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

    38 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 South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

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

    $15 / 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. "

    4. 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."

    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. Big Pine Dispersed Camping

    7 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    10 miles

    "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."

    7. Butte Creek Campground

    11 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 257-4188

    "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!"

    8. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

    5 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. Christie Hill Basecamp

    5 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."

    10. 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."

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Recent Reviews near Lassen Volcanic National Park

552 Reviews of 202 Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds


  • Steve M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Simple but clean and nice level sites with picnic tables

    Just staying one night on my way to Nevada but this is an easy location with decent cell service and a clean bathroom and garbage receptacles in a hiking and equestrian area

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Under Construction

    There appears to be logging or construction going on, as a previous review stated most of the pull ins are just areas that the bulldozer is pushed everything back. There is one a few hundred yards in that is decent nice and quiet, but very dusty.

  • Ibeya A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 26, 2025

    Perry Riffle Trailhead

    Great spot for a short stop over

    This is just a gravel parking lot, but it's quiet, peaceful, and about a 2 min walk from the river. Several horse and hiking trails start from here. There's a pit toilet, garbage, and recycling. We enjoyed our stay for one night, but I wouldn't want to stay here for more than a few days. It was roasting in August; the river was a nice way to cool off.

  • Diana R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Red Bluff KOA Journey

    Messed up reservations, staff rude.

    This campground has a lot of live ins: there animals are not well behaved, barked most of the night, stray cats wandering around bothering our animals.  We made reservations and reserved a campsite number, was not told we had to pay $25 more to reserve a site, they put us in the site I requested not to have, the excuse was the computer rearranged the campsite. Asked to speak to management who never appeared and lady at desk was rude.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Big Pine Dispersed Camping

    Nice creek

    Good spot to stay, lots of spots along the creek, only saw about 4 other people while I was here on Monday-Tuesday. Plenty of room for travel trailers (although the road is a little narrow if you come in from Twin Pines road). No service but you can drive to the overlook between Twin Pines road and Big Pine campground entrance to get 1 bar.

    Good spot! Found some black raspberries along the creek :)

  • David S.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Twin Bridges Campground

    Dispersed site

    No facilities. This area is a designated dispersed camping area . Many sites are creek front. Lots of large trees for shade. First come first served. No or very limited cell coverage. Hat Creek is a famous fly fishing stream.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Inter-Mountain Fair of Shasta County

    Stopped for shower

    Just popped in here for a quick shower. $7. I don’t think I would camp here. Can say the bathroom and shower were super clean. Seems to be a live-in spot in a really odd location. Camp host was friendly.

  • NThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Big Pine Dispersed Camping

    Amazing

    Nice spread out private spot. I had a spot right up against the creek. Listening to that all night was chefs kiss. No service, not great for starlink but you won’t need it because of the peace and beauty. Not crowded


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

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.