Looking for the best campgrounds near Crescent Mills, CA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Crescent Mills is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Crescent Mills camping trip.
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.
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 days drive to and from Eagle Lake Recreational Area.
$35 - $80 / night
Beautiful views of Lake Almanor and Mount Lassen can be seen from Rocky Point Campground, located among the ponderosa pines in Plumas County, one of Northern California's most scenic areas. Several sites are available for reservations, which can be booked from our online system. Other sites remain first come, first served. Many of the camping spots are on the shoreline of Lake Almanor, known for its boating, fishing and waterskiing. Biking or walking the paved Lake Almanor Recreation Trail reveals the birds, scenery and wildlife of the area.
Spanish Creek Campground is located on Highway 70 just east of the Highway 89 intersection; just east of where Banish Creek and Indian Creek merge together to create the east branch of the North Fork Feather River. The campground is right on Spanish Creek with a very popular swimming hole. Although the campground has been recently upgraded, it still holds the charm that it did in years past.
Anglers enjoy a healthy supply of rainbow trout in the nearby Feather River, which is within walking distance from the campground. The river and nearby Spanish Creek are also popular for swimming and wading activities.
This campground is located in the Plumas National Forest, which is attractive to outdoor enthusiasts because of its many streams and lakes, beautiful deep canyons, rich mountain valleys, meadows, and lofty peaks. Spanish Creek is in the Feather River Canyon, at an elevation of 2,000 feet.
Within the Plumas National Forest, Spanish Creek campground is just a few short miles from Indian Falls. This is one attraction not to miss. Some have said that the mist created by the falls resembles a feather -- thus naming the Feather River. Just southeast on Highway 70 from Spanish Creek Campground is the quaint high Sierra town of Quincy. We recommend walking around the town if you get a chance. Very close to the campground is the Butterfly Valley Botanical Area. This is also a neat spot to explore. Before you get to the town of Quincy you will pass the Mount Hough Ranger District - a wonderful stop to discover more information about local area attractions.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 927-7878.
$80 / night
Manzanita Lake Campground (elevation 5,900 ft.) is the largest campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It is within walking distance of the scenic Manzanita Lake, a popular fishing and family destination, and offers impressive views of Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park at 10,457 feet. The facility is conveniently located one mile south of the park entrance, close to The Loomis Museum, Loomis Ranger Station and popular hiking trails. Educational programs are presented at the museum and amphitheater.
Manzanita Lake is popular with fly fishermen, but the campground does maintain a catch-and-release policy. Non-motorized boating is also permitted and Kayak rentals are available nearby. The park boasts more than 150 miles of hiking trails, a variety of which can be accessed from the campground, including family-friendly hikes as well as those for more experienced hikers.
Manzanita Lake is popular with fly fishermen, but the campground does maintain a catch-and-release policy. Non-motorized boating is also permitted and Kayak rentals are available nearby. The park boasts more than 150 miles of hiking trails, a variety of which can be accessed from the campground, including family-friendly hikes as well as those for more experienced hikers.
The national park is known for its volcanic history, as well as its diversity of plants and animals. It contains 300 active volcanic domes, as well as 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 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 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. The park is at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin, thus providing many unique habitats.
$15 - $26 / night
No trailers-trucks campers only
$17 / night
Grasshopper Flat Campground (5,886 feet) is one of three family campgrounds located in the Lake Davis Recreation Area. Campground loops around in the hills overlooking the lake providing most campsites with sweeping views of the lake's crystal blue water. Pine forest gives most campsites plenty of afternoon shade. A boat ramp and RV dump station are nearby. A trailhead for 7 mile long Lake Davis Trail is less than half a mile away.
In addition to camping, the area offers a wide variety of popular water-related activities, including fishing, boating and swimming. Numerous fishing access points are located around the perimeter of the lake. Free trout fishing days are hosted by state agencies in June and September. Mountain biking, hunting and wildlife viewing are also available in the area. During winter months visitors enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
The 4,000-acre Lake Davis was created in 1967 for recreational opportunities, as well as to rejuvenate fish populations in nearby rivers and supply water to the town of Portola. The lake offers 32 miles of shoreline and is surrounded by tall pine trees. A variety of wildlife make its home near the campground. Tall mountain peaks offer backdrop to lake views.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.
The closest town is Portola, California, which is home to one of the largest railroad museums in the western United States. A state game refuge borders the lake to the east and the south.
$100 / night
Jamison Creek Campground (sites 1-70)
$35 - $250 / night
Antelope Lake is one of the more remote, quiet lakes on the forest. At 5000 feet in elevation, Antelope Lake is located in the north eastern part of the Mt. Hough Ranger District. It is a small remote lake with 15 miles of shoreline. Surrounding the lake are mountains blanketed with pine and fir trees. Protected coves around the lake attract several species of migrtory birds. The campgrounds are usually open by Memorial Day weekend and closed by the middle of October. These dates are subject to change depending on the snow level in the area. DIRECTIONS Antelope Lake is located 30 miles NE of Taylorsville on the Genesee/Antelope Lake Rd. From Janesville, on Hwy 395, take County Rd. 208 for four miles, then FS Rd. 28N01 for nine miles, turn right on FS Rd. 28N03 for two miles. Closest towns to purchase gasoline are Greenville and Janesville.
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.
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 days drive to and from Eagle Lake Recreational Area.
$35 - $80 / night
Beautiful views of Lake Almanor and Mount Lassen can be seen from Rocky Point Campground, located among the ponderosa pines in Plumas County, one of Northern California's most scenic areas. Several sites are available for reservations, which can be booked from our online system. Other sites remain first come, first served. Many of the camping spots are on the shoreline of Lake Almanor, known for its boating, fishing and waterskiing. Biking or walking the paved Lake Almanor Recreation Trail reveals the birds, scenery and wildlife of the area.
Spanish Creek Campground is located on Highway 70 just east of the Highway 89 intersection; just east of where Banish Creek and Indian Creek merge together to create the east branch of the North Fork Feather River. The campground is right on Spanish Creek with a very popular swimming hole. Although the campground has been recently upgraded, it still holds the charm that it did in years past.
Anglers enjoy a healthy supply of rainbow trout in the nearby Feather River, which is within walking distance from the campground. The river and nearby Spanish Creek are also popular for swimming and wading activities.
This campground is located in the Plumas National Forest, which is attractive to outdoor enthusiasts because of its many streams and lakes, beautiful deep canyons, rich mountain valleys, meadows, and lofty peaks. Spanish Creek is in the Feather River Canyon, at an elevation of 2,000 feet.
Within the Plumas National Forest, Spanish Creek campground is just a few short miles from Indian Falls. This is one attraction not to miss. Some have said that the mist created by the falls resembles a feather -- thus naming the Feather River. Just southeast on Highway 70 from Spanish Creek Campground is the quaint high Sierra town of Quincy. We recommend walking around the town if you get a chance. Very close to the campground is the Butterfly Valley Botanical Area. This is also a neat spot to explore. Before you get to the town of Quincy you will pass the Mount Hough Ranger District - a wonderful stop to discover more information about local area attractions.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 927-7878.
$80 / night
Manzanita Lake Campground (elevation 5,900 ft.) is the largest campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It is within walking distance of the scenic Manzanita Lake, a popular fishing and family destination, and offers impressive views of Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park at 10,457 feet. The facility is conveniently located one mile south of the park entrance, close to The Loomis Museum, Loomis Ranger Station and popular hiking trails. Educational programs are presented at the museum and amphitheater.
Manzanita Lake is popular with fly fishermen, but the campground does maintain a catch-and-release policy. Non-motorized boating is also permitted and Kayak rentals are available nearby. The park boasts more than 150 miles of hiking trails, a variety of which can be accessed from the campground, including family-friendly hikes as well as those for more experienced hikers.
Manzanita Lake is popular with fly fishermen, but the campground does maintain a catch-and-release policy. Non-motorized boating is also permitted and Kayak rentals are available nearby. The park boasts more than 150 miles of hiking trails, a variety of which can be accessed from the campground, including family-friendly hikes as well as those for more experienced hikers.
The national park is known for its volcanic history, as well as its diversity of plants and animals. It contains 300 active volcanic domes, as well as 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 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 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. The park is at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin, thus providing many unique habitats.
$15 - $26 / night
No trailers-trucks campers only
Ranger
I stayed for one night before before going to Reno. The sun was setting I didn't want to set up in the dark. Got stuck setting up in the dark anyway. The dirt road on the way to the campsite is pretty washboarded. The campsite itself was about 2/3 full. Looks like a couple campers were here for quite a while.
Scout
Men’s shower code is 9271 as of 10/10/24 for all you stinky campers (myself included)
Scout
Plenty of dispersed camping along the creek just south of Big Pine Campground. We found a could spots that our 38ft fifth wheel could fit, and many spots for smaller rigs. Water, dump, and trash are available at Old Station Visitor Information Center just north (RV sewer dump closes mid October)
Guide
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.
Guide
Not a bad place to spend a night or two primitive camping
Traveler
Bon rapport qualité prix comparer à celui un peu avant et proximité du lac
Traveler
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
Ranger
This campground is a very quiet spot after Labor Day, it is small, only 10 sites total and it is only open until September 30, which I don't understand since there is no snow here until November.
When we were there only one other camper was staying here and he was a deer hunter.
The water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared. This campground has two sites that will take a 30' trailer and the remaining sites will take smaller trailers, tents or campers.
One site has a new picnic table but all sites have tables, fire pits and plenty of room between sites. Pit toilets are near the entrance and only one was clean when we stayed here.
Not to far from Bucks Lake if you want to camp and then drive to the lake.
Fees have changed, they are $25 a night and $12.50 if you have the pass.
Ranger
This was a beautiful campground, primitive in the Plumas National Forest but it is burnt to the earth after the North Complex Fire and it will never reopen.
We drove up on 9.25.24 to see if any of the down trees have been cleared and only some have been. You can pull into the camp but large dead and down trees prevent access to the campground.
The pit toilet is also damaged and it is unlikely the USFS will make any repairs.
Ranger
Sly Creek Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake with several campsites along a small portion of the lake.
There is a boat ramp and ATV riding on the forest roads in the area.
The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025.
Passes are honored.
Ranger
This campground and the one to the south, Cool Springs, are both run by Pacific Gas and Electric Utility company.
There are campground hosts at both campgrounds and late in September half of Ponderosa Flat closes. The entire campground closes at the end of September.
There was plenty of water in the Reservoir and it could be okay for a boat but you have to look out for all the snags in the water, and there are a lot of them.
Campground is quiet but tight to get a large trailer in, ours is 26 feet and it was tight. The spaces in the closed portion of the campground were a bit more spacious.
Fire rings, tables and pit toilets. It was $30 a night with no power, power sites are more expensive.
If you have a cool campground host you can ride your ATV or Side by side out onto the dirt road and ride for miles. Just be mindful it is not really supposed to be a ride out campground.
RangerThis place is so wonderful and free. We were the only people in our camp area for the entire stay. If you go with some friends, Diamond Back has a perfect spot for two decent size RV's.
Very clean, trash pick up service was great and the vault toilets were nice if you were tent camping and needed a clean place to do your business.
Trail riding galore. Went on all the trails and out in the sand dune area we came upon wild horses, this was quite a site to see. They were just running and being playful.
I would avoid this place in the summer, hot and with no power it would be a sweat box.
Guide
Flushing toilets, easy access, friendly host, gorgeous setting, level ground- can’t ask for any better at $8 a night (after interagency discount)!
Scout
Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline.
Guide
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.
Traveler
Sites were not completely level but workable. Looked like homeless folks might have lived there at some point. We made camp 1 night before headed on towards Oregon.
TravelerWe only found one good area and it already had 2 people at it. It had level sites and nice tall trees. It also tucked in out of the wind. We some for other sites but they were windy, rough road to reach them, and not level so we moved on
ScoutI’ve never seen cleaner pit toilets Lisa said it all almost. The toilet also have a side table with magazines. We had a good site with a distant lake view. Easy in and out. Can’t beat it for a short overnight stay. The hosts are to be commended.
Traveler
If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.
Scout
Same experience as the other reviews. Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!
Scout
We had a great time up at Antelope Lake. It is a very pretty lake and would definitely recommend going. However, the camp host there was very rude and very unaccommodating. I booked 6 campsites for two nights, when I showed up on Friday, the campground was not full so I moved to my trailer to a different site because it was close to friends and family. The site I moved to was first come first serve. The camp host was hounding me - saying I must pay for the site I moved to even though the campground wasn't full. Originally, I paid close to $500 for all 6 sites and the camp host made me pay for the extra site that wasn't even taken/reserved. Be careful of this guy! I think this guy might be pocketing the money.
GuideGreat stop. The Most Immaculate pit toilets ever! Many pull through sites. Easy on/off Hwy 139. Trees . Quiet. Only one other camper there on a Monday . Honor federal interagency passes.
Scout
It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake.
Traveler
Place wasn’t too bad. Very nice people, very peaceful, and quiet, however, there were many people here who are permanent residents of the park, some of their areas are a little trashy looking for lack of a better word. Definitely not a bad spot if you’re on the way to another campground, but there are probably better ones to head to, especially if you have children with you. We were also looking for a place to camp with two days notice and this was all we could find. Cheap too!
ScoutThere's signs acknowledging it's free camping. Large barren area with a toilet near the lake. Not great for a tent but can make it work. Good distance away from roads and houses. Lake view.
GuideThis place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.
RangerLarge 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.
Camping near Crescent Mills, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful lakes and lush forests. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Crescent Mills, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent, RV, or cabin. With stunning views and plenty of activities, you're sure to have a memorable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Crescent Mills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Crescent Mills, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 272 campgrounds and RV parks near Crescent Mills, CA and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Crescent Mills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Crescent Mills, CA is Merrill Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Crescent Mills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Crescent Mills, CA.
What parks are near Crescent Mills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Crescent Mills, CA that allow camping, notably Lassen National Forest and Plumas National Forest.
