Best Campgrounds near Mineral, CA

Camping areas around Mineral, California center on Lassen Volcanic National Park, with several campgrounds offering diverse accommodation options. Manzanita Lake Campground provides tent, RV, and cabin camping within the national park boundaries, while Volcanic Country Camping & RV offers full hookups just outside the park entrance. Christie Hill Basecamp offers dispersed camping opportunities on public lands for those seeking more primitive experiences. The Summit Lake campgrounds, both North and South, provide additional options within Lassen Volcanic National Park with tent and RV sites.

Winter closures significantly affect camping access throughout the region, with many park campgrounds closed from October through late May or June due to snow conditions. Roads leading to higher elevation sites can remain impassable well into spring, particularly after heavy snow years. Cell service is limited or non-existent throughout much of the area. The region experiences dramatic temperature variations, with cool nights even during summer months when daytime temperatures can be warm. According to one visitor, "Despite the blazing temps in other parts of the park we were always comfortable here, and even chilly at night!"

Campers report high satisfaction with locations that balance convenience and natural settings. Manzanita Lake Campground receives praise for its amenities while maintaining a forest setting with reasonable privacy between sites. Several visitors mentioned the camp store as a valuable resource for supplies and information. Sites closer to Lassen Volcanic National Park's thermal features tend to fill quickly during the peak summer season. Campgrounds at higher elevations offer cooler temperatures during hot summer months but have shorter operating seasons. Volcanic Country Camping & RV provides a convenient option for those wanting to shower after hiking in the park, with one camper noting it has a "community firepit was nice to share stories around with fellow travelers." Water availability varies significantly between developed campgrounds and dispersed sites.

Best Camping Sites Near Mineral, California (207)

    1. Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    38 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    11 miles
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $26 / night

    "We took an eight-day tour through Northern California and this was our first leg. Tent-camped three nights."

    "California Hidden gems."

    2. Volcanic Country Camping & RV

    7 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-4422

    $20 / night

    "This place is cool - the Mineral Lodge and Restaurant is where we checked in for campground. We needed a place to stay before heading into Lassen Volcanic NP."

    "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 !"

    3. Battle Creek Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    4 miles
    Website

    "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."

    4. Southwest Walk-in Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    6 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    "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."

    5. Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    8 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $22 / night

    "Like its sister site to the north, this camp site is next to Lassen’s Summit Lake at approximately 7000 feet."

    "Summit lake is a great place to hang.  There are campgrounds on either side of the lake and this one is the more primate of the two - no flush toilets. "

    6. Christie Hill Basecamp

    4 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    2 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."

    7. Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    7 Reviews
    Mineral, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-6121

    $24 / night

    "Our decision for our final resting place -pun intended- was situated between two rocks on the flattest stony ground we could find. We had heard gusts could reach 70 mph at night."

    "We stayed here two nights after spending one night at the larger Manzanita Lake CG.

    The are two loops and about 40 sites. There is also a South Summit Lake CG."

    8. Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA

    12 Reviews
    Shingletown, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 474-3133

    "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."

    "Close to the entrance to Lassen Park.

    Cons: Some tent sites were better than others. My favorite tent sites were T6. T7, T8 and especially T13."

    9. Mill Creek Resort

    4 Reviews
    Mill Creek, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 595-4449

    "This is so close to Lassen without the busyness of the park in summer. We visited end of July and the access to the creek was so welcome."

    "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"

    10. Potato Patch Campground

    8 Reviews
    Mill Creek, CA
    13 miles
    Website

    "We were in a site close to the road but recommend a site closer to the creek. Note: no easy access to creek from campground, so recommend going to the red bridge to access trails."

    "The area is covered in greenery and it is next to Deer Creek with easy access for trout fishing."

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Showing results 1-10 of 207 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mineral, CA

561 Reviews of 207 Mineral Campgrounds



Guide to Mineral

Camping near Mineral, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature, especially for those looking to explore Lassen Volcanic National Park. With a variety of campgrounds to choose from, each with its own unique features, you can find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the campgrounds. For example, the Chaos Crags trailhead is just a half-mile from Manzanita Lake Campground. One camper noted, "The hiking is incredible and there is a trail that goes around the lake."
  • Kayaking and Paddleboarding: Rent kayaks or stand-up paddleboards at Manzanita Lake. A visitor mentioned, "There are kayak, cataraft, and SUP rentals available for Manzanita Lake."
  • Fishing: Butte Lake Campground is a great spot for fishing. One reviewer said, "The lake was great for swimming... Several people launched kayaks."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Summit Lake North said, "There’s a beautiful view here, and a lot of peace and solitude."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the tranquility of the campgrounds. A visitor at Butte Lake Campground mentioned, "This was a very peaceful campground, given it was in a popular National Park."
  • Well-Maintained Facilities: Campers often comment on the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA stated, "Great amenities. Very well maintained."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Butte Creek Campground, have basic facilities. A camper noted, "Had bathrooms. No water."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially in summer. A visitor at Manzanita Lake Campground said, "This campground is huge and busy."
  • No Cell Service: Many areas, including Butte Lake Campground, have no cell reception. One camper mentioned, "There is zero cell service in the campground."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Campgrounds with Activities: Look for campgrounds like Manzanita Lake Campground that offer activities. A family camper said, "The stars were beautiful at night."
  • Bring Games and Outdoor Gear: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. One reviewer at Summit Lake South noted, "There are campgrounds on either side of the lake."
  • Plan for Mosquitoes: Be prepared for bugs, especially in summer. A camper at Summit Lake North warned, "Mosquito mayhem in summer."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: RV campers should check site levels before booking. A reviewer at Manzanita Lake Campground mentioned, "Some sites were close together with minimal separation."
  • Look for Big Rig-Friendly Spots: Campgrounds like Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA are suitable for larger RVs. One camper said, "Clean, close to Lassen, quiet."
  • Be Mindful of Road Conditions: Some campgrounds, like Butte Lake Campground, require driving on gravel roads. A visitor noted, "Just beware of the 5-mile gravel road into camp."

Camping around Mineral, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, with plenty of activities and beautiful scenery. Just be prepared for some quirks, and you’ll have a fantastic time!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mineral, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mineral, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 207 campgrounds and RV parks near Mineral, CA and 22 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mineral, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mineral, CA is Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 38 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mineral, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 22 free dispersed camping spots near Mineral, CA.

What parks are near Mineral, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Mineral, CA that allow camping, notably Lassen Volcanic National Park and Lassen National Forest.