Best Dispersed Camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park

On the eastern side of Northern California, between Redding and Susanville, CA, you’ll find Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen doesn’t always get the love it deserves in a state filled with national and state parks. On the plus side, you won’t have to contend with the crowds you would when camping at Yosemite or Sequoia National Parks.

There are several campgrounds in Lassen, with only one (Southwest Campground) open all year. There are no hookups in the park, but Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and Summit Lake Campgrounds can best accommodate RVs with a dump station at Manzanita. Due to fires, some Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Southwest campsites have amended opening dates. If you can’t get a spot in the park, the best camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park is in the surrounding Lassen National Forest.

Best Dispersed Sites Near Lassen Volcanic National Park (24)

    1. 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping

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

    "We found this spot based on advice of the rangers in LVNP. Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park."

    "Arrived late Friday night on Labor Day weekend and found a spot right at the beginning of the dirt road - coming from Redding direction, turned right off of 44 onto the dirt road then took the first right"

    2. Christie Hill Basecamp

    3 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    6 miles

    "No water or outhouse. If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully."

    "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."

    3. Big Pine Dispersed Camping

    3 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."

    "Plenty of dispersed camping along the creek just south of Big Pine Campground. We found a could spots that our 38ft fifth wheel could fit, and many spots for smaller rigs."

    4. 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP

    2 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 258-2141

    "Lovely quiet remote dispersed camping spot. No services. On a very nice gravel road marked for winter cross country skiing. Saw a few others in the area."

    6. Butte Creek

    2 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    14 miles

    "There are several very good campsites along Butte Lake Road as you approach the national park boundary. Many of these are just off the road and experience a fair bit of dust from cars passing by."

    "We arrived late, and pulled into the first spot we found just to be safe. Woke up this morning and it's beautiful, quiet and no one else near by."

    7. Hat Creek Dispersed

    2 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 335-7517

    "As one reviewer wrote, just a short run of slightly rough road to get to expansive meadows of boondocking."

    "Take creek trail. Bathrooms, garbage, water available at main campground. 1 bar lte AT&T."

    8. Bogard USFS Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Lassen National Forest, CA
    21 miles

    "The main road to Bogard Campground had too much snow for us to be able to pass through, so we found this small clearing tucked away off of Forest Route 32N09 in Lassen Nat’l Forest to stay overnight instead"

    "We met a very kind older woman who had been there a while & said that not many people know this place exists, so it doesn’t get very busy. The campsite was well kept."

    9. Willow Creek

    Be the first to review!
    Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
    8 miles
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Showing results 1-10 of 24 campgrounds

Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Lassen Volcanic National Park

10 Photos of 24 Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds


Dispersed Camping Reviews near Lassen Volcanic National Park

25 Reviews of 24 Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds



Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Dispersed camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature without the crowds. With various options available, campers can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors while taking advantage of free camping spots.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park, California

  • Arriving early can help you secure a good spot, especially during busy weekends. Many campers have successfully found places at 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping even on holiday weekends.
  • Be prepared for limited amenities; for instance, Bogard USFS Dispersed offers no drinking water or toilets, so plan accordingly.
  • Always practice Leave No Trace principles to keep these beautiful areas pristine, as emphasized by visitors to Hat Creek Dispersed.

Dispersed campers should check out Christie Hill Basecamp

  • Located just minutes from the southern entrance of Lassen, Christie Hill Basecamp provides a quiet setting for tent camping with fire rings available.
  • The access road is manageable for most vehicles, making it easy to reach this well-reviewed spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
  • Keep in mind that there are no facilities, so campers should bring their own supplies and be ready for a true back-to-nature experience.

Enjoy wildlife encounters while free camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park

  • Campers at 29N22 Dispersed near Lassen NP have reported hearing coyotes in the distance, adding a thrilling element to the camping experience.
  • Be cautious of wildlife; visitors to Big Pine Dispersed Camping have noted the presence of chipmunks and other small animals, so securing food is essential.
  • The area is rich in natural beauty, with opportunities for hiking and exploring the diverse ecosystems surrounding the campsites, particularly near Butte Creek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dispersed campsite near Lassen Volcanic National Park?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dispersed campground near Lassen Volcanic National Park is 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping with a 4.5-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find dispersed camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park?

TheDyrt.com has all 24 dispersed camping locations near Lassen Volcanic National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.