Camping opportunities around Lassen National Forest extend from developed campgrounds to remote dispersed sites, with areas like Silver Bowl Campground and Butte Lake Campground offering access to scenic lakes and wilderness trails. The Lassen region contains several established camping areas catering to various preferences, from tent-only sites at Juniper Lake to mixed-use campgrounds with RV accommodations at Manzanita Lake. Several areas like Rocky Knoll Campground feature tent and RV sites alongside picnic tables and fire rings, though amenities vary significantly across developed and primitive camping areas.
Access to many Lassen camping areas depends on seasonal conditions, with most campgrounds operating from late May through October due to high elevation and snow conditions. Road quality varies considerably throughout the region, with some campgrounds requiring travel on rough dirt roads. A visitor noted, "The last 6 miles will be on some pretty rough road, especially early in the season. There are cabins around Silver Lake and people tow boats up for the summer, so I'm sure as the season goes on the road gets easier." Many campgrounds lack cell service and have limited or no drinking water, particularly in dispersed areas. Campers should prepare for cool nights even in summer, as temperatures at higher elevations can drop significantly after sunset.
Waterfront camping locations receive consistently high marks from visitors, with Juniper Lake and Silver Bowl campgrounds mentioned for their proximity to fishing and paddling opportunities. Campgrounds in the Caribou Wilderness area provide access to multiple lakes and hiking trails while maintaining a more remote feel than sites closer to major park attractions. Several visitors note wildlife encounters and stargazing as highlights of their experiences. Bug activity, particularly mosquitoes, is frequently mentioned in reviews during late spring and early summer. As one camper warned, "Mosquitoes EVERYWHERE! We pulled in to the area around 6 PM on a Tuesday evening, not a single person around." Sites within Lassen Volcanic National Park tend to have more regulations but also more consistent management and maintenance than forest service campgrounds and dispersed areas.
$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."
$35 - $80 / night
"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."
"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."
$26 / night
"Great views and day hikes in the Lassen National Forest."
"We took an eight-day tour through Northern California and this was our first leg. Tent-camped three nights."
"Free site; vault toilets and some fire pits/ picnic tables; quiet, simple, close to hike extinct volcano and lake. Really perfect"
"Off the beaten path and limited cell reception. Clean natural sites and vault toilets. Basic!"
"Silver Bowl campground is located in the Caribou Wilderness of Lassen National Forest outside of Lassen National Park. It is about 35 miles from Susanville and 30 miles from Chester."
"The campsites are pretty large but you definitely can see and sometimes hear the people near you. Vault toilets, well for water. Maybe a quarter mile from the easiest place to get into Silver lake."
"We camp at Silver Lake every year. Absolutely beautiful place. Lake is a little walk from the campground. Primitive camping."
$22 / night
"Like its sister site to the north, this camp site is next to Lassen’s Summit Lake at approximately 7000 feet."
"Summit lake is a great place to hang. There are campgrounds on either side of the lake and this one is the more primate of the two - no flush toilets. "
"The smaller sites at Juniper Lake are first come first serve, unlike the group sites that can be reserved. "
"This site is amazing is right next to the lake I haven’t stayed at a more beautiful site. The only downside that I didn’t like was that there wasn’t a camp host."
"The main road to Bogard Campground had too much snow for us to be able to pass through, so we found this small clearing tucked away off of Forest Route 32N09 in Lassen Nat’l Forest to stay overnight instead"
"We pulled in to the area around 6 PM on a Tuesday evening, not a single person around. We originally pulled near the little bog."
$24 / night
"Our decision for our final resting place -pun intended- was situated between two rocks on the flattest stony ground we could find. We had heard gusts could reach 70 mph at night."
"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."
ScoutThis was a great find - plenty of parking and very clean pit toilets. A fair amount of traffics going through to stop for lunch, use the pit toilets or walk their dogs but everyone was in and out within minutes.
TravelerThe owners are very laid back. We reserved a spot with no money down. Spot was hard to find, but only because it was a new spot they had just opened up. Everyone around d us was very friendly. It is a “no frills” park, but was quiet even it was just off the road.
GuideJust stayed at this campground and my family and I couldn’t stop complimenting the site. It’s really convenient for not leaving the campground and having plenty to do. The falls are gorgeous, nice trails (with some that are toddler friendly which is helpful for us), they have the lake and a general store should you forget anything or feel like splurging.
