Best Tent Camping near Lassen National Forest in California

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Lassen National Forest? We've got you covered. The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Lassen National Forest with tent camping. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Lassen National Forest (38)

    Darin D.'s photo of tent camping at High Bridge Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at High Bridge Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at High Bridge Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at High Bridge Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at High Bridge Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at High Bridge Campground near Chester, CA

    1. High Bridge Campground

    3 Reviews
    20 Photos
    75 Saves
    Chester, California

    Developed campground with 12 available sites. Maximum of 8 people per site.

    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    • Alcohol
    Azizah T.'s photo of tent camping at Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Chester, CA

    2. Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    3 Reviews
    7 Photos
    5 Saves
    Chester, California

    The Juniper Lake Campground is located on the east shore of Juniper Lake via a 13-mile paved/gravel road. All single campsites are first-come, first-served only. Reservations are required for the two group sites and one stock corral. Drinking water is not available.ADA Access: There are no ADA sites.

    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    The Dyrt's photo of tent camping at Southwest Walk-in Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Southwest Walk-in Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Southwest Walk-in Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Southwest Walk-in Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Southwest Walk-in Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Southwest Walk-in Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral, CA

    3. Southwest Walk-in Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    5 Reviews
    33 Photos
    57 Saves
    Mineral, California

    The Southwest Walk-in Campground is located on the east side of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center parking area. A short walk along a paved walkway provides easy access to each site. When snow is on the ground (approximately Nov-May), the location of the Southwest Campground changes to an over-the-snow area south of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center parking area. Winter camping registration is located at the fee booth located south of the parking area.

    • Tents
    • Market
    • Trash
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo at PG&E Lake Almanor Area Last Chance Creek Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at PG&E Lake Almanor Area Last Chance Creek Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at PG&E Lake Almanor Area Last Chance Creek Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at PG&E Lake Almanor Area Last Chance Creek Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at PG&E Lake Almanor Area Last Chance Creek Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at PG&E Lake Almanor Area Last Chance Creek Campground near Chester, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Christie Hill Basecamp near Mineral, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Christie Hill Basecamp near Mineral, CA

    5. Christie Hill Basecamp

    2 Reviews
    2 Photos
    54 Saves
    Mineral, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    Lily H.'s photo of tent camping at Aspen Grove Campground (CA) near Susanville, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Aspen Grove Campground (CA) near Susanville, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Aspen Grove Campground (CA) near Susanville, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Aspen Grove Campground (CA) near Susanville, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Aspen Grove Campground (CA) near Susanville, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Aspen Grove Campground (CA) near Susanville, CA

    6. Aspen Grove Campground (CA)

    2 Reviews
    16 Photos
    24 Saves
    Susanville, California

    Overview

    Aspen Grove Campground is located in the Eagle Lake Recreation Area of the Lassen National Forest. This recreation area has five campgrounds, 3 day use areas and a marina on the south shore of Eagle Lake. These facilities are connected by a 5.2 mile paved hiking/bike trail. The Osprey Overlook, another day use area can be hiked or driven too for a scenic view of the southern end of Eagle Lake and the surrounding forest basin. The Lassen National Forest offers a variety of lakes, streams and wilderness areas for recreational opportunities. The forest offers miles of trails that are used for hiking, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle riding and during the winter months, snowmobiling.

    Recreation

    Fishing for the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout, a California Heritage Trout, is the primary recreational activity on Eagle Lake, but the 3rd largest natural lake in California (22,000 acres), provides for plenty of room for swimming, kayaking, skiing and all other boating activities by motor or sail. There are no 2-cycle restrictions for outboard boat motors or PWCs. Aspen Campground is adjacent to the designated, roped-off swim area at the Gallatin Beach Day Use Area.

    Natural Features

    Eagle Lake is located where the Sierras meet the Cascades and the Modoc Plateau of the Great Basin. This unique location offers diverse landscapes, geology, wildlife and vegetation. Aspen Campground is located in a mature conifer forest of pines and firs, with a strip of aspen between the campsites and the lake's shoreline, at an elevation of 5,100 feet.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Lassen National Forest has many other recreational opportunities and the Lassen Volcanic National Park is an easy days roundtrip drive from Eagle Lake Recreational Area.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (530) 825-3454.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $28 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Hat Creek Dispersed near Old Station, CA

    7. Hat Creek Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    68 Saves
    Old Station, California
    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Dispersed
    • Market
    Camper-submitted photo at Twin Bridges Campground near Old Station, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Twin Bridges Campground near Old Station, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Ponderosa Flat Campground near Chester, CA

    9. Ponderosa Flat Campground

    1 Review
    3 Saves
    Chester, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
    Camper-submitted photo at Yellow Creek Campground near Belden, CA

