Best Tent Camping near Chester, CA

Recent Tent Reviews near Chester, California

405 Reviews of 45 Chester Campgrounds

• C

  Christopher N.

  Guide

  

  Aug. 6, 2021

  Mill Creek Resort

  Nice Private Campground

  This campground is just south of Lassen Volcanic National Park.  It has two main sections, one for RVs and the other for tents.  There are a small number of RV sites with full hookups and then a larger number of tent sites.  The RV sites are fairly small, but felt separated enough to have some privacy.  The tent sites are a bit more rustic.

  The other slightly odd part is that most of the RV sites were filled with people who came and stayed for the entire summer, year after year.  We were the only not long-term camper in the RV section.  

  Pros:

  * Close to a lot of amazing scenery with Lassen

  * Well kept, clean, quiet campground

  * Camp store/restaurant is great

  * Laundry on site

  * Access to a nice little creek w/swimming hole

  Cons:

  * Camp store is open limited days

  * Tent sites only have pit toilets which are not the best maintained

  OK:

  * No fires in the RV sites

  * Showers were not always very clean

• 

  Corinna B.

  Legend

  

  Mar. 31, 2020

  Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park

  Lovely campground on a nice mellow lake

  I like this campground a lot. Just the right size, maybe 40-50 camp sites total in two separate loops and it’s all very walkable. There’s a couple of pull-though spots for RVs and trailers and a decent mixture of small and medium RVs and tents.

  Camp sites aren’t huge, but enough room not to be completely on top of each other and lots and lots of trees. Some have more room behind them depending on whether they are facing in or out on the loop. Each spot has a fire grate and picnic table. Nice camp host when we were there and an amphitheater nearby.

  Totally awesome lake that’s safely swimmable for kiddos that’s also available for day-use. Flush toilets(always a plus). Enough to do either at the campground or nearby to keep kiddos busy for several days. And Lassen in general is a lovely park.

  Pros: Best part is the awesome lake. Fairly shallow overall but plenty of fun.

  Cons: Not many“extras” (like a store or playground), but I liked it just the way it is. Some spots better than others as far as privacy/space goes.

• k

  katie

  Scout

  

  Jun. 1, 2021

  Benner Creek Campground

  By a creek :)

  I’ve been here a handful of times, This is a former Boy Scout campground. No toilet. There’s a creek where the road first meets the campground. Potable water IMO but go ahead and boil it. Fire restrictions based on regional signage. I’ve had campfires fires here no problem. Existing fire rings. Plenty of wood in surrounding area but you can’t buy it, forage only. Chester is close enough to shop in.

  Bugs are a problem (in summer?). bring bug spray and consider wasp traps too. Wasps are not angry kind but there’s millions. Wasps were not a problem for me in May.

  This is an unmaintained campground. The grass is overgrown, the gravel is questionable. This is primitive car camping.

  Halfway up from Chester to Juniper lake so great spot!

• 

  Alisen O.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 20, 2019

  Grasshopper Flat

  Almost perfect

  Absolutely delightful campground with flush toilets and potable water. Super close access to the water. Would be a perfect spot for tent camping if there weren’t so many trailers everywhere.

• 

  Corinna B.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 6, 2019

  Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA

  I Love This Campground! Fun, Clean, Lots to Do

  I loved this campground! Would go back in a heartbeat. This was the first KOA I've ever stayed in, and I was worried it would be too cheesy/boring (in comparison to the forest/state/national park ones I tend to love), but it was totally fun.

  Pros: Lots of clean bathrooms, warm swimming pool, lots to do including a whole forested area with swings, a fort, etc., games, ping pong, decent sized sites. Close to the entrance to Lassen Park.

  Cons: Some tent sites were better than others. My favorite tent sites were T6. T7, T8 and especially T13.

