Camping opportunities near Susanville, California range across a diverse landscape from high mountain lakes to sagebrush valleys, with elevations varying from 4,000 to 8,000 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer daytime temperatures typically reaching 75-90°F and dropping to 40-50°F at night. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from May through October, with limited winter access due to snow accumulation at higher elevations.
What to do
Fishing at Eagle Lake: The 10-mile long lake provides excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for the native Eagle Lake rainbow trout. Merrill Campground on the south shore offers easy lake access. "Great campsite in a nice remote area to take in nature, go hiking, bike riding, and fishing for trout! This is a great place to get off the grid and electronic devices and have some fun!" reports Will M.
Hiking the Caribou Wilderness: Located about 35 miles from Susanville, this wilderness area features scenic trails connecting multiple small lakes. Silver Bowl Campground provides convenient access to these trails. One visitor noted, "You can also walk over the hill to Caribu lake which was gorgeous."
Boating at Antelope Lake: This mountain reservoir offers water sports and exploration opportunities. "This is one of three campgrounds on Antelope Lake near Susanville CA. Several of the sites are near the lake. All sites are well shaded with fir and pine trees. Great fishing and wildlife watching. Enjoy all water sports and beautiful lake," writes Alison from Long Point Campground.
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many Susanville area campgrounds offer generous sites that accommodate various camping setups. At Merrill Campground, Brian P. appreciates that "Site 12 had ample shade from the trees and close proximity to two restroom facilities."
Wildlife viewing: The region's diverse ecosystems support abundant wildlife observation opportunities. "The lake is appropriately named as we saw bald eagles daily," notes Lori T. about her stay at Merrill Campground. Another camper, Dan S., shared a special moment at Grasshopper Flat: "Saw a Bald Eagle dive and grab a fish."
Privacy and quiet: Many campsites provide adequate separation from neighbors. "The sites are spread out and offer a lot of privacy," reports James W. about Merrill Campground. The peaceful setting allows campers to disconnect and enjoy nature without crowds.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves unpaved roads that can be rough early in the season. "The road in is dirt and pretty long but my Toyota Camry made it no problem," says August M. about Silver Bowl Campground.
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate only during warmer months. Darin D. discovered that Silver Bowl Campground "may not open until July" in high snow years despite website information stating earlier dates. Always check current conditions before traveling.
Limited amenities: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Laufman Campground, Dani P. notes: "Small sites but big enough for RVs. Aspen filled Creek just a small walk south of campground. To keep this place looking beautiful, do not forget to pack out your trash and follow Leave No Trace ethics."
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Susanville, California, limited options exist but provide comfortable alternatives to traditional tents or RVs. Typically available from late spring through fall, these structures offer more protection from weather changes common in the region's higher elevations.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby recreational options suitable for children. At Merrill Campground, one visitor mentioned, "Great campground in a nice remote area to take in nature, go hiking, bike riding, and fishing for trout! This is a great place to get off the grid and electronic devices and have some fun!"
Swimming considerations: Not all lakes offer ideal swimming conditions. Regarding Grasshopper Flat, Alisen O. suggests it "would be a perfect spot for tent camping if there weren't so many trailers everywhere." For water activities, a camper at Eagle Lake Resort cautions that "the lake was dismal. It smelled like sewage and there was an algal scum floating all over the surface."
Kid-friendly trails: The 10-mile paved trail around Eagle Lake provides a safe option for family bike rides. Camping at Almanor gives access to various water activities, with one visitor noting, "if you just have a paddleboard or kayak, you can just walk to the water by just waking down the road and launch at the edge of the lake."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited in the region but available at select locations. At Merrill Campground, Paul C. shares, "Extremely clean, easy to get in your spot. We have a 30' travel trailer and there was so much availability, we did go mid Sept so kind of off season. Plenty of shade trees, full hook ups."
Site selection: Research specific site characteristics before booking. "While we loved our site, it was probably the least shaded of any site there," notes Lori T. about Merrill Campground, highlighting the importance of choosing sites that match your preferences.
Dump station access: Plan for waste disposal needs. Susan L. mentions about Merrill Campground: "We had a full hookup site, even though we could have gone off the grid with our little solar panel." She also notes, "The only reason this campground didn't get 5 stars is that there are no local showers."