    10. Yellow Creek Campground

    1 Review
    12 Saves
    Belden, California

    11 sites, tents and RV's, vault toilets, piped water, 6 persons per campsite

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 38 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Lassen National Forest

437 Reviews of 38 Lassen National Forest Campgrounds


  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Big Pine Dispersed Camping
    Oct. 5, 2024

    Big Pine Dispersed Camping

    Great Dispersed spots

    Plenty of dispersed camping along the creek just south of Big Pine Campground. We found a could spots that our 38ft fifth wheel could fit, and many spots for smaller rigs. Water, dump, and trash are available at Old Station Visitor Information Center just north (RV sewer dump closes mid October)

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Merrill Campground
    Oct. 2, 2024

    Merrill Campground

    Beautiful Forested Campground

    It's definitely a 5-star campground, but if you don't fish, kayak or do paddle boarding, there is nothing else to do within 20 miles. National forest camping with power and electric, Wow!!! The price with a National Forest pass was only $32.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Village at Highlands Ranch
    Sep. 26, 2024

    The Village at Highlands Ranch

    Perfect spot

    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.

    Located only 10 minutes from Lassen and by the road and still an rv spot in the forest. Very nice.

    An upper class restaurant and a bar so something for everyone.

    Very recommandable

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Grizzly Creek Campground
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Grizzly Creek Campground

    Nestled in the trees

    This campground is a very quiet spot after Labor Day, it is small, only 10 sites total and it is only open until September 30, which I don't understand since there is no snow here until November.

    When we were there only one other camper was staying here and he was a deer hunter.

    The water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared. This campground has two sites that will take a 30' trailer and the remaining sites will take smaller trailers, tents or campers.

    One site has a new picnic table but all sites have tables, fire pits and plenty of room between sites. Pit toilets are near the entrance and only one was clean when we stayed here.

    Not to far from Bucks Lake if you want to camp and then drive to the lake.

    Fees have changed, they are $25 a night and $12.50 if you have the pass.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ponderosa Flat Campground
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Ponderosa Flat Campground

    PGE campground

    This campground and the one to the south, Cool Springs, are both run by Pacific Gas and Electric Utility company. 

    There are campground hosts at both campgrounds and late in September half of Ponderosa Flat closes. The entire campground closes at the end of September. 

    There was plenty of water in the Reservoir and it could be okay for a boat but you have to look out for all the snags in the water, and there are a lot of them.

    Campground is quiet but tight to get a large trailer in, ours is 26 feet and it was tight. The spaces in the closed portion of the campground were a bit more spacious. 

    Fire rings, tables and pit toilets. It was $30 a night with no power, power sites are more expensive. 

    If you have a cool campground host you can ride your ATV or Side by side out onto the dirt road and ride for miles. Just be mindful it is not really supposed to be a ride out campground.

  • Greg N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cave Campground
    Sep. 19, 2024

    Cave Campground

    Best of the USFS

    Flushing toilets, easy access, friendly host, gorgeous setting, level ground- can’t ask for any better at $8 a night (after interagency discount)!

  • Noel L.
    Camper-submitted photo from Days End RV Park
    Sep. 15, 2024

    Days End RV Park

    Awesome park

    One night stay. Well maintained and clean. Great landscaping and keeps it watered. Laundry just $1.50 a load and nice laundromat. Almost level site. Awesome and friendly owner...since 2022. Nice bathrooms. Great views and quiet.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Eagle Lake Campground
    Sep. 14, 2024

    North Eagle Lake Campground

    Right along highway

    Sites were not completely level but workable. Looked like homeless folks might have lived there at some point. We made camp 1 night before headed on towards Oregon.

  • aThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Mountain Dispersed Camp
    Sep. 14, 2024

    Antelope Mountain Dispersed Camp

    One good area

    We only found one good area and it already had 2 people at it. It had level sites and nice tall trees. It also tucked in out of the wind. We some for other sites but they were windy, rough road to reach them, and not level so we moved on

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Eagle Lake Campground
    Sep. 12, 2024

    North Eagle Lake Campground

    Great place

    I’ve never seen cleaner pit toilets Lisa said it all almost. The toilet also have a side table with magazines. We had a good site with a distant lake view. Easy in and out. Can’t beat it for a short overnight stay. The hosts are to be commended.

  • Claire D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping
    Sep. 3, 2024

    31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    Convenient dispersed site near Lassen

    Same experience as the other reviews. Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right. The turnoff is on Google maps and was easy to find even in the dark. Nobody else around that we saw, even given the busy weekend! Agreed with others on the road noise but it was fine. Just a few minutes from Manzanita lake. Great find!