• 

  Meesh C.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 8, 2019

  Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

  Great campsite

  Spacious campsites with soft dirt/gravel that makes tent camping pretty comfy. Bathrooms were in good shape. The camp store is a close walk and has everything you would need. Stunning views of Lassen Peak from the lake.

• R

  Ross H.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 14, 2023

  Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground

  Great motorcycle campspot

  Campground was full but very quiet. Stayed at a great site for tent camping with my motorcycle. Bathrooms were clean, weather good, and bugs weren’t too bad. Also a trailhead for hiking to a few secluded lakes. And the best..no cell phone coverage!!

• 

  Seathrough H.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 11, 2020

  Antelope Lake Recreation Area

  Mountain Lake Beauty

  So beautiful! The lake is nestled in the mountains. The scenery, fishing and water sports are superb! There are ample campgrounds with spots from tent camping to RV camping. They also have group camping right on the water! If you love mountain lakes, don’t miss this one... and book early!

• 

  Jacquelynn W.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 16, 2019

  Lake Cove Resort & Marina

  Lake Cove

  Lake cove is always a good choice. Clean bathrooms and laundry facility on site. There are tent sites, even sites with and without hookups, cabins, and a trailer to rent. They also have a volleyball court, horse shoes, and arcade available.

• 

  Mama J.

  Guide

  

  Jan. 1, 2024

  Honey Lake Campground

  Saving Grace

  I drove way to long and when this campground showed up I was so relieved I would have stopped no matter what but to find out it’s charming clean and the manager a dear showers laundry and lots of space. The rv spaces look out over the lake tent camping in the back but you still have lake views

• 

  Ron G.

  Guide

  

  Feb. 18, 2021

  Grasshopper Flat

  Pretty Good Small Lake Campground

  Had a great time here - terrific proximity to lake & decent sized camping sites. Nearby Portola, & easy drive from the Reno area.

  Lots of generators in use during the day (the only reason I can’t give it 5 stars, since we were tent camping) , but all seemed to abide by hours posted for operation.

  Already have reservations for this summer!

• 

  Andrew D.

  Ranger

  

  Jun. 15, 2018

  Volcanic Country Camping & RV

  Volcanic Country Camping

  There are 4 tent sites and 20+ RV sites.

  9 miles away from the Lassen Volcanic NP southwestern entrance.

  They have restrooms and showers (one stall and one shower for men and one and one for women).

  There are are two fire pits for the “community” but we were the only tent campers for two nights in the middle of June. Each site has a picnic table and charcoal only bbq also.

• 

  Matt D.

  Traveler

  

  Dec. 4, 2020

  Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

  Juniper Lake (non group)

  The smaller sites at Juniper Lake are first come first serve, unlike the group sites that can be reserved.  Over the last few years the popularity of Juniper Lake has grown and it is difficult to find a spot on weekends, but early to mid week there's a pretty good chance you can find a spot. If you're lucky enough to get a spot on the lake you'll have one of the most beautiful camping spots in Northern California with an epic view of Mt. Lassen.  There are a couple of good day hikes nearby as well.  Typically camping here is tent camping, but if you have a smaller trailer like a tent trailer or Rpod you might be able to get it in. There are no RV hook ups.

• H

  Haper B.

  Scout

  

  Dec. 4, 2023

  Everstoke - Camping & Glamping MTB park... by a brewery in the amazing Lost Sierra!

  Camping

  I went to Everstoke a week ago. Based on my camping experience here, I would suggest to those who intend to come here to experience some camping styles. Traditional campers can choose from spacious tent sites where they can pitch their own tent, 2 player games and enjoy a rustic camping experience. For those looking for a touch of luxury, there are luxury accommodations, offering comfortable and stylish tents equipped with amenities like cozy beds, private bathrooms and even fire pits.

• 

  Alison

  Legend

  

  Jun. 8, 2021

  Aspen Grove Campground (CA)

  Just for Tents!

