238 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The forested landscapes surrounding Whitmore, California feature a diverse range of camping options within proximity to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Established campgrounds like Manzanita Lake Campground and McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park provide developed facilities, while more remote options such as North Battle Creek Reservoir and McCumber Reservoir campgrounds offer quieter alternatives. Tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking cabins or yurts will find suitable accommodations throughout the region. The area's volcanic terrain creates a unique backdrop for camping experiences, with several sites positioned near lakes, creeks, and forest settings. Most campgrounds operate seasonally, typically from April through October, though some facilities remain open year-round.
Forest service roads leading to many campgrounds require careful navigation, particularly during spring when conditions can be challenging. According to one visitor at North Battle Creek Campground, "The campground is approximately 30 minutes off of Hwy. 44 on dirt forest service roads. The roads were in great condition in August, to the point where a two-wheel drive low-clearance car would make it without issue." Elevation varies significantly throughout the region, affecting temperatures and camping conditions. Summer days can be warm while nights often remain cool, especially at higher elevations. Many campgrounds require reservations during peak season, while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Bear boxes are common at sites throughