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

    20 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

    37 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

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

    "Off the beaten path and limited cell reception. Clean natural sites and vault toilets. Basic!"

    "Tight driving around all the trees. Vault toilets. 3 miles from Lassen northeast parking lot. Cinder cone. No water, garbage or dump."

    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. 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."

    8. 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

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

    $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. "

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Showing results 1-10 of 182 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lassen National Forest

472 Reviews of 182 Lassen National Forest Campgrounds



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

What camping is available near Lassen National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lassen National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 182 campgrounds and RV parks near Lassen National Forest and 26 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lassen National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lassen National Forest is Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park with a 4.4-star rating from 14 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lassen National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 26 free dispersed camping spots near Lassen National Forest.

What parks are near Lassen National Forest?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 parks near Lassen National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.