Dispersed camping sites near Westwood, California provide access to Lassen National Forest with elevations ranging from 4,500 to 6,000 feet. September and October offer cooler temperatures averaging 45-70°F with fewer crowds at popular sites. The area connects to multiple trail systems including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail.
What to do
Hiking on historic rail trails: The Goumaz Campground offers direct access to the Bizz Johnson trail, "a hiking, biking, horseback friendly trail that travels along an old Rail Road right of way from Westwood all the way to Susanville for a nice, mostly level path of 25 miles."
Fishing opportunities: At Merrill Campground on Eagle Lake, visitors find "great campsite in a nice remote area to take in nature, go hiking, bike riding, and fishing for trout!" The lake supports a unique species of Eagle Lake trout and typically permits fishing from late May through October.
Water recreation: Butt Lake at Cool Springs Campground offers water activities with less crowding than nearby Lake Almanor. One camper noted it "is a reservoir with no actual inlet. Rather it is fed by a pipe from Lake Almanor with a hydroelectric plant just prior to the water entering Butt Lake."
What campers like
Pet-friendly atmosphere: Lake Cove Resort & Marina welcomes dogs with accommodations ranging from tent sites to cabins. A camper mentioned, "There are tent sites, even sites with and without hookups, cabins, and a trailer to rent. They also have a volleyball court, horse shoes, and arcade available."
Spacious campsites: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Westwood feature well-designed sites. At Ponderosa Flat Campground, "Pave roads are great for kids for bike riding, scooters and skateboards. The campsites are spacious and the lake has great fishing."
Off-season tranquility: Fall camping offers unique advantages in the Westwood area. At Rocky Point Campground, a visitor explained, "This campground is beautiful with pine trees, lava rock, boulders and the lake just a short walk down the bike path. There are pit toilets throughout with garbage bins and water spigots."
What you should know
Water level fluctuations: Reservoirs in the area can vary significantly in water level by season. At Almanor campground, a visitor advised: "Boat ramp is at the North campground, but 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."
Limited amenities at dispersed sites: Many pet-accessible camping locations have minimal facilities. Goumaz Campground has "picnic tables, fire pits and one pit toilet. It is a very quiet out of the way spot to stay."
Seasonal closures: Campgrounds around Westwood typically operate from May through October. One camper at Last Chance Creek Campground noted: "Creek runs right by the campground. This campground is about 4 miles off highway 36. Horseshoe pits are right across from camp host. Was very quiet."
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Dog-friendly sites near Westwood offer wildlife encounters. At Cool Springs, one camper observed, "Deer will come up to your campsite looking for snacks so a good photo opportunity."
Recreational variety: Some family-oriented campgrounds provide multiple activities. Lake Cove Resort offers amenities including "a volleyball court, horse shoes, and arcade available."
Quiet camping periods: For families seeking tranquility with pets, timing matters. At Merrill Campground, campers noted: "We stayed here for 4 nights and loved it. The lake is appropriately named as we saw bald eagles daily... As it was the last week before trout season opened on the lake, our side of the campground was nearly empty."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RV campers with pets should research site dimensions carefully. At Ponderosa Flat, a camper advised: "Campground is quiet but tight to get a large trailer in, ours is 26 feet and it was tight. The spaces in the closed portion of the campground were a bit more spacious."
Dump station locations: RVers staying at primitive dog-welcoming campgrounds should note dump station availability. At Rocky Point, campers mentioned there's a "dump station but not included in camping fee. Flat spaces, all paved. Smaller campground run by PG&E."
Power options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds offer various hookup configurations. At Plumas Pines Resort, one RVer appreciated that "Great location for beginners... Great staff, easy to get to and find your spot, and convenient spots with decks and hookups."
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