Shawn S.
Legend
LegendHoney Lake Campground
Very small and close to the hwy.
Tent Camping near Susanville, CA
31 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Tent campsites in the forests and lakeshores surrounding Susanville, California range from established facilities to primitive tent setups with minimal amenities. Lassen National Forest and Plumas National Forest offer several tent-friendly options including Aspen Grove Campground at Eagle Lake, which specifically prohibits RVs and is designated for tent camping only. Other options include Laufman Campground near Milford and dispersed camping areas at Rocky Point, where tent campers can find more secluded sites.
Most primitive tent camping areas feature basic fire rings and cleared tent pads, but amenities vary considerably across locations. Many tent campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from May through October, with closures during winter months. Vault toilets are common at established sites, while dispersed areas rarely offer facilities. Potable water is available at only a few locations like Aspen Grove, with most requiring campers to bring their own water supply. During fire season, restrictions may limit open flames, so tent campers should check current regulations before arrival. Sites at higher elevations generally offer cooler temperatures and fewer insects during summer months.
Walk-in tent sites provide additional solitude compared to drive-up areas, with locations like Aspen Grove offering wheelbarrows to help transport gear from parking areas to campsites. The tent-only designation creates a quieter atmosphere with fewer large groups and no generator noise. Forested sites provide natural shade and wind protection, while lakeside areas offer water access and scenic views. The primitive tent setup experience varies with the seasons, with spring offering wildflowers and fall providing colorful foliage against mountain backdrops. According to a visitor at Aspen Grove, "The sites were large and not too far from the parking lot, many were shaded with plenty of trees, and the lake was just a short walk away." Proximity to lakes and streams allows tent campers to incorporate fishing, swimming, and paddling into their wilderness experience.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Susanville (31)
1. Aspen Grove Campground (CA)
"This is one of several campground at Eagle Lake. The unique aspect of Aspen is it is set aside for Tent camping only. No RVs or cabovers are allowed here."
"The sites were large and not too far from the parking lot, many were shaded with plenty of trees, and the lake was just a short walk away!"
from $28 / night
Check Availability2. Boulder Creek Campground
"There were campground hosts roaming around but they didn’t seem to be enforcing rules, like only parking on the pavement and the noise curfew."
3. Willard Creek Dispersed
4. Laufman Campground
"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."
"It’s a one way drive thru so you have to drive up past the sign to the upper part of the drive thru. Picnic tables and fire rings, but you’ll need your own water and trash must be packed out."
5. Rocky Point Dispersed Camping
"Its not super secluded and your by the highway but its a nice little spot with a view of the lake."
6. Biscar Reservoir
7. Black Mountain Lookout
"Honey Lake to the north, a gorgeous vale/meadow to the south. The tease of thunderstorms all around. One standard USFS pit toilet (super clean). Electricity to power a stove/fridge/heater/lights."
"Ok so it’s great but the trail hiking up from Parking is approx 3 km to the campsite so make sure and bring everything in one go. It’s a tough hike as your literally hiking a mountain."
from $60 / night
Check Availability8. Rocky Point West
"First of all, it is a BEAUTIFUL area and drive in. Gorgeous area. BLM land by water is relatively flat. NOT big rig friendly."
9. Conklin Park Campgrounds
"We could hear the little creek and the wind through the burned trees."
"quite, well kept secret that if you don't mind adventure & can be a very smart camper in Bear & Mountain Lion Country......Respect that WE are the visitors in their home, not the other way around"
10. Bradys Campground
"Nice clean area equipped w/ pit toilets that were as clean as a pit toilet can be. Picnic tables, bear boxes, and 2 fire pit/ BBQ at all 6 sites."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 20 min from Reno, NV
- 1 hr 44 min from Carson City, NV
- 1 hr 56 min from Redding, CA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Susanville, CA
7 Photos of 31 Susanville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Susanville, CA
388 Reviews of 31 Susanville Campgrounds
- Shawn S.Legend
Susanville Dispersed Camping
Small lot off hwy but great overnight. Traffic noise
- Shawn S.Legend
Antelope Mountain Dispersed Camp
Small l gravel lot.
Paula P.
GuideThe Village at Highlands Ranch
This place is glamping at its best! Ample sites, close to the NP, laundry, two restaurants on site, gift shop, etc
- EEmily M.
ScoutHat Creek Resort & RV Park
It’s pretty empty this time of year. Was informed it will close for the season next week. Camp sites are oddly marked. Lots of trees to navigate around. But spacious. Tent and RV Camp spots as well as cabins. Internet is the fastest I’ve seen at a park 40mb download. There is road noise at night so pick a spot in the back. Showers and bathrooms are very clean.
- JJacqueline S.
TravelerThe Village at Highlands Ranch
Friendly and clean
I used this RV park while roadtripping in a van. The people were friendly and the bathroom was super clean. I would stay here for tent camping too.
Josiah D.GuideSouthwest Walk-in Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park
Good value
For 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.
Cynthia E.ScoutPonderosa Flat Campground
Horrible Experience
We paid for 5 nights, and left after four. The first day we were immediately approached by the host who rudely lectured about us leaving a phone number off of the pay envelope. The envelope had no designated spot for a phone number. She then handed us a list off rules: No dogs of leash, no generator off the blacktop, no outdoor showers, no chainsaw, and on and on. We were the only ones who kept our dog on a leash. She sold us two bundles of pine firewood the first night then proceeded to tell us the next day the water would be off and we couldn’t have a campfire. Friday night comes around and starting at 11 pm a woman is screaming and our tent is lit up by spotlights. She continues her drunken screams until 12:30 which we figure out she is calling a dog. The spotlights stayed on until 2am. The host lives way above the campground and there is no possible way she can hear the goings on at night. We also have no way of contacting her. Saturday morning we are told the water will be off and this time we are not allowed to use our stove or lanterns. We were forced to cut our trip short because we had no way to cook our meals or have adequate lighting once it got dark. I initially planned to stop payment on the check I wrote but felt that wouldn’t be right because we had a few good days. I contacted them and was told we were not forced to leave left on our own so we wouldn’t be getting a refund. The host was very overbearing she even knocked on our neighbors camper door accusing him of leaving the toilet seat up in the outhouse. Our vacation was ruined
Kurt T.TravelerAlmanor
Not a positive review
SAFETY HAZARDS: So many trees cut down with branches and debris left over and not picked up by the contractor or the USFS that could cause injury or death. Imagine tripping or falling in a hole and being punctured by pointy branches. I am sure this was not inspected after the contractor left or prior to departure.
HEALTH: Womens bathroom was open on Saturday 12 Sep 26, but then it was locked on Sunday 13 Sep 26. Water spigots were also turned off outside. The RV dump station down the street was also closed too. Not sure what happening here as it is not the end of the season yet.
SITES: Images online are not current/out-of-date, don't trust it. Many sites including mine had a lot of trees and now it has 1 or 2, with many stumps and debris left behind. Many sites have zero trees now. Our 20ft campervan barely fit on the asphalt pad and many were only about 10-15 feet long and then others were over 50. I guess you take a chance on what is real and what is not.
SIDEBAR: Over at the North campground, I saw cleanup crews with chainsaws doing work within 10-15 feet of a family who was camping and eating breakfast at the table. I would think this would be a not only a noise issue but also flying debris issue. I guess the USFS does not care about safety of the paying public.
OVERALL: I understand fire prevention, but when you cut down living trees and leave behind the branches and such to dry out, now that is a new fire hazard along with the safety hazard. So sad to see such nice campgrounds being turned into such eyesores and hazards. If you have small children, senior citizens or pets, I would strongly urge you not to make a reservation here. If you just need to a place to park your camper(not tent) then it would be okay as long as you are away during the day as there is very limited shade now. Oh, I forget to say my parents raised me here and they lived here after I went in the Navy and this is an embarrassment to the Almanor Ranger District in Chester.
Guide to Susanville
Tent campsites near Susanville, California offer diverse camping experiences with elevations ranging from 4,000 to 7,000 feet. Most primitive sites in this region sit within the Lassen and Plumas National Forests where summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during day and drop to 45-55°F at night. Winter snow closes many campgrounds from November through April, leaving only lower elevation options accessible year-round.
What to do
Hiking to panoramic views: The Black Mountain Lookout provides exceptional access to hiking trails with significant elevation gains. "It's a tough hike as your literally hiking a mountain," notes DAreick P., who recommends bringing everything in one go due to the approximately 3 km trail from parking to campsite.
Fishing in mountain waters: Access trout fishing at High Bridge Campground where both Warner Creek and North Fork Feather River contain fish. A camper mentions, "There are trout in both Warner Creek and North Fork Feather River," making this location ideal for anglers seeking freshwater fishing opportunities.
Swimming in natural settings: Many primitive camping areas offer access to swim spots during summer months. Cool off at High Bridge where one camper described "a really cool, fast flowing creek running through the campsite" perfect for taking a dip during hot weather.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Aspen Grove Campground receives praise for its spacious, tent-only designation. Lily H. notes, "The sites were large and not too far from the parking lot, many were shaded with plenty of trees, and the lake was just a short walk away!"
Absence of generators: Tent campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere at tent-only areas. "No RVs or cabovers are allowed here," explains Alison about Aspen Grove, creating a peaceful environment without generator noise common at mixed-use campgrounds.
Helpful campground hosts: Several primitive campsites feature attentive staff during peak season. According to one Aspen Grove visitor, "The camp host was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the facilities were perfect for walk-in sites."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Many dispersed sites require navigating rough roads. At Laufman Campground, Alex P. warns, "Road is gravel, one large pot hole in the middle of the road made it difficult for a compact or large RV to get into campground. Easy for a 4wd or high clearance rig."
Site maintenance can be inconsistent: Primitive campsites may show signs of neglect, especially in early season. At Laufman, Laura M. observed, "It appeared that this campground hadn't seen much traffic recently, some of the sites were very overgrown."
Cell service is unreliable: Most primitive tent sites have limited connectivity. Laura M. reports from Laufman Campground: "Cell reception was barely usable with a WeBoost, without that there was none with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile."
Tips for camping with families
Bring water transportation tools: When camping at walk-in sites like Rocky Point West, prepare for carrying supplies from parking areas. "It is a sharp, steep curve to come into gate and road is narrow gravel/sand," notes Jules S., highlighting the importance of proper packing strategies.
Pack insect protection: Bug activity varies by season and location. Jules S. warns about Rocky Point West: "Only other downside of this spot is the mosquitos are horrible. Sitting outside during sunset isn't even possible with bug repellent."
Consider temperature fluctuations: Mountain elevations create significant day-to-night temperature swings, often 30-40 degrees. Pack layers appropriate for both warm days and cool nights, especially at higher elevation sites.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations affect access: Many tent-friendly sites have restrictions for larger vehicles. At Conklin Park Campgrounds, Patricia N. experienced difficulty: "We were not able to camp because of two campers who placed solar panels in the road so we could not pass."
Spare tires are essential: Rough forest roads can damage tires when accessing remote campsites. Chelsea D. advises about Conklin Park: "This is by far one of my favorites, as long as you can hang with the long rocky, bumpy dirt road to get there. Be sure to bring a spare tire."
Check seasonal closures: Many primitive camping areas close with little notice. One camper at High Bridge reported: "We have a notice that their closing the park and we need to leave ASAP. It is getting dark when we get back to the camp site."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Susanville, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Susanville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Susanville, CA is Aspen Grove Campground (CA) with a 4.5-star rating from 2 reviews.
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tent camping near
Susanville, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Susanville, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Susanville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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