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.
$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."
$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. "
"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."
GuideSimple but beautiful campground. Use Recreation.gov to reserve a site. If you dont have reservation you still need to log into the site to claim a spot. Fortunately there is wifi at the visitor center (not at the park store).
Keep in mind that there is no water available. Need to bring your own.
Also, no cell service but campground is sparsely tree covered. We were able to use Starlink just fine at our site.
Lots of hiking nearby.
TravelerThere 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.
TravelerAccess lake manzanita from this bucolic setting. Rental kayaks and paddle boards are overpriced so bring your own. See Lassen's offerings while staying at a great spot.
GuideGood 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 :)
ScoutNo 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.
GuideJust 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.
GuideNice 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
GuideFree site; vault toilets and some fire pits/ picnic tables; quiet, simple, close to hike extinct volcano and lake. Really perfect
GuideNot 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
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.
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.
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