Camping options near Chester, California provide access to both Lassen Volcanic National Park and surrounding mountain lakes. Sites in this region range from 4,500 to 6,000 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime and dropping to 40-50°F at night. Most tent camping areas close after the first snowfall, typically by late October.
What to do
Fishing access: Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park features a private fishing pond perfect for beginners. "My daughter caught her first fish(s) here in the pond," reports one camper, with another noting "Their little section of Hat Creek is beautiful."
Hiking trails: Whitehorse Campground at Bucks Lake Recreation Area connects directly to walking paths. "Walking trails connect to the campground! What a delight and right near Bucks Lake!" writes Sarah J. The campground is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Explore lava tubes: Hat Creek Resort & RV Park serves as a base camp for local geological features. "Campground is close to other fishing, the Subway Cave (ya gotta go there) Lassen National Park entrance and much more," states one visitor. The cave entrance is located 12 minutes from the campground.
What campers like
Creek-side sites: At Hat Creek Resort, waterfront camping spots provide peaceful settings. "We got a spot right on the water. The spots had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy," writes Jason D., while another camper adds: "Fishing 10 steps from our Trailer... we caught trout all morning."
Clean facilities: Volcanic Country Camping & RV maintains functional shower facilities near Lassen Park. "We've been on a road trip through California living in a van so after hiking lassen all day we were on the lookout for a shower. This place had a hot shower and toilet!" one traveler notes. Sites cost $35 per night plus a $2 pet fee.
Well-maintained properties: Days End RV Park in Standish receives praise for its upkeep. "Well maintained and clean. Great landscaping and keeps it watered," reports Noel L., while another reviewer described it as a "Spotless RV site and hosts are super friendly."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Some campgrounds in the region have limited operating windows. Grizzly Creek Campground runs from mid-April to mid-October with restrictions: "The water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared," reports Patricia N.
Cell service issues: Digital connectivity varies throughout Chester-area campgrounds. Volcanic Country Camping & RV reports "Poor T-Mobile service. No wifi," while some locations offer paid options: "They offered internet for a cheap price. $1.95 a day," notes one visitor to Hat Creek Resort.
Bear awareness: Whitehorse Campground requires proper food storage protocols. "The campground was visited by a bear at night. Just one night, when the night before the dumpsters were emptied," says Sarah J., while adding "Just do what they say- and keep your food stuffed locked up."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly locations: Whitehorse Campground offers reliable family experiences. "Clean campground, great fishing, and nice trail around lake. Kids love camping here," writes Erin C., who notes that "Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked 2-3x a day."
Recreational amenities: Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA (formerly Rancheria RV Park) features a central pond with wildlife viewing. "We were parked near a lovely large pond/lake that had geese and dozens of pretty colored dragonflies flying about," reports Tracy K.
Entertainment options: Hat Creek Resort includes various games and activities on-site. "They had a volleyball court, cornhole and a basketball area," writes one visitor about the facilities available beyond standard camping amenities.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through accessibility: Several RV campgrounds near Chester offer easy access sites. "Easy pull through sites, full hookups," notes Paul C. about Susanville RV Park, while Days End RV Park can "accommodate big rigs. Weekly, monthly, overnight" according to another reviewer.
Level site considerations: Susanville RV Park features concrete pads for stable parking. "This park is very nice all concrete sites and manicured and watered grass areas. Picnic tables at all the sites," writes Paul M., though he notes "they lock the showers and bathrooms from 7pm to 7am."
Utility challenges: RV campers should note that some Chester-area campgrounds have limitations. Days End RV Park has a "slight elevation of the sewage connection," while not all RV campgrounds offer 50-amp service for larger rigs.