  • Joey C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Lake Recreation Area
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Antelope Lake Recreation Area

    Beautiful

    We had a great time up at Antelope Lake. It is a very pretty lake and would definitely recommend going. However, the camp host there was very rude and very unaccommodating. I booked 6 campsites for two nights, when I showed up on Friday, the campground was not full so I moved to my trailer to a different site because it was close to friends and family. The site I moved to was first come first serve. The camp host was hounding me - saying I must pay for the site I moved to even though the campground wasn't full. Originally, I paid close to $500 for all 6 sites and the camp host made me pay for the extra site that wasn't even taken/reserved. Be careful of this guy! I think this guy might be pocketing the money.

  • lThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from North Eagle Lake Campground
    Aug. 21, 2024

    North Eagle Lake Campground

    Clean and spacious

    Great stop. The Most Immaculate pit toilets ever! Many pull through sites. Easy on/off Hwy 139. Trees . Quiet. Only one other camper there on a Monday . Honor federal interagency passes.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Haskins Valley Campground
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Haskins Valley Campground

    Nice, easy access to lake

    It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake.

  • tom P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rocky Point Dispersed Camping
    Jul. 23, 2024

    Rocky Point Dispersed Camping

    Suitable but barren

    There's signs acknowledging it's free camping. Large barren area with a toilet near the lake. Not great for a tent but can make it work. Good distance away from roads and houses. Lake view.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Merrill Campground
    Jul. 18, 2024

    Merrill Campground

    Nice lakeside camp

    Large state lakeside camp, well laid out. Clean toilets but no showers. Ca, so expensive. Great bike/hiking paved path In The pines. Lake entry about 200 yards from Lowest campsites which are unpowered sites. Water and electric available on the two upper levels. We did not have reservations, 4 powered sites and many unpowered were available. We chose the basic site, closer to the lake side.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Springs Campground
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Cool Springs Campground

    Secret Place Near Lake Almanor

    Just try to get a last minute camp spot on Memorial Day weekend most places.  We were fortunate to discover Butt Lake near Lake Almanor.  Only one small burn area far from the campgrounds.  Friday was opening day for Cool Springs campground.  A PG&E operated facility, it was in great shape and ready for the season.  We did three nights, departing on Monday.  On Friday night we were one of only a few guests.  Saturday and Sunday were full, but the feeling was vary spacious.  The lake is a reservoir with no actual inlet.  Rather it is fed by a pipe from Lake Almanor with a hydroelectric plant just prior to the water entering Butt Lake.  Oddly for a PG&E lake there is not hydroelectric plant at the outlet dam.  Did some bike riding to check out the dam, Ponderosa Flat campground, Pioneer cemetery, and east shore of the lake.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Merrill Campground
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Merrill Campground

    Rare USDA camp with power and water

    Stayed one night and loved Eagle Lake. Rare USDA campground with power and water. Lovely forest area shades the camp. Lots of families with bikes and dogs all on leashes. Great bike paths to ride or walk right next to the lake.

  • danielle W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dusty Campground
    Jun. 25, 2024

    Dusty Campground

    best place i’ve ever been

    I’ve been coming here since i was a newborn every year and i am now 18 years old and it’s stayed my favorite place in the whole world. anyone who knows me knows this campsite is my entire personality and my biggest obsession. every day i wake up i am solely motivated by the mere thought of coming to this place for the single week out of the year. the lake is maybe 20 feet from the site which is perfect for boat access and the lake britton is my favorite i’ve ever been to. i’ve camped by tent and by trailer and both were so great. the summer heat makes swimming perfect but as night falls it cools beautifully enough to be able to bundle up by the fire. friends of mine have fantasized of one day being able to join me on my trip as it’s all i talk about. the only bugs are mosquitos which is inevitable while camping. campsite is super private and calm and is super spacious. BEST PLACE ON EARTH.

  • Kurt T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Almanor
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Almanor

    North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024

    North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024.

    It took some digging on this information as the USFS website is wrong.  

    I camp here on the South campground at least once every year.  For the 2024 season, they CLOSED it at the last second.  

    The North campground is OPEN, but you cannot reserve it.  First Come First Served (FCFS).

    Boat ramp is at the North campground, but if you just have a paddleboard or kayak, you can just walk to the water by just waking down the road and launch at the edge of the lake.  

    There is a General Store within walking distance and restaurant/bar right on the lake too.  I highly advise reservations for dinner on the deck.


Guide to Lassen National Forest

Tent camping near Lassen National Forest in California offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes, with various campgrounds catering to outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Lassen National Forest

Some prices for tent camping range from $14 to $20

Tent campers should check out Juniper Lake

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lassen National Forest?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lassen National Forest is High Bridge Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Lassen National Forest?

    TheDyrt.com has all 38 tent camping locations near Lassen National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.