Best Tent 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 Tent Sites Near Lassen Volcanic National Park (40)

    1. 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."

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

    2. Juniper Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    3 Reviews
    Chester, CA
    10 miles
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    "The smaller sites at Juniper Lake are first come first serve, unlike the group sites that can be reserved. "

    "If you enjoy privacy and a very secluded campground this is it. We stayed at group site A. This site is amazing is right next to the lake I haven’t stayed at a more beautiful site."

    3. High Bridge Campground

    3 Reviews
    Chester, CA
    13 miles
    Website

    "High Bridge Campground is located in the Lassen National Forest, about 10-15 minutes outside of Chester. Chester is a good town to fill up your gas tank, get supplies, etc."

    "were there to camp this weekends started aug 6 we went to roam around the National Park had a great time at the end ot the day we went back to the camp ground we have a notice that their closing the park"

    4. Twin Bridges Campground

    2 Reviews
    Old Station, CA
    10 miles
    +1 (530) 336-5521

    5. North Battle Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 386-5164

    "There are two sets on campsites, drive-up and walk-in."

    "last time we visited the water was out of service at the drive in camp spots. to get to the lake access sites you have to get permission to drive past the gate. dogs cost $2 each night. a few of the signs"

    6. Hat Creek Dispersed

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

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

    7. McCumber Reservoir Campground

    1 Review
    Shingletown, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 386-5164

    "The best part about this campground is the proximity to Lassen NP! It is about a 15 min drive to the entrance & Manazanita Lake."

    8. PG&E Lake Almanor Area Last Chance Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Chester, CA
    16 miles
    +1 (530) 284-1785

    "Cute campground about 4 miles from Highway 36. No lake access at all, but a stream runs down the side of the campground, so you can hear the water all night. Horseshoe pits are available."

    9. Rocky Campground

    1 Review
    Old Station, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 336-5521

    "This was a basic dry campground with nothing but clean vault toilets but we had a great time. The sites are pretty private and most overlook the creek. We were the only people on our loop."

    10. Black Rock Campground (Lassen NF)

    4 Reviews
    Mill Creek, CA
    24 miles
    Website

    "Practicing leave no trace is so important for the safety of all animals and the preservation of our wild lands."

    "We went in late may and the weather was perfect for traditional camping activities. The mosquitoes were out in full force so bug spray is a must."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Lassen Volcanic National Park

511 Reviews of 40 Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds


  • T
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Quaint and primitive

    The campground is basic with vault toilets and water spigots. Bear box, fire pit and picnic table provided. Some of the sites are very close to one another. Very dry and dusty in the summer time. Good location as far as getting to other points of interest in the park. Stayed in E loop for tents only which was nice because there was no noise from RVs and generators.

  • Brian C.
    Sep. 1, 2018

    Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Great National Park Campground

    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. There are two camping loops with tent sites and small RV trailer sports available. No hook-ups, but flush toilets and sinks nearby.

    Sites can be further inland near the forest with a parking lot that separates you from the lakeshore. In the summer, the lake is great for swimming.

    There is another campsite on the southern side of the lake that is very similar, but we prefer the north campground in that the sites are closer to the lake itself. Numerous hikes are available within the area.

  • G
    Jul. 3, 2022

    Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA

    One of the Best

    Great campground. Strong WiFi, adequate and clean restrooms. Sites are level with some trees. Convenient to Lassen Volcanic National Park

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2021

    Mill Creek Resort

    Nice Private Campground

    This campground is just south of Lassen Volcanic National Park.  It has two main sections, one for RVs and the other for tents.  There are a small number of RV sites with full hookups and then a larger number of tent sites.  The RV sites are fairly small, but felt separated enough to have some privacy.  The tent sites are a bit more rustic.

    The other slightly odd part is that most of the RV sites were filled with people who came and stayed for the entire summer, year after year.  We were the only not long-term camper in the RV section.  

    Pros:

    * Close to a lot of amazing scenery with Lassen

    * Well kept, clean, quiet campground

    * Camp store/restaurant is great

    * Laundry on site

    * Access to a nice little creek w/swimming hole

    Cons:

    * Camp store is open limited days

    * Tent sites only have pit toilets which are not the best maintained

    OK:

    * No fires in the RV sites

    * Showers were not always very clean

  • D
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Roomy and plenty of shade

    Group camps have plenty of room in a fairly shaded Pine tree environment. Campers are spaced adequatley apart. Have to get water from the faucet outside the rest rooms which have flush toilets. No showers and no electricity but the Lake was great for cooling off.

