42 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Lassen National Forest and surrounding public lands near Westwood, California offer a wide range of tent camping options, from developed tent campgrounds with drinking water to primitive backcountry sites. High Bridge Campground, located about 10-15 minutes from Chester, provides tent-only sites along Warner Creek and North Fork Feather River with vault toilets and drinking water. Aspen Grove Campground at Eagle Lake stands out as a tent-only facility with walk-in sites accessible via wheelbarrows provided by camp hosts. Yellow Creek Campground, sitting in the pines bordering Humbug Valley, offers more secluded tent camping with spectacular mountain views despite requiring travel down an 8-mile gravel road.
Many tent campsites in the region require preparation for primitive conditions. Vault toilets are common, but potable water is limited to larger established campgrounds. Dirt and gravel access roads may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly at dispersed camping areas like Christie Hill Basecamp. According to campers, some forest service roads can take up to 90 minutes to navigate, with occasional stream crossings. Bear activity is common throughout the region, necessitating proper food storage. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from May through October, with higher elevation sites often inaccessible until late spring due to snow.
Walk-in tent sites provide unique advantages for campers seeking solitude. One visitor to Aspen Grove noted, "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." At North Battle Creek Campground, campers reported that walk-in sites positioned next to the reservoir offer superior privacy and views compared to drive-up alternatives. Tent campers frequently observe wildlife including deer, quail, and frogs at sites throughout the region. Mosquitoes can be problematic in early summer, particularly near creeks and lakes. Weekday visits typically offer greater site availability, as one camper at Juniper Lake mentioned that "over the last few years popularity has grown and it is difficult to find a spot on weekends."
"High Bridge Campground is located in the Lassen National Forest, about 10-15 minutes outside of Chester. Chester is a good town to fill up your gas tank, get supplies, etc."
"were there to camp this weekends started aug 6 we went to roam around the National Park had a great time at the end ot the day we went back to the camp ground we have a notice that their closing the park"
"Cute campground about 4 miles from Highway 36. No lake access at all, but a stream runs down the side of the campground, so you can hear the water all night. Horseshoe pits are available."
"Most of the sites are reservation based, and some are closed right now, so not a lot of neighbors. The lake is beautiful and long. Wonderful for Kayaking."
"The smaller sites at Juniper Lake are first come first serve, unlike the group sites that can be reserved. "
"If you enjoy privacy and a very secluded campground this is it. We stayed at group site A. This site is amazing is right next to the lake I haven’t stayed at a more beautiful site."
"Most people flock to the nearby Lake Almanor or Butt Valley campgrounds, so Yellow Creek Campground is a nice place to go to escape bigger and busier spots."
"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 Availability"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."
"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."
"No water or outhouse. If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully."
GuideThe campground is basic with vault toilets and water spigots. Bear box, fire pit and picnic table provided. Some of the sites are very close to one another. Very dry and dusty in the summer time. Good location as far as getting to other points of interest in the park. Stayed in E loop for tents only which was nice because there was no noise from RVs and generators.
GuideBrilliantly quiet and peaceful campground. Hardly ever more than a few campers, never full. Located 3miles down a gravel road, drivable by even a compact car. Cottonwood and Willow trees surround small stream that runs through the entire campground. Easy access to OHV trails nearby. Each site has tables and a fire pit. Also, 2 contraptions to hang hunted animals. Spotty Verizon service, no ATT reception. Vault toilet bathroom very clean but smelly!! This is a FREE campground, and in order to keep it that way, we must collectively treat it well by following Leave No Trace principles. There are trash receptacles on site, but hunters are instructed to take animals remains and dump OUTSIDE of campground.
ScoutGroup camps have plenty of room in a fairly shaded Pine tree environment. Campers are spaced adequatley apart. Have to get water from the faucet outside the rest rooms which have flush toilets. No showers and no electricity but the Lake was great for cooling off.
GuideLooking for seclusion and found it! 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. Nice lil hike up to the fire lookout and creek for water. No RV access and trailers, well maybe a small tow behind. Pretty tight and no turn around.
ScoutForest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.
RangerWe only stayed here for an overnight on our way North, but it was a great campground. The fee was $16.00 a night. We pulled in about 9:00 PM and there were probably at least 10-12 sites occupied. We found site 46 to be perfect. There are no hookups, but each site has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. There is drinking water available through out the campground and vault toilets, which were pretty clean/well kept. Generators are allowed from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There are also multiple dumpsters and recycling bins. Our T-Mobile cell service was super spotty and pretty much non-existent. The creek is beautiful and very accessible!
