216 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Primitive and developed campgrounds surround Shingletown, California, creating a base camp region for Lassen Volcanic National Park exploration. The area includes Manzanita Lake Campground within the national park boundary, offering tent, RV, and cabin accommodations among pine forests. Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA provides more amenities including full hookups, showers, and a swimming pool, operating seasonally from April to October. Several dispersed camping options exist on nearby Forest Service roads, including the free 31N17N North Manzanita Dispersed Camping area located just outside the park's northwest entrance.
The campground season typically runs from late spring through early fall, with most developed sites closing during winter months when snow accumulation makes access difficult. "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," noted one camper about North Battle Creek Campground. Road conditions vary significantly, with well-maintained paved roads leading to established campgrounds while dispersed camping areas may require high-clearance vehicles on dirt forest roads. Cell service is limited throughout the region, particularly at more remote sites. Water availability becomes a consideration at primitive sites, with no drinking water facilities at dispersed camping locations.
Proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park represents the primary draw for many campers visiting the Shingletown area. Campgrounds within 15-30 minutes of park entrances consistently receive positive reviews for their convenience. McCumber Reservoir Campground earns praise for its riverside sites and relative quietness compared to busier park facilities. A recent review described North Manzanita Dispersed Camping as "a gem of a level secluded spot with babbling brook" that provides privacy while maintaining reasonable access to park attractions. The lake access at North Battle Creek attracts paddlers and anglers, while family-friendly amenities at the KOA—including a pool, playground, and game areas—appeal to those seeking more structured recreation options. Summer weekends see higher occupancy rates, particularly at sites allowing advance reservations.
"We took an eight-day tour through Northern California and this was our first leg. Tent-camped three nights."
"Regular flush toilets still in use for season versus adjacent pit toilets. Used blocks to level RV. Many sites close to level. Store with showers and laundry within 1/4 mile easy walk."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Lassen / Shingletown KOA Holiday in Shingletown, California might just be my favorite KOA we have ever stayed at. We are at site 30. This site has FHU with 50 amp."
"It's close to the dog park if you have a dog. The bathroom/shower is 3 sites down. Very clean.
Also close to the walking trail, basketball/volleyball courts& a neat tree swing."
"Being right off the main road and so close to Lassen, this spot almost felt too good to be true."
"About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on."
"The best part about this campground is the proximity to Lassen NP! It is about a 15 min drive to the entrance & Manazanita Lake."
"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."
from $60 - $150 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"Mosquitoes were out in full force thanks to the proximity to the creek, and the cattle from the ranch next door were mooing all night. Charming!"
"The beauty of a lovely camp like this is the interlude of serenity you experience, away from the busyness of our daily routines, rules, and limitations. It is a beautiful, clean camp."
"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"
GuideFor car camping in the parking lot it's only $10 a night. You get flush toilets, running water, and free wifi from the visitor center. Only thing missing is a shower. The views are also great. Meets the necessities.
GuideGenerally if I'm getting a cabin and paying extra for it I would like it to have electric. They did have propane heat though which is nice. That aside, the location is great. $5 for shower access for the duration. Close walk to the lake. Lots of wildlife.
GuideThe staff were very friendly. Convenient for car camping. The showers are very nice and big.
ScoutThis was a fairly nice campground in the sycamore grove. Mix of pull through and back in spots. Bathroom had showers that looked a bit old but did not use them. Bathroom door code was in the reservation receipt email. Fairly quiet and hosts were available and kind.
GuideI missed a couple of other spots just outside of Lassen as they had already been taken for the night. Also because of the dangerous fire season we were having a lot of the other dispersed areas were closed to public. So I was scoping out the area and finally found this spot. When you turn on the road theres a big multiple camping site area on your left. There were plenty of people there and made me feel more comfortable grabbing my own spot but further up the hill. The highway was loud and few drivers coming in and out of the road. As a solo car camper- this actually makes me feel as ease. Hahaa So I set up and enjoyed the sunset, stars and nestled in for the evening. Lassen National Park is about a 5 minute drive and I HAVE to mention- when you turn to go to Lassen there is on the left public restrooms- and the best Ive ever encountered. 😀
RangerReserved online when had cell service before arrival. Asphalt roads and pads in campground. Regular flush toilets still in use for season versus adjacent pit toilets. Used blocks to level RV. Many sites close to level. Store with showers and laundry within 1/4 mile easy walk. Manzanita Lake loop walk was fabulous! Would stay again.
RangerStayed in 24' RV on Ring Loop. Drive in reservation. Only 20% of sites filled. Rest of campground closed for season. Excellent individual rest rooms with sinks that have hot & cold water and flush toilets. Excellent token showers Most sites shaded under nice Ponderosa Pines. Great loop walks around falls and on part of PCH trail. A little distant traffic noice in morning and during day but not bad. Would stay again.
GuideWe were very surprised how quiet the campground was at night considering how large it was. The only thing we didn’t like was having to book online when we showed up and there was no way to tell if a site was available until you went on line and we did not have internet service in the campground. We had to drive out to the visitor center to use their WiFi.
GuideThe tall trees are an amazing backdrop to this beautiful forest location. Near to 44 yet still quiet with only the occasional truck noise from the highway. The road in is well maintained and there are several established locations with multiple camps with fire rings. Some of them should easily accommodate big rigs even those towing large trailers. I had the south side of the road to myself near the pin for multiple nights with one or two campers across the road that came and left early. The night sky provides some excellent star gazing on clear nights! Some of the biggest pine cones I've ever seen!