Not a ton of bugs when we stayed which is nice and unexpected. I would of course still bring spray and candles but the mosquitos were mild.
The bathrooms were always clean with toilet paper. They are cleaned daily. They have coin operated showers for $1 for 2 coins. Each coin is 2 mins in the shower.
Wood is avaible on site to buy.
Beware of leaving your trash out since the chipmunks and birds are a bit aggressive to eat your scraps.
The site was flat with not a ton of roots or rocks which was great for us in our tent.
WiFi is inconsistent but there is a pay station near the ranger station to charge phones and use wifi.
GuideThis is a small turnout, (paved road just 1/16th off road 36- 2.7 miles west of Susanville, CA. It is surrounded by tall ponderosa pines. It is 44 miles to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center of Lessan Volcanic NP.
TravelerStayed here on our way from Portland to Mammoth Lakes. Super easy to access right off the highway. Tons of open space.
The road off the highway is a little steep and could cause a non-SUV to bottom out. As previous reviewers said, the ground gets soft as you get near the lake, but the vast majority of it was perfect.
ScoutCame here, nice camping area and very quiet, but the beach area is deceptively dry-looking. The lake has receded in the last couple years and has left behind layers of really bad smelling mud at various levels of dryness that looks like rock but is NOT. You can’t reach the water by foot and we had to have our truck camper towed out. Still stayed here, just closer to the road where it is less muddy.
GuideWe arrived very late our first night, but it was very easy to get into our cabin using the code that was emailed to us when we booked the reservation. Due to weird bookings, we had to book 2 different cabins so we got to experience 9 and 16, each of which had a heaters, which is nice for the cold nights. Despite the campground being nearly full, we got great sleep both nights and everything was quiet after 10PM. There are multiple water pumps, vaults, toilet bathrooms, and bear trash cans, each of which are maintained very well. The campground is also not too far from the museum and visitor center which have Wi-Fi. You also have a campground store that is walking distance fro the campground, but is unreasonably expensive. A bundle of firewood was somewhere around $14, and this is where the showers are which were like $5 per person. They also have gas pumps, but neither of them were in service. Aside from all this, sites themselves were amazing, and you are very close to the Manzanita Lake, which is bigger than I expected and seems to be very popular for fishing.
TravelerIn late and out early so parked at one of the first pullouts long before the creek. Easy dirt road in my sedan. Some logging I think(?) at around 4am or something actually. But slept easily enough. Best to go farther in for a better experience
ScoutThis campground is amazing we come here often just for the stunning tranquility and amazing fishing ❤️
Dispersed camping sites around Lassen National Forest range in elevation from 4,500 to 7,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with cooler temperatures in higher areas. Most forest service campgrounds lack cell service, with many remaining open from late May through October due to snow conditions that can persist well into spring at higher elevations.
Hike to scenic lakes: The Caribou Wilderness area near Silver Bowl Campground offers multiple connecting trails to nearby lakes. "The Caribou Trailhead is close to the camp, which leads you into the Caribou Wilderness for backpacking or day hikes, and there is a network of fire/logging roads that you can use to explore other parts of the Caribou Wilderness," notes a camper who stayed in May.
Try trout fishing: Eagle Lake provides prime fishing opportunities for anglers at Merrill Campground. "Great campsite in a nice remote area to take in nature, go hiking, bike riding, and fishing for trout! This is a great place to get off the grid and electronic devices and have some fun," reports a visitor. The campground offers both full hookup sites and more primitive options depending on your preference.
Climb the Cinder Cone: This challenging but rewarding hike near Butte Lake Campground provides panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A camper shares: "The Cinder Cone hike along the old lava flow behind the campsite is spectacular! Don't let the climb up the cinder cone dissuade you; the panoramic view from the top is well worth it! We did it with two 6 year olds."
Remote lake access: Many campers appreciate the peaceful setting at Juniper Lake Campground. One visitor noted: "If you enjoy privacy and a very secluded campground this is it. We stayed at group site A. This site is amazing is right next to the lake I haven't stayed at a more beautiful site." This tent-only campground lacks amenities but delivers on seclusion.
Affordable forest service options: Free dispersed camping areas provide budget alternatives to established campgrounds. Butte Creek Campground offers basic amenities without fees. A visitor explains, "Free site; vault toilets and some fire pits/picnic tables; quiet, simple, close to hike extinct volcano and lake. Really perfect."
