Camping near Susanville, California offers access to both high-desert landscapes and forested mountain terrain at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during day and dropping to 45-55°F at night. Most dispersed camping locations around Susanville require visitors to bring their own water and pack out all trash.
What to do
Fishing at Eagle Lake: Eagle Lake provides excellent trout fishing opportunities from May through October. "Great campsite in a nice remote area to take in nature, go hiking, bike riding, and fishing for trout!" notes Will M. about Merrill Campground. Another visitor mentions the "close fishing and hiking" with "gorgeous pine trees, lots of birds. good fishing!"
Biking on the Bizz Johnson Trail: This 25-mile trail follows an old railroad right-of-way from Westwood to Susanville. The trail is mostly level, making it accessible for most fitness levels. At Goumaz Campground, one camper explains, "One of the main attractions for staying here is that it is right at the trail head for the Biz Johnson trail. This is a hiking, biking, horseback friendly trail that travels along an old Rail Road right of way from Westwood all the way to Susanville."
Water recreation at Antelope Lake: The lake offers swimming, boating, and kayaking during summer months. "The lake is nestled in the mountains. The scenery, fishing and water sports are superb!" explains a reviewer at Antelope Lake Recreation Area. Another adds, "Water is warm enough to swim June-August. Great fishing!"
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites that provide privacy. At Eagle Campground, campers appreciate that "you don't feel like you are right on top of your neighbor. Great place for groups." Another visitor comments, "Lots of space in the tall trees that provide plenty of shade."
Natural surroundings and wildlife: The forested settings and mountain lakes create habitat for diverse wildlife. "We saw bald eagles daily," reports one camper at Merrill Campground. Another notes the campground is "set in deep pines that reach the sky alongside a wide Eagle Lake."
Creek-side relaxation: Several campgrounds offer sites adjacent to creeks or rivers. A visitor to Goumaz Campground describes how "The sound of the creek drowns out any sounds from neighbors." Another camper adds, "The campground is right along the Susan River that is reputed to have some pretty good fishing."
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, with limited winter access. "We stayed here for 4 nights and loved it. The lake is appropriately named as we saw bald eagles daily... As it was the last week before trout season opened on the lake, our side of the campground was nearly empty."
Varied amenity levels: Facilities range from full hookups to primitive camping with no services. At Days End RV Park, visitors note it's "Very clean, full hook ups, can accommodate big rigs. Weekly, monthly, overnight." For dispersed sites like Antelope Mountain, expect "Basic primitive cell service" with no facilities.
Fire restrictions: Fire rules change seasonally and vary by location. One camper at Eagle Campground noted, "No fires or Charcoal at this time." Always check current restrictions before your trip, as wildfire risk is significant in this region during summer and fall.
Tips for camping with families
Consider developed campgrounds for convenience: Families often prefer sites with toilets and drinking water. "This campground has all the amenities you could want. Lots of space in the tall trees that provide plenty of shade, picnic tables and fire pits," notes a visitor to Eagle Campground.
Plan for mosquitoes: Bring appropriate repellent, especially near water. A camper at Merrill Campground warns about "The bad 🦟 Tons of mosquitoes!" but adds it's a "Great place to get off the grid and electronic devices and have some fun! Good mix of age groups and families."
Book waterfront sites early: Lakeside camping spots fill quickly during summer. At Antelope Lake Recreation Area, a visitor advises, "Would recommend booking reservable on-the-water sites well in advance." Another notes that "Several group sites available" make it "a super fun place to spend a weekend with friends."
Tips from RVers
Length restrictions vary: Check site specifications before booking. "Eagle campground is older and sites are shorter so no large rigs," advises one RVer. For those with larger vehicles, Susanville RV Park offers "Large concrete lot... Best for very large rigs with limited options."
Consider hookup needs: While some sites offer full hookups, others provide only basic services. At Susanville RV Park, RVers note "All concrete sites and manicured and watered grass areas. Picnic tables at all the sites," though some were bothered that "they lock the showers and bathrooms from 7pm to 7am."
Dump stations may be separate from campgrounds: Plan your waste management accordingly. One RVer at Merrill Campground noted, "We opted for the loop with water/electric hookups knowing there was easy access to a dump station across from the entrance to the campground."