  This is one of several campground at Eagle Lake. The unique aspect of Aspen is it is set aside for Tent camping only. No RVs or cabovers are allowed here. It is set in shady pines just like the other campgrounds at the lake. All the usual amenities are here too. Picnic tables fire pits and nice bathrooms. A camp host is present. The campground sits near the water. Close by and to the east is the trail head for the beautiful Osprey Overlook trail. Overall a nice campground for the back to basics Tent camper.

• 

  Troy G.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 12, 2021

  Roxie Peconom Campground

  Great spot away from everything

  I stayed here numerous times as a young kid and teen with my family. We lived in Susanville and would go here to get out of the town and feel closer to nature and experience it all. The sites are walk in so be ready to pack what you need with you. The wildlife possibilities seem endless and it's a very tranquil spot to camp. You can head to thr river to fish as well, which is a plus. Overall, a food campground if you're not looking for any amenities and are tent camping.

• J

  Jeff M.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 16, 2020

  Volcanic Country Camping & RV

  This is a great campground

  Perfect RV and tent campground just outside of Lassen National Park. The RV sites are somewhat close to each other but there are plenty of trees around so you really have a forest feeling. There is a good restaurant and general store next door where you register. We would definitely stay here again.

• 

  Tyler D.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 22, 2023

  Gurnsey Creek

  Solid basecamp for Lassen NP

  Why we booked: Came to see Lassen NP. Manzanita Lake Campground canceled on us, and we needed a spot with plenty of FCFS availability.

  Campground: Basic USFS campground. Heavily wooded with pine and sequoias, sites relatively spacious, vault toilets and threaded water spigots throughout. We were able to fill our tank by connecting a couple of hoses. Some spots for okay solar—we were getting 200W of a possible 400 after picking a sunny campsite in the summer. Being on a 55mph road, you do get road noise that dies down at night. Probably makes this a better campground for RVs than tent camping. Combining Verizon and T-Mobile with our router and booster let my wife and I work on video calls with few problems.

  Quirks: Huge stacks of free firewood due to work done since a huge fire swept through the area a couple of years ago.

  Site: Ours was one of a handful that can fit bigger rigs. Most folks should be able to get in here just fine—but if you're bigger, be good at backing.

  Nearby: The southwest Lassen NP entrance is about 20 minutes away. The town of Chester is 20 minutes the other way, with propane and diesel and some decent food.

  Value: Perfect!

• K

  Karissa R.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 21, 2020

  Taylorsville County Park

  Beautiful campground .

  This is a great spot for camping. There are very nice and large spots for both Camper and Tent camping. The bathrooms and showers are clean and exactly what you would expect from a county park. There are lots of tall trees for shade during the day, and the trees separated the spots enough that groups can be separate or together. The road isn’t too close, and there isn’t much traffic after 9:00 or so anyways.

  There is also a water access to go easing and a few deep spots for swimming.

  There are also 3 Poké stops and a gym for Pokémon Go players.

• C

  Christopher H.

  Traveler

  

  Jun. 14, 2019

  Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA

  Clean and well run

  We spent a full week here and enjoyed it immensely.  Our tent site was large and spacious and even when full, the campground was quiet and peaceful. The hosts were very attentive to the needs of everyone staying there.  We had one night during which a nearby, private property had some dogs that barked all night.  We reported this concern the next morning, after which the hosts contacted the neighboring individuals and the dogs were quite for the remainder of our stay.  The bathrooms and showers were always clean and well maintained.  We will definitely stay there again.

• S

  Steven H.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 5, 2018

  Burney Falls/Hat Creek KOA

  Rancheria RV park

  Spent a 3 night camping trip staying here. While it is mainly an RV park, it does have some tent camping. There is a central bathroom that is clean. One trouble that we did have one night was the door to the women's bathroom was broken and no one could get in. There is a small lake in the middle of the lot where people can have catch and release fishing. There is a small store and restaurant, but we didn't get anything there. Many of the RVs seem to have been there for some time, every one was very friendly. The camp site had electric and water nearby with a fire grill.

