Camping in the Westwood, California area offers remote wilderness experiences within the Lassen National Forest. Located at elevations between 4,500 and 7,000 feet, these campgrounds experience dramatic temperature shifts, with summer daytime highs often dropping 30-40 degrees at night. The region contains numerous alpine lakes connected by forest service roads that typically open from late May through October, depending on snowpack levels.
What to do
Fishing at Eagle Lake: Merrill Campground provides direct access to Eagle Lake's fishing opportunities. "The lake is appropriately named as we saw bald eagles daily. We stayed here for 4 nights and loved it," reports Lori T., who visited Merrill Campground. The lake is known for trophy trout fishing, with best catches reported during May-June and September-October.
Hiking forest trails: The area features numerous hiking options including the Eagle Lake Recreation Trail. "We enjoyed walking the paved Eagle Lake Recreation Trail to both Christie Campground and the marina. Each direction is about a 4 mile out and back," notes another Merrill visitor. Trails range from flat lakeside paths to steeper terrain leading to panoramic views.
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Silver Bowl Campground offers access to multiple lakes for water activities. "Maybe a quarter mile from the easiest place to get into Silver lake. You can also walk over the hill to Caribu lake which was gorgeous," writes August M. about Silver Bowl Campground. Most lakes have unimproved launch areas suitable for hand-launching small watercraft.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Almanor Campground offers spacious sites that create a sense of seclusion. "It definitely gets busy here in the summer but my stay in October was peaceful. Nice distance between most sites," notes SupTard about Almanor. Most sites in the North campground cannot be reserved and remain first-come, first-served throughout the season.
Yurt camping options: Lazzarini Farms provides comfortable yurt camping near Westwood, California with amenities not typically found at wilderness sites. "I had a very enjoyable time looking out at the scenery. I had peace and quite with no large buildings and being on a private road," shares Joey L. about Lazzarini Farms. Their yurts typically include real beds with linens and propane heat.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Westwood area campgrounds offer excellent wildlife watching. "The lake is appropriately named as we saw bald eagles daily," shares a visitor at Merrill Campground. Morning and evening hours provide the best wildlife viewing, with deer, osprey, and other forest animals regularly sighted.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Many campgrounds close completely during winter months. "North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024. It took some digging on this information as the USFS website is wrong," warns Kurt T. about Almanor. Most higher elevation campgrounds like Summit Lake North only operate from late June through September.
Insects can be intense: Summer months bring significant mosquito activity at many sites. "Tons of mosquitoes! The Good- Great campsite in a nice remote area to take in nature, go hiking, bike riding, and fishing for trout!" warns Will M. about Merrill Campground. Mosquito pressure typically peaks in June and July, moderating by August.
Fire restrictions: Fire regulations change frequently based on conditions. "Fire restrictions based on regional signage. I've had campfires fires here no problem. Existing fire rings," notes Katie about Benner Creek Campground. Always check current restrictions before arrival as they often change with little notice.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming access: Summit Lake North provides family-friendly swimming areas. "Totally awesome lake that's safely swimmable for kiddos that's also available for day-use. Flush toilets (always a plus)," writes Corinna B. about Summit Lake North. The shallow edges of many lakes warm up nicely by mid-summer, though morning water temperatures remain cool.
Educational programs: Several campgrounds offer ranger-led activities for children. "There is a small ranger station here, and while I didn't go to any they are supposed to have educational programs at the amphitheater here," mentions Patricia O. about Summit Lake North. Programs typically run weekends during peak season (July-August).
Nearby attractions: The proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park provides additional family activities. "We drove the road to the visitor center near the south entrance a couple times to see all the volcanic features," shares MARY K. The visitor center offers junior ranger programs throughout summer months.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: Few campgrounds offer full RV hookups. "The North campground is OPEN, but you cannot reserve it. First Come First Served (FCFS). Boat ramp is at the North campground," explains Kurt T. about Almanor. Arrive early mid-week for best chances at securing first-come, first-served sites.
Site sizes vary widely: Some campgrounds accommodate larger rigs better than others. "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," shares Paul C. about Merrill Campground. Most RV sites in the area cannot accommodate rigs longer than 35 feet.
Generator restrictions: Most campgrounds have specific generator hours. "Generator hours are a bit odd although the only time we needed it was briefly in the morning to fix meals," notes Rhea M. about Summit Lake North. Typical allowed hours are 8-10 AM, 12-2 PM, and 5-7 PM, though this varies by location.
