Camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park

Hikers favor Lassen Volcanic National Park's camping spots for their proximity to the park's unique geothermal features. Manzanita Lake Campground works well for both tent and RV camping, with good lake access for kayaking and fishing. Families appreciate the flush toilets and drinking water available at this popular campground. The park has both developed campgrounds and basic camping areas with fewer amenities. Some camping areas need high-clearance vehicles to reach, particularly in winter when snow can block roads. Most people camp here during summer when days stay warm and nights cool down nicely. Fall camping means fewer people and colorful leaves, though nights get colder. Animals like bears, deer, squirrels, and birds live throughout the park, so store your food properly. Pay attention to fire rules, which become stricter during dry periods. The bubbling mud pots and steaming fumaroles make this park different from others in California. Always look up trail and road conditions before heading out. The park has something for both new and experienced campers. Pack extra clothes since temperatures often drop significantly at night. Lassen's volcanic landscape and natural beauty make it worth visiting for a camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Lassen Volcanic National Park (202)

    1. Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    37 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    6 miles
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $26 / night

    "I have camped at Lassen Volcanic National Park twice. And this campground is definitely the family friendly, rangers in sight, store nearby type of campground here."

    "Very large camp near the western entrance of the Lassen Volcanic National Park. Situated on the banks of Manzanita Lake."

    2. Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    14 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    11 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."

    3. Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park

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

    $24 / night

    "Another great campsite within the gorgeous (and uncrowded) Lassen Volcanic National Park, this one is on the northern shore of a Summit Lake, a blue, pristine lake near 7000 feet."

    "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."

    4. Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    7 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    3 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. "

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

    6 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    "The sites are "walk-in" which varies from maybe 50 ft to 200 ft from the parking lot."

    "When we originally planned our year-long trip to all of the national parks, we did our best to avoid the massive snow packs that limit accessibility to the parks."

    6. Butte Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    13 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."

    7. Volcanic Country Camping & RV

    7 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-4422

    $20 / night

    "We’ve been on a road trip through California living in a van so after hiking lassen all day we were on the lookout for a shower . This place had a hot shower and toilet !"

    "There are 4 tent sites and 20+ RV sites.

    9 miles away from the Lassen Volcanic NP southwestern entrance."

    8. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    4 Reviews
    Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 257-2151

    "About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on."

    "Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park."

    9. Hat Creek Resort & RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 335-7121

    "Fishing in camp and nearby. Friendly staff. Had originally reserved a back in site, but emailed to hopefully get a pull through. Got a quick reply, and all taken care of."

    "Nice spot near the NP. Level spot, nice clean bath and shower area. Got a nice hot shower, thank you!"

    10. Christie Hill Basecamp

    3 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    6 miles

    "Just off the main highway. Gravel road in. We had a Ford van that had no problem driving over the dirt and gravel road. There are sites with fire rings and relatively flat ground."

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Showing results 1-10 of 202 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lassen Volcanic National Park

516 Reviews of 202 Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a unique experience filled with stunning landscapes and outdoor adventures. 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 around the park. One camper mentioned, "The hiking is incredible and there is a trail that goes around the lake" at Manzanita Lake Campground.
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent kayaks or paddleboards at Manzanita Lake Campground for a fun day on the water. A visitor noted, "There are kayak, cataraft, and SUP rentals available for Manzanita Lake."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One reviewer at Butte Lake Campground shared, "The setting is very open, with tall pines and no undergrowth, but the sites are far apart."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A visitor at Merrill Campground said, "Large state lakeside camp, well laid out. Clean toilets but no showers."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peacefulness of the campgrounds. One camper at Summit Lake North mentioned, "This is a smaller campground... We could see a bit of the lake from our site through the trees."
  • Family-Friendly: Campgrounds like Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA are great for families. A reviewer noted, "It’s a great family spot and there were lots of dogs and kids running around."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A camper at Butte Lake Campground pointed out, "There is no cell service, no dump site, nor any grey water dump pits."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy campgrounds in summer. One visitor at Manzanita Lake Campground said, "This campground is huge and busy."
  • Site Selection Matters: Some sites may not be suitable for larger RVs. A camper at Summit Lake South advised, "You have to park on the parking pads that are not level."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA. A reviewer mentioned, "The tent camping spots are far enough from people and you don’t feel like you’re on top of each other."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Merrill Campground enjoyed the "great bike/hiking paved path in the pines."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear. A visitor at Butte Creek Campground noted, "It was very buggy... but lovely spot otherwise."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Ensure your RV can fit comfortably. A camper at Manzanita Lake Campground mentioned, "Some pull-throughs and some back-in... very few are close to level."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Many campgrounds don’t have full hookups. A reviewer at Merrill Campground said, "Rare USDA campground with power and water."
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially during peak times. One camper at North Shore Campground advised, "If your rig is over 30 ft you will have a more difficult time getting into spaces."

Camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lassen Volcanic National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a wide range of camping options, with 202 campgrounds and RV parks near Lassen Volcanic National Park and 24 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lassen Volcanic National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lassen Volcanic National Park is Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Lassen Volcanic National Park.

What parks are near Lassen Volcanic National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Lassen Volcanic National Park that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.