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
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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. "
$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."
"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."
"I only had to drive a little ways in to find a nice spot with a fire pit and space for my camper. I’ve been here for hours and haven’t seen or heard anyone. I also have full reception with Verizon."
"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!"
$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."
TravelerThis is a small turnout, (paved road just 1/16th off road 36- 2.7 miles west of Susanville, CA. It is surrounded by tall ponderosa pines. It is 44 miles to Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center of Lessan Volcanic NP.
ScoutWe are new camping trailer owners and needed a spot to hook up and test everything out. Gentleman at the office was very friendly. We had spot 24 which was very easy to pull in and out. The pull through spaces are only $4 more per night. Nice outdoor cooking area directly across from our spot. We were only there about 5 hours so we didn’t see the other amenities. Some long-term campers there, but the park is clean and maintained. Not much shade but we would definitely return if we need a place for a night or two. We paid $59 out the door.
TravelerStayed here on our way from Portland to Mammoth Lakes. Super easy to access right off the highway. Tons of open space.
The road off the highway is a little steep and could cause a non-SUV to bottom out. As previous reviewers said, the ground gets soft as you get near the lake, but the vast majority of it was perfect.
GuideClean, beautiful, accessible, and reasonably priced. Laundry (2.75), wifi, pool, and more. Would love to come back!
GuideArrived on a Tuesday night and was the only one staying. Vault toilet was open. Consistent coverage with at&t. Not terribly strong though. Plenty of space for others. Trash bin available.
ScoutCame here, nice camping area and very quiet, but the beach area is deceptively dry-looking. The lake has receded in the last couple years and has left behind layers of really bad smelling mud at various levels of dryness that looks like rock but is NOT. You can’t reach the water by foot and we had to have our truck camper towed out. Still stayed here, just closer to the road where it is less muddy.
GuideWe arrived very late our first night, but it was very easy to get into our cabin using the code that was emailed to us when we booked the reservation. Due to weird bookings, we had to book 2 different cabins so we got to experience 9 and 16, each of which had a heaters, which is nice for the cold nights. Despite the campground being nearly full, we got great sleep both nights and everything was quiet after 10PM. There are multiple water pumps, vaults, toilet bathrooms, and bear trash cans, each of which are maintained very well. The campground is also not too far from the museum and visitor center which have Wi-Fi. You also have a campground store that is walking distance fro the campground, but is unreasonably expensive. A bundle of firewood was somewhere around $14, and this is where the showers are which were like $5 per person. They also have gas pumps, but neither of them were in service. Aside from all this, sites themselves were amazing, and you are very close to the Manzanita Lake, which is bigger than I expected and seems to be very popular for fishing.
TravelerIn late and out early so parked at one of the first pullouts long before the creek. Easy dirt road in my sedan. Some logging I think(?) at around 4am or something actually. But slept easily enough. Best to go farther in for a better experience
ScoutThis campground is amazing we come here often just for the stunning tranquility and amazing fishing ❤️
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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