TravelerThe first morning we were there my dog found and ate some weed that someone had carelessly and irresponsibility discarded on the ground and she became extremely ill and had to be rushed to the emergency vet for treatment. Practicing leave no trace is so important for the safety of all animals and the preservation of our wild lands.
The road in took about an hour and a half and I would not recommend attempting it without 4WD and high clearance. There is one stream crossing but it is minor.
ScoutOur family stayed 3 days and 2 nights, the sites are on the smaller size. We stayed at B13. Restroom were clean, rangers come and clean it almost everyday. Trash is picked up every other day. Bear box was large, easily 2 coolers and more. Lake is just a short walk away and the story carry all the essentials that you might need
LegendThis is a small campground with just a few spaces under shady pines. The campground is right along the Susan River that is reputed to have some pretty good fishing. If fishing isn't your thing the pretty, burbling river adds a zen quality to your stay. One of the main attractions for staying here is that it is right at the trail head for the Biz Johnson trail. This is 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. There are picnic tables, fire pits and one pit toilet. It is a very quiet out of the way spot to stay.
Tent camping near Westwood, California occurs mainly from May through October at elevations between 4,500 and 6,000 feet. Summer daytime temperatures typically range from 75-85°F, dropping to 45-55°F at night. Most forest service roads leading to dispersed sites require high-clearance vehicles and can take 30-90 minutes to navigate from main highways.
Fishing opportunities: At Boulder Creek Campground, anglers can access Antelope Lake for bass and trout fishing. "Antelope Lake is always gorgeous though and worth the trip," notes one camper who visited despite changes in management.
Hiking trails: The Osprey Overlook trail near Aspen Grove Campground offers panoramic views of Eagle Lake. As one visitor explains, "I highly recommend hiking up to Osprey Overlook, not far from the campground. It has great panoramic views of the lake."
Natural springs: While staying at Yellow Creek Campground, visitors can explore the historic Soda Springs site where local Maidu indigenous people gathered. One camper shares, "There's a natural soda spring on the entrance road where the local indigenous Maidu used to gather and drink for healing."
Lake access: Campers at Juniper Lake Campground appreciate the pristine water and mountain views. "If you're lucky enough to get a spot on the lake you'll have one of the most beautiful camping spots in Northern California with an epic view of Mt. Lassen," notes one visitor.
Solitude on weekdays: Finding a campsite at popular locations improves significantly during mid-week visits. A Juniper Lake camper advises, "Over the last few years the popularity of Juniper Lake has grown and it is difficult to find a spot on weekends, but early to mid week there's a pretty good chance you can find a spot."
Creek-side camping: The sound of running water enhances the camping experience at several locations. A visitor to Last Chance Campground mentions, "A stream runs down the side of the campground, so you can hear the water all night."
Reservation systems: Some campgrounds operate entirely on first-come, first-served basis while others require advance booking. One visitor to Ponderosa Flat notes, "Most of the sites are reservation based, and some are closed right now, so not a lot of neighbors."
Bear precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage at all campgrounds in the region. Most established sites provide bear boxes, as mentioned by a Snake Lake Campground visitor: "Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes."
Road conditions: Access to Christie Hill Basecamp and other dispersed camping areas requires careful vehicle selection. "If you have a low clearance vehicles, pick your pins carefully," warns one camper, while another notes, "We had a Ford van that had no problem driving over the dirt and gravel road."
Tent-only options: Families seeking a quieter tent camping experience should consider Aspen Grove Campground at Eagle Lake. "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," explains one visitor.
Transport assistance: Some walk-in tent sites provide equipment to help transport camping gear. "There are wheelbarrows available to help campers move things to and from their sites," notes an Aspen Grove camper.
Wildlife viewing: Children can observe various wildlife at campgrounds throughout the region. Many campers report seeing deer, birds, and small mammals at dawn and dusk when animals are most active.
Size limitations: Many campgrounds in the Westwood area have limited space for larger rigs. At High Bridge Campground, sites vary in size with some better suited for smaller trailers and vans rather than large motorhomes.
Campground loops: High Bridge Campground features two distinct camping areas worth exploring before setting up. "The campground itself is separated into two loops. The first is directly in front of you as you drive in and the sites are located on, or close to, Warner Creek. The second is up and over a slight ridge, where the sites are located on, or close to, the North Fork of the Feather River," advises one visitor.
Supply runs: RVers staying at remote campgrounds should stock up in nearby towns. "Chester is a good town to fill up your gas tank, get supplies, etc. There are lots of small places to eat, a great grocery store called the Holiday Market, and quite a few outdoor equipment stores," explains a High Bridge camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Westwood, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Westwood, CA is High Bridge Campground with a 5-star rating from 3 reviews.
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