Glamping accommodations in Lassen National Forest range from basic to luxury with elevations typically between 4,500-6,500 feet, creating mild summer days averaging 75°F and cool nights around 45°F. Most glamping sites operate from May through October, with high country locations often inaccessible until July due to lingering snowpack at higher elevations. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some offering full lakeside access while others provide more secluded forest settings.
What to do
Fishing in volcanic lakes: Silver Bowl campground provides access to both Silver Lake and nearby Caribou Lake for diverse fishing options. As one camper noted, "The campground was not yet open for the season on May 26. In big snow years, it may not open until July. The adjacent Rocky Knoll campground had a gate and was closed."
Swimming in gentle water: Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a lake perfect for families with children. According to a reviewer, "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."
Hiking on volcano trails: Trails throughout the region provide access to volcanic features with varying difficulty levels. "We drove the road to the visitor center near the south entrance a couple times to see all the volcanic features," mentioned one Summit Lake North camper.
What campers like
Waterfront camping access: Merrill Campground at Eagle Lake offers sites with water views and boating access. One camper described, "We opted for the loop with water/electric hookups knowing there was easy access to a dump station across from the entrance to the campground. While we loved our site, it was probably the least shaded of any site there."
Private outdoor spaces: Plumas Pines Resort features thoughtfully designed sites with decking. A reviewer explained, "The sites are close to each other, but every site has a small balcony you can back up too. Majors Outpost boat rentals are also here and they are Super Friendly."
Year-round glamping options: Some locations offer heated accommodations for off-season stays. The Village at Highlands Ranch provides glamping facilities near Lassen with one visitor sharing, "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."
What you should know
Seasonal openings vary significantly: Many campgrounds open late in high snow years. At Silver Bowl Campground, "Even though the FS website said it was open, the campground was not yet open for the season on May 26. In big snow years, it may not open until July."
Mosquito management: Bring appropriate insect repellent for summer visits. A Summit Lake visitor warned, "There's a beautiful view here, and a lot of peace and solitude—as long as you're willing to share the space with mosquitos!"
Water conditions change seasonally: Hat Creek Resort & RV Park offers creek access but conditions vary by season. One visitor highlighted their experience: "Stayed at a full hookup site in my 22 foot travel trailer. We got a spot right on the water. The spots had a bunch of space between them and you had a feeling of privacy."
Road access challenges: Many forest roads require high clearance vehicles early in the season. One Silver Bowl visitor cautioned, "The road in is dirt and pretty long but my Toyota Camry made it no problem."
Tips for camping with families
Shallow lake swimming: Summit Lake North provides safe water access for children. "Great location to hit all the tourist spots, this campground is right on the main road. Easy access to trail to more remote areas as well. When the campground is full, it is too busy for my tastes. I would think nice for kids as the lake and trails are right there."
Paddleboarding opportunities: Several lakes offer calm waters ideal for beginners. "Paddle board paradise, though," noted one Summit Lake visitor about the water conditions.
Wildlife viewing spots: Last Chance Creek Campground provides creek habitat for observing aquatic species. "Creek runs right by the campground. This campground is about 4 miles off highway 36. Horseshoe pits are right across from camp host. Was very quiet," reported one visitor.
Rainy day alternatives: Lava tube and cave explorations provide all-weather options. One Hat Creek Resort visitor recommended, "Campground is close to other fishing, the Subway Cave (ya gotta go there) Lassen National Park entrance and much more."
Tips from RVers
Pull-through site availability: Almanor campground offers accessible sites for larger vehicles. A recent visitor noted, "North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024. The North campground is OPEN, but you cannot reserve it. First Come First Served (FCFS)."
Hookup variations: Many campgrounds offer partial hookups only. As one Hat Creek Resort camper explained, "Full hookups, laundry, wifi available for purchase, close to Lassen Volcanic NP."
Site leveling requirements: Terrain varies across campgrounds with some requiring significant leveling. "North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024. It took some digging on this information as the USFS website is wrong," shared one Almanor camper, highlighting the need to verify current information.
Size restrictions: Some glamping locations cannot accommodate larger RVs. One Benner Creek Campground visitor warned, "Fire hit this area hard and lots of burned trees and logging going on in the area. We used to come here a lot but its depressing to see so much destruction and hazardous trees."
