Camping near Lassen National Forest

Join the fun near Lassen National Forest. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that California camping has to offer. Find the best campgrounds near Lassen National Forest, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Lassen National Forest (182)

    1. Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    14 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $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."

    2. Merrill Campground

    21 Reviews
    Susanville, CA
    18 miles
    Website

    $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."

    3. Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    38 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    24 miles
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $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."

    4. Butte Creek Campground

    11 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 257-4188

    "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!"

    5. Silver Bowl Campground

    2 Reviews
    Chester, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    "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."

    6. Rocky Knoll Campground

    2 Reviews
    Chester, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    "We camp at Silver Lake every year. Absolutely beautiful place. Lake is a little walk from the campground. Primitive camping."

    7. Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    8 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $15 / 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. "

    8. Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    3 Reviews
    Chester, CA
    9 miles
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    "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."

    9. Bogard USFS Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Lassen National Forest, CA
    10 miles

    "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."

    10. Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    7 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $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."

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Recent Reviews near Lassen National Forest

504 Reviews of 182 Lassen National Forest Campgrounds


  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Under Construction

    There appears to be logging or construction going on, as a previous review stated most of the pull ins are just areas that the bulldozer is pushed everything back. There is one a few hundred yards in that is decent nice and quiet, but very dusty.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Big Pine Dispersed Camping

    Nice creek

    Good spot to stay, lots of spots along the creek, only saw about 4 other people while I was here on Monday-Tuesday. Plenty of room for travel trailers (although the road is a little narrow if you come in from Twin Pines road). No service but you can drive to the overlook between Twin Pines road and Big Pine campground entrance to get 1 bar.

    Good spot! Found some black raspberries along the creek :)

  • David S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Twin Bridges Campground

    Dispersed site

    No facilities. This area is a designated dispersed camping area . Many sites are creek front. Lots of large trees for shade. First come first served. No or very limited cell coverage. Hat Creek is a famous fly fishing stream.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Inter-Mountain Fair of Shasta County

    Stopped for shower

    Just popped in here for a quick shower. $7. I don’t think I would camp here. Can say the bathroom and shower were super clean. Seems to be a live-in spot in a really odd location. Camp host was friendly.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Pine Dispersed Camping

    Amazing

    Nice spread out private spot. I had a spot right up against the creek. Listening to that all night was chefs kiss. No service, not great for starlink but you won’t need it because of the peace and beauty. Not crowded

  • Nina M.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Butte Creek Campground

    Great for free

    Free site; vault toilets and some fire pits/ picnic tables; quiet, simple, close to hike extinct volcano and lake. Really perfect

  • Nina M.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hat Creek

    Quiet

    Not super private sites but quiet; lots of campers trailers. Good fishing. No flush toilets available; potable water; not a lot of trails if you’re looking to hike; beautiful creek. Simple

  • johny R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Under construction

    Not sure what happened here but its under reconstruction. Some of the spots are gone. The spots open now are just spots the bulldozer made to push materal off the road. But its close to the park, has decent cell signal and the road is easy to get to and its silent back here so not a bad place for a quick sleep and some birds in the morning.


Guide to Lassen National Forest

Camping near Lassen National Forest, California, offers a unique blend of stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're pitching a tent or parking an RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own charm.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers have enjoyed the “incredible hiking” around Manzanita Lake Campground, with trails that circle the lake and lead into the heart of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent kayaks or paddleboards at Manzanita Lake for a fun day on the water. One visitor mentioned, “There are kayak, cataraft, and SUP rentals available for Manzanita Lake.”
  • Fishing: Enjoy some quiet time fishing at Butte Lake Campground. A reviewer noted, “The lake was great for swimming,” making it a perfect spot for both fishing and cooling off.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Merrill Campground said, “Large state lakeside camp, well laid out,” highlighting the picturesque setting.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Butte Lake Campground mentioned, “This was a very peaceful campground,” making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle.
  • Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers often comment on the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA said, “Great amenities. Very well maintained.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Butte Creek Campground, have basic facilities with no water or showers. A camper noted, “Had bathrooms. No water.”
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can get busy. A visitor at Manzanita Lake Campground mentioned, “This campground is huge and busy,” so plan accordingly.
  • Access Roads: Some campgrounds, like Butte Lake Campground, require navigating gravel roads. One camper warned, “Just beware of the 5-mile gravel road into camp.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like playgrounds or easy access to water. Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA is noted for being a great family spot with lots of kids and dogs around.
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes for the paved paths near Merrill Campground. One camper mentioned, “Great bike/hiking paved path in the pines.”
  • Pack for Comfort: Be prepared for chilly nights. A camper at Manzanita Lake Campground noted, “Despite the blazing temps in other parts of the park, we were always comfortable here.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be unlevel, making it tricky for RVs. A reviewer at Manzanita Lake Campground shared, “It took us nearly an hour to locate an area within the space that would allow us to attain a reasonable level.”
  • Reserve Early: Popular campgrounds fill up fast. A visitor at Summit Lake North advised, “Reserve first; check level if you camp in a van or RV.”
  • Be Mindful of Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Butte Lake Campground, lack hookups. A camper noted, “No electric hookups, no water hookups,” so plan your stay accordingly.

Camping near Lassen National Forest, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just remember to plan ahead and choose the right campground for your needs!

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.