Best Dispersed Camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park
Dispersed camping opportunities surround Lassen Volcanic National Park on adjacent National Forest lands. Several free primitive sites exist within a short drive of park entrances, including 31N17N North Manzanita, Christie Hill Basecamp, and Big Pine Dispersed Camping. These areas provide basic camping with no amenities. Most sites feature established fire rings and flat areas suitable for tents or small recreational vehicles. According to reviews, 31N17N North Manzanita offers convenient access just one mile from the northwest entrance, with several spots to park vans, trailers, or smaller RVs.
No services are available at these dispersed sites. Campers must bring all water, pack out all trash, and practice Leave No Trace principles. Fire restrictions vary seasonally; always check current regulations before your visit. Many sites have thick pine needle ground cover requiring careful fire management. Several campers noted that "due to the number of pine trees, the ground is covered in a thick layer of pine needles — make sure you sweep at least a 20' fire ring down to dirt around the rock pit before making a fire." Bear activity has been reported in some areas, so proper food storage is essential.
Road conditions vary significantly between sites. Christie Hill Basecamp requires navigating gravel roads but remains accessible to standard vehicles. Big Pine Dispersed Camping offers creek-side spots that can accommodate larger rigs, including 38-foot fifth wheels. The Hat Creek Dispersed area requires traversing a rough road section before reaching expansive meadows suitable for camping. Cell service is extremely limited or nonexistent at most locations. The 14-day stay limit applies throughout the region. During peak summer months, mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly near water sources.