Shingletown sits at 3,500 feet elevation at the western edge of the Lassen National Forest, creating a transition zone between the Sacramento Valley and the mountainous terrain of the Cascades. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s during day with overnight lows in the 40s-50s. Most campgrounds operate from May through October with several closing after the first significant snowfall.
Fishing opportunities: North Battle Creek Campground offers reservoir access for anglers. "The lake access at North Battle Creek attracts paddlers and anglers" and according to one camper, "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."
Lake activities: Manzanita Lake Campground provides lake access for non-motorized watercraft. "Access lake manzanita from this bucolic setting. Rental kayaks and paddle boards are overpriced so bring your own," notes one visitor. Another adds, "We enjoyed staying at Manzanita Campground when we made a last minute change of plans to have cooler weather. The elevation makes a big difference!"
Hiking access: Many campsites provide direct trail access to nearby natural features. "I loved being able to hike right by from the campground on multiple hikes," reports one Manzanita Lake camper. Trails range from easy lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents, with most campgrounds within 30 minutes of trailheads.
Privacy between sites: 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping earns high marks for seclusion. "We've been on the road for about a month now and this might take the cake for our favorite dispersed spot," writes one camper. Another notes it's "Immediately prior to turning down road to Lassen turn in to dirt road. Again less than 50 yards on right is area to camp. Could also turn a big rig."
Stargazing: Clear mountain skies and minimal light pollution make this region ideal for night sky viewing. North Battle Creek Campground offers particularly good viewing areas. "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."
Value for money: Christie Hill Basecamp offers free dispersed camping close to park entrances. "Great location for dispersed camping just minutes from the southern lassen entrance," notes one reviewer. Another mentions, "Quiet camping 4 miles outside Lassen NP... There are sites with fire rings and relatively flat ground."
Water availability: Many dispersed camping locations require you bring your own water. At Southwest Walk-in Campground, one visitor noted, "Keep in mind that there is no water available. Need to bring your own." Even at developed sites, water sources may be limited or seasonal.
Road conditions: Forest roads leading to dispersed sites vary significantly in quality. For North Manzanita Dispersed Camping, a visitor clarifies, "A 4 wheel drive is not required, it's just a dusty road." At Christie Hill Basecamp, "If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds close during winter months. One Southwest Campground visitor explains the alternative: "When the park is covered in snow, it is possible to park overnight at the visitor center and camp in the snow just adjacent to the lot."
Kid-friendly amenities: Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA offers facilities designed for children. "The pool is awesome, the playground is so fun," writes one regular visitor. Another camper describes "a whole forested area with swings, a fort, etc., games, ping pong, decent sized sites."
Bathroom facilities: Family-friendly campgrounds typically offer better restroom options. One visitor to Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA mentioned, "The bathrooms and showers were always clean and well maintained." At Manzanita Lake, a camper noted, "Bathrooms in B loop nicer than in A loop. But A loop closer to lake."
Temperature planning: Mountain weather can change quickly with significant day-to-night temperature swings. "It got real cold, like 27 degrees at night in early sept there!" warned a Manzanita Lake camper. Families should pack layers and prepare for cool evenings even during summer months.
Site leveling: Many campgrounds in this mountainous region have uneven terrain. A visitor to Manzanita Lake advises, "Be ready to level your camper." At Volcanic Country Camping & RV, the RV sites are "somewhat close to each other but there are plenty of trees around so you really have a forest feeling."
Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely at campsites near Shingletown, California. North Manzanita Dispersed Camping reports: "No Verizon phone or internet reception." Meanwhile, Christie Hill Basecamp offers better connectivity: "I also have full reception with Verizon. It's also only 9 minutes from the Lassen NP visitor center."
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are limited in the immediate area. Volcanic Country Camping & RV provides "Full hook ups. Only 9 miles to Lassen Southwest entrance. Right off RT 36." Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA offers electrical and water hookups seasonally from April to October.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping in Shingletown, CA?
Shingletown offers several camping options in and around the area. North Battle Creek Campground is a hidden gem about 30 minutes off Highway 44 on forest service roads. It's accessible by two-wheel drive vehicles in good conditions. For a more developed option, McCumber Reservoir Campground provides water and toilet facilities near Shingletown. The area also offers dispersed camping opportunities on nearby public lands. Many campers use Shingletown as a base to explore the surrounding natural attractions including Lassen Volcanic National Park and nearby lakes and forests.
What camping options are available near Mt. Lassen in Shingletown?
Several excellent camping options are available near Mt. Lassen in Shingletown. Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park is closest to the north entrance of the park, accessible via Routes 44/89. It offers quiet, tree-lined sites that provide privacy between neighbors. For those willing to travel on gravel roads, Butte Lake Campground is another gem within Lassen Volcanic National Park with spacious, well-maintained sites that can accommodate trailers up to 30+ feet. The campground is situated near beautiful Butte Lake, providing a perfect base for exploring the park's volcanic features and hiking trails.
Is there a KOA campground in Shingletown?
Yes, Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA is located in the Shingletown area. This KOA campground offers reservable sites with water hookups, toilet facilities, and is big-rig friendly, making it suitable for various camping styles from tents to large RVs. The campground provides convenient access to nearby attractions including Lassen Volcanic National Park. For those seeking alternative accommodations in the region, McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park Campground is another popular option with dry campsites, updated bathrooms and showers, and even cabin rentals.
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