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.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$15 / 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."
"Our parking spot is big enough for our travel trailer, right next to the creek. Clean, quiet, safe. No traffic. But No cell service."
"Right next to the creek and big spots! Our motorhome drove down here just fine. Caught a bunch of trout in the creek and had an absolute blast. Quiet and safe and lots of shade."
$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."
$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."
$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. "
"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."
"Being right off the main road and so close to Lassen, this spot almost felt too good to be true."
"About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on."
"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."
"Road is fairly well maintained but drive with caution if no 4WD or AWD and low clearance. Only 3.5 miles from the entrance so it’s a perfect place to stay before or after going through Lassen NP."
$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."
"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!"
GuideFor car camping in the parking lot it's only $10 a night. You get flush toilets, running water, and free wifi from the visitor center. Only thing missing is a shower. The views are also great. Meets the necessities.
GuideGenerally if I'm getting a cabin and paying extra for it I would like it to have electric. They did have propane heat though which is nice. That aside, the location is great. $5 for shower access for the duration. Close walk to the lake. Lots of wildlife.
GuideThe staff were very friendly. Convenient for car camping. The showers are very nice and big.
ScoutThis was a fairly nice campground in the sycamore grove. Mix of pull through and back in spots. Bathroom had showers that looked a bit old but did not use them. Bathroom door code was in the reservation receipt email. Fairly quiet and hosts were available and kind.
GuideI missed a couple of other spots just outside of Lassen as they had already been taken for the night. Also because of the dangerous fire season we were having a lot of the other dispersed areas were closed to public. So I was scoping out the area and finally found this spot. When you turn on the road theres a big multiple camping site area on your left. There were plenty of people there and made me feel more comfortable grabbing my own spot but further up the hill. The highway was loud and few drivers coming in and out of the road. As a solo car camper- this actually makes me feel as ease. Hahaa So I set up and enjoyed the sunset, stars and nestled in for the evening. Lassen National Park is about a 5 minute drive and I HAVE to mention- when you turn to go to Lassen there is on the left public restrooms- and the best Ive ever encountered. 😀
RangerReserved online when had cell service before arrival. Asphalt roads and pads in campground. Regular flush toilets still in use for season versus adjacent pit toilets. Used blocks to level RV. Many sites close to level. Store with showers and laundry within 1/4 mile easy walk. Manzanita Lake loop walk was fabulous! Would stay again.
RangerStayed in 24' RV on Ring Loop. Drive in reservation. Only 20% of sites filled. Rest of campground closed for season. Excellent individual rest rooms with sinks that have hot & cold water and flush toilets. Excellent token showers Most sites shaded under nice Ponderosa Pines. Great loop walks around falls and on part of PCH trail. A little distant traffic noice in morning and during day but not bad. Would stay again.
GuideWe were very surprised how quiet the campground was at night considering how large it was. The only thing we didn’t like was having to book online when we showed up and there was no way to tell if a site was available until you went on line and we did not have internet service in the campground. We had to drive out to the visitor center to use their WiFi.
GuideThe tall trees are an amazing backdrop to this beautiful forest location. Near to 44 yet still quiet with only the occasional truck noise from the highway. The road in is well maintained and there are several established locations with multiple camps with fire rings. Some of them should easily accommodate big rigs even those towing large trailers. I had the south side of the road to myself near the pin for multiple nights with one or two campers across the road that came and left early. The night sky provides some excellent star gazing on clear nights! Some of the biggest pine cones I've ever seen!
Lassen Volcanic National Park sits at elevations between 5,650 and 10,457 feet, creating dramatic temperature variations between day and night throughout the year. While the popular Manzanita Lake area offers developed facilities, the park's northeast section provides more remote camping experiences with fewer crowds. Lassen camping conditions often include dusty volcanic soil at established campgrounds, with dispersed options available in surrounding National Forest lands.
Hike to Cinder Cone: Located near Butte Lake Campground, this trail provides views of the painted dunes and lava beds. "The Cinder Cone hike along the old lava flow behind the campsite is spectacular! Don't let the climb up the cinder cone dissuade you; the panoramic view from the top is well worth it! We did it with two 6 year olds," notes Laura F.
Paddle on Butte Lake: Non-motorized watercraft offer a peaceful way to explore. "It's a great place to camp out of the way from all the other campgrounds in Lassen Park. The lake is close to the campground, quiet and peaceful. No motor boats. You must wear a life preserver if you put your boat in the water," explains Jeff B. from Butte Lake.
Fish in mountain streams: Creeks throughout the area provide fishing opportunities. "Caught a bunch of trout in the creek and had an absolute blast," shares Christine M. about her experience at Big Pine Dispersed Camping.
