a boat out in the middle somewhere. From the beach? Miss me with that, please. One can rent a boat…only for fishing… We might stay there again, if we bring kayaks or boats or something.
Grew up camping here as a child and have so many great memories of Eagle Lake. Unfortunately things have changed quite a bit due to the shift in climate in the area. The water was very low and air a bit smoky upon arrival in early September. Sites are great, with lots of shelter the further inland you go, and just enough pine tree shelter close to the water. Many sites available when we drove in on a Saturday afternoon, so we chose one with a view in the grassy area facing the lake. Amenities are great: flushing toilets, potable water, a general store with a good selection of items. A big, lakeside trail to bike/ walk that spans quite a distance and ends near the marina. The camp host played the French horn at sundown which was unexpected, but really lovely and relaxing to listen to as the sun set. Expect the days to be very hot, but nights extremely cold in the latter half of summer. Come prepared for the mountain climate with warm sleeping bags/ down blankets. Expect to hear some fishing boats and a bit of traffic at dawn if you stay during trout season. Always a good idea to check air quality and burn bans before arriving.
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
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Chester, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Chester, CA is Merrill Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Chester, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 24 glamping camping locations near Chester, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