• 

  Brian C.

  Legend

  

  Sep. 1, 2018

  Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park

  Great National Park Campground

  Another great campsite within the gorgeous (and uncrowded) Lassen Volcanic National Park, this one is on the northern shore of a Summit Lake, a blue, pristine lake near 7000 feet. There are two camping loops with tent sites and small RV trailer sports available. No hook-ups, but flush toilets and sinks nearby.

  Sites can be further inland near the forest with a parking lot that separates you from the lakeshore. In the summer, the lake is great for swimming.

  There is another campsite on the southern side of the lake that is very similar, but we prefer the north campground in that the sites are closer to the lake itself. Numerous hikes are available within the area.

• 

  Melissa B.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 4, 2022

  Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA

  Really nice people and clean facilities

  I decided to go on a last minute solo trip and called this places for a one night reservation. Next time I definitely want to stay longer. It’s a great family spot and there were lots of dogs and kids running around. The tent camping spots are far enough from people and you don’t feel like you’re on top of each other. You can choose if you want to glamp or camp here, so it’s also a good place if you have friends that don’t like dirt but want to be around pine trees.

  One thing I will warn is google maps did tell me to turn too early and I was wondering around a neighborhood for a little bit. You turn right off of 44 to get to the site.

• C

  Chris K.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 21, 2020

  Hat Creek Hereford Ranch RV Park & Campground

  Lawn camping!

  We absolutely loved our 3 days here tent camping in a grass covered site. We lucked out as there was a cancellation for the group site just minutes before we checked in. And we jumped at the chance to spread out! I will say we looked all over at each site and there were dirt sites in the pines that would have been nice too but once you have camped in the grass nothing else compares! Barefoot and clean! Amazing. The staff! Awesome! Very helpful and fun. Bathrooms and showers were clean and everything worked. Their little section of Hat Creek is beautiful. I didn't catch a thing but at least I wasn't working! I haven't covered it all but you get the idea! Get out there and get your social distancing on folks!!

  Cheers!

• 

  Jordan & Julia

  Scout

  

  May. 30, 2022

  Merrill Campground

  Annual Eagle Lake Trip

  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.

• A

  Ambra V.

  Scout

  

  Jul. 11, 2023

  Mill Creek Resort

  Very Close to Lassen NP

  This campground was very close to Lassen NP, which is convenient. Check-In is simply looking at your name on the board and finding your campsite, which is not clear from the confirmation email. It would've been nice to speak to a host to get the lay of the land. The vault toilets in the tent area are very dark even during the day, and are not well maintained. The showers were also very dirty with dead bugs everywhere. The trail down to Mill Creek while short, is incredibly steep and narrow. The creek itself is beautiful and you can hear it while you fall asleep which is nice. The tent sites in the upper numbers are well spaced out. And there are deer in the area that come right by your site :) Mosquitoes were not bad at all even right next to the creek. I would maybe try another campground that came recommend from a fellow tent camper while at this one. Also, I couldn't get a cell signal for Verizon the whole time I was at the campground.

• 

  Kyle G.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 10, 2019

  Cave Campground

  Great sites! Family friendly

  Found the camp and sites easily right off the highway across from the Subway Cave. Visited for the night with my oldest son’s Boy Scout troop, troop 16. Tent sites were flat and free of major debris and rocks. Fire ring was put to good use. The Camp Host, Gary was very friendly and introduced himself and offered to help in any way he could. We also enjoyed a very entertaining magic show by one of the camps frequent guest, Clancy. Flush toilets were clean and well stocked, minus hand soap or sanitizer. It was an easy walk from the site to the subway cave lava tube, which was the destination for the quick trip, is not to be missed. We neglected to bring fishing poles by observed many anglers returning with trout for their camp fires. Park Rangers we’re friendly and inviting.

  Will return again!