  • Toni  K.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 16, 2021

    Jones Inlet Campground

    Very weird vibes, but nice camp ground

    The camp ground was beautiful. Pretty close to the water, however, this year summer 2021 the water is very low. The camp ground offers bathrooms, bear boxes, very nice fire rings and clean water. There is no camp host so bring your own wood. The fee is $25 a night. The trash cans were over flowed and there was bags of trash outside of the garbage. Please don’t do this)-:

    Weird vibes: when we pulled up there was only one other truck there. They were two people yelling at each other pretty loud so that was kinda awkward but, nothing crazy. Then we set up our tent and other car came to the spot next to ours and checked the bear box and was walking around the spot. They moved parked at another spot and did the same thing. I’m not sure if they left something or what was going on but, they just walked around to each site checking the bear box’s??

    Not sure if I would return unless more people were there because I felt uncomfortable leaving my tent and things there unattended.

  • Jim S.
    Jul. 5, 2019

    Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground

    Rustic clean free

    Forest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.

  • Michael I.
    Apr. 17, 2018

    North Battle Creek Campground

    Awesome Campground to get away from the crowds

    This is a great spot that I almost didn't review because I don't want anyone else to know about it. The campground is approximately 30 minutes off of Hwy. 44 on dirt forest service roads. The roads were in great condition in August of 2017, to the point were a two-wheel drive low-clearance car would have made it without issue, but would likely take longer than 30 minutes.

    The campground itself is nice with sites being reasonably spread out. This was our first visit to this campground but in talking with some of the friendly neighbors many people come back to this same campground year after year.

    There are two sets on campsites, drive-up and walk-in. The walk-in sites can be a bit of a hike away from the parking area, so if you do plan to camp there (I believe they are all first come, first serve), do bring a wagon, cart, or backpack to carry your gear in and out. It did seem like a few folks may have been able to talk the host into opening the locked gate so that they could drop off their stuff before parking their car in the designated lot. The walk-in sites are located right next to the reservoir and there is a separate bathroom building for those sites. The remaining drive-up sites are still close to the reservoir, maybe a short 500-foot walk to the closest access point.

    The reservoir is beautiful and is plenty big enough for some great kayaking or paddle boarding. There were also many people fishing both from the shore and from boats or floats.

    Four-wheeling and dirt bike riding seemed to be another common way to spend the day for many folks at the campground, likely exploring the miles and miles of forest service roads surrounding the campground. Although we didn't notice anyone with a telescope, this area was incredible for stargazing. Camp near the reservoir or bring your telescope down to the shoreline as the rest of the campground is pretty heavily wooded, but don't miss out on enjoying one of the most amazing night skies you may ever see.

    We drove in and out once each day we stayed at the site to hike inside Lassen Volcanic National Park. While it wasn't a short drive we enjoyed being away from the RVs and large groups of people camping within the National Park campgrounds.

    Next time we come here, and we do plan to go back, we will plan in a day or two to simply enjoy the reservoir and area around the campground. There is plenty to do between exploring and just relaxing in the relative quiet, and well worth a day or two to not go anywhere and just enjoy the area.

  • Azizah T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 4, 2020

    Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    The campground with access

    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. It’s right next to manzanita lake, and easy to access the area off the highway. My first time here I was more than excited to see bumpass hell, unfortunately this was in June of 2018 so bumpass hell was closed for construction. I still enjoyed my time here because the park is very beautiful. We drove up to summit lake and did some exploring in the area. Summit lake also has a campground that only holds a few sites. It’s a more relaxed and quiet campground since there aren’t really stores nearby.


Guide to Lassen Volcanic National Park

Tent camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in stunning natural landscapes while enjoying a variety of outdoor activities.

Tent campers should check out Southwest Walk-in Campground

  • Located right inside Lassen Volcanic National Park, Southwest Walk-in Campground provides easy access to hiking trails and the visitor center.
  • This campground features walk-in sites that are just a short distance from the parking lot, making it convenient for those carrying gear.
  • With no fires allowed and a focus on preserving the natural environment, it’s a peaceful spot for tent campers looking to connect with nature.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Explore the breathtaking scenery and geothermal features of Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is easily accessible from Juniper Lake Campground.
  • Enjoy fishing and kayaking at North Battle Creek Campground, where the serene lake offers a perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures.
  • Hike the trails around Black Rock Campground, known for its beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • High Bridge Campground offers clean vault toilets and a picturesque creek, enhancing the camping experience with essential comforts.
  • At Alder Creek Campground, campers can enjoy picnic tables and shaded spots, making it a great choice for families.
  • McCumber Reservoir Campground features drinking water and trash disposal, ensuring a more convenient stay for tent campers.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lassen Volcanic National Park is Christie Hill Basecamp with a 4-star rating from 5 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 40 tent camping locations near Lassen Volcanic National Park, with real photos and reviews from campers.