Remote, less crowded areas: Many visitors appreciate finding quieter camping spots away from busier park areas. "This is my favorite campground in Lassen because it is not crowded and the sites are decent sized. It's right by Cinder Cone, Butte Lake and many nice hiking destinations," writes Patricia O. about Butte Lake Campground.
Creekside camping: Natural water features enhance many camping spots. "Best dispersed camping near Lassen. Area is clean w/ amazing creek side sites, fire pits, and plenty of space between. Nice and quite, other than the beautiful sounds of the babbling creek & birds," explains Bruce E. about Big Pine Dispersed Camping.
Convenience to trails: Summit Lake North Campground offers direct access to hiking. "The campground is about halfway point on the park road, so convenient for visiting the trails and vistas," notes MARY K. Summit Lake's location makes it practical for exploring multiple park areas without long drives.
Limited cell service: Most areas within and around the park have minimal connectivity. "No service, not great for starlink but you won't need it because of the peace and beauty," reports Nicole L. about Big Pine Dispersed Camping.
Unpredictable weather: Even in summer, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. "Clouds drifted in about 2:00 p.m. each day with some sprinkles for about 1/2 hour keeping temps cool," observed Rhea M. at Summit Lake North.
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds require driving on unpaved roads. "The campground is at the end of a six-mile gravel road. Not too dusty or bumpy. Maybe that is why it wasn't so populated," notes Bill T. about Butte Lake Campground.
Insects: Depending on season and location, bugs can be problematic. "It was very buggy, really horribly buggy on labor day 2022," warns Scott S. about Butte Creek Campground.
Lake swimming: Summit Lake North offers safe water activities for children. "Totally awesome lake that's safely swimmable for kiddos that's also available for day-use," recommends Corinna B.
Educational programs: Ranger-led activities provide learning opportunities. "There is a small ranger station here, and while I didn't go to any they are supposed to have educational programs at the amphitheater here," mentions Patricia O. about Summit Lake.
Bike-friendly campgrounds: Some areas allow kids to ride safely within the campground. "It's great seeing the kids ride around the loop on their bicycles and scooters," reports Celina M. about Manzanita Lake Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Animal sightings create memorable experiences. "Deer came through our camp," shares Kim L. about Butte Creek Campground, adding that sites are "fairly well spread out so you are not on top of your neighbor."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven parking areas. "Many of the parking pads are at extreme angles, and would NOT be usable for folks with a roof-top tent, such as myself. I got lucky and the spot I booked just happened to be one of the flat ones," explains Jason G. about Summit Lake South.
RV length limitations: Size restrictions apply at most campgrounds. "I had a 21' travel trailer and wouldn't want anything bigger. Tight driving around all the trees," advises Eric G. about Butte Creek Campground.
Dispersed options for larger rigs: Some forest roads accommodate bigger vehicles. "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," shares Stephanie I. about Big Pine Dispersed Camping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping options near Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Several excellent campgrounds are located just outside Lassen Volcanic National Park. Mill Creek Resort is situated just south of the park with separate sections for RVs and tents. The resort offers a small number of full-hookup RV sites and numerous tent sites, providing a good balance of amenities and natural setting. Gurnsey Creek is a first-come, first-served campground in Lassen National Forest, approximately 14 miles from the southern park entrance. This campground typically has good availability, even on summer weekends, making it a reliable backup option when park campgrounds are full.
What are the best campgrounds in Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park is widely considered the best option in the park. Located near the western entrance, it offers tent sites, RV spots, and cabins that are often available with less advance notice than other national parks. The campground features a camp store, fishing opportunities, and great views, making it ideal for families. Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park is another excellent choice, situated on a pristine blue lake at 7,000 feet elevation. This campground has two loops with tent sites and small RV spots, flush toilets, and no hookups, offering a more serene experience within the park's gorgeous landscape.
Where should I stay when visiting Lassen Volcanic National Park?
For those seeking convenience with amenities, Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA offers strong WiFi, clean restrooms, and level sites with trees. Its location provides easy access to the park while maintaining modern comforts. If you're looking for more seclusion, North Battle Creek Campground is a hidden gem about 30 minutes off Highway 44 on well-maintained forest service roads. For those willing to venture further, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground is one of Northern California's treasures, featuring the stunning Burney Falls and lake access for swimming and water sports.
Is RV camping available in Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Yes, RV camping is available within Lassen Volcanic National Park, though with limitations. Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park accommodates small RVs and trailers with no hookups available. The sites are designed for smaller recreational vehicles rather than large rigs. Manzanita Lake Campground also offers RV sites that don't require advance reservations, unlike many other national parks. For RVers seeking full hookups, options outside the park like Mill Creek Resort or Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA provide more amenities specifically for RV campers.
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