Spacious sites: Many Lassen National Forest campsites provide ample room between neighbors. At Rocky Knoll Campground, a camper noted: "Definitely a quiet campground. Only one other person was there. Nice creek runs by it. Two vault toilets, one on each side of the loop. Spacious campsites but would probably be challenging for larger tents."
Road conditions vary dramatically: Access to many campgrounds requires travel on rough forest roads. For Bogard USFS Dispersed sites, preparation is essential: "The main road to Bogard Campground had too much snow for us to be able to pass through, so we found this small clearing tucked away off of Forest Route 32N09 in Lassen Nat'l Forest to stay overnight instead."
Seasonal mosquito activity: Insect populations can be overwhelming in late spring and early summer. A visitor to Bogard reported: "Mosquitoes EVERYWHERE! We pulled in to the area around 6 PM on a Tuesday evening, not a single person around. We originally pulled near the little bog. When we got out we noticed TONS of mosquitoes."
Limited water sources: Many forest service campgrounds have minimal water facilities or none at all. Bring plenty of drinking water, especially for dispersed camping areas. At Butte Creek, a camper advises: "Clean natural sites and vault toilets. Basic! Off the beaten path and limited cell reception."
Consider swimming options: Summit Lake North Campground offers child-friendly swimming areas. "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," reports one family who visited.
Check toilet facilities: Campgrounds with flush toilets tend to be more comfortable for families with young children. A visitor notes: "The south side has pit toilets. South is $2 cheaper than the North side, most likely because the North has the flush toilets vs the pit toilets on the South."
Pack for changing weather: Temperature swings can be significant even in summer months. Prepare for cool evenings and the possibility of unexpected weather. One camper at Juniper Lake shared: "Unfortunately the time we stayed it began to snow, and no other campers were staying in the sites. It was pretty much all to ourselves. We stayed there in late September."
Leveling considerations: Many Lassen National Forest campsites have uneven parking areas. A visitor to Manzanita Lake explains: "Many of the parking pads are at extreme angles, and would NOT be usable for folks with a roof-top tent. I got lucky and the spot I booked just happened to be one of the flat ones."
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited to select campgrounds. At Merrill Campground, an RVer reported: "We have a 30' travel trailer and there was so much availability, we did go mid Sept so kind of off season. Plenty of shade trees, full hook ups. A decent walk to the waters edge by reasonable."
Generator restrictions: National park campgrounds often have strict generator policies. An RVer at Summit Lake North noted: "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds in Lassen National Forest?
Lassen National Forest offers several outstanding campgrounds for nature lovers. Merrill Campground at Eagle Lake is a favorite for families with spacious sites and lake access for fishing and water activities. For those seeking solitude, Yellow Creek Campground provides spectacular views of Northern California and fewer crowds than nearby Lake Almanor sites. Other excellent options include High Bridge Campground near Chester (convenient for supplies), Gurnsey Creek (first-come, first-served, close to Lassen Volcanic National Park's southern entrance), and Silver Bowl in the Caribou Wilderness (accessible via rough roads with cabins available). Many campgrounds in Lassen are open seasonally from late spring through early fall, with specific opening dates dependent on snow conditions.
When is the best season for camping in Lassen National Forest?
The prime camping season in Lassen National Forest runs from late May through September, with July and August offering the most reliable weather and access to all areas. Manzanita Lake Campground is typically open from late May through mid-October, with summer bringing opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking. Lower elevation campgrounds like Gurnsey Creek may open earlier in the season, while higher elevation sites often remain snow-covered until June. Early June offers good availability with fewer crowds, while September provides cooler temperatures and spectacular fall colors. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so always check conditions before your trip. Some campgrounds close in early fall when temperatures drop, though specific closing dates vary annually.
What amenities are available at Butte Lake Campground in Lassen?
Butte Lake Campground offers well-maintained, spacious campsites situated near beautiful Butte Lake. The campground is accessible via a well-maintained gravel road suitable for trailers, including those over 30 feet. Amenities include vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and food storage lockers. There's no cell service, electricity, or RV hookups available. Potable water is provided via spigots throughout the campground. The campground's proximity to Butte Lake allows for excellent swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating opportunities. Hiking trails connect directly to the campground, making it easy to explore Lassen Volcanic National Park's natural features, including the unique Cinder Cone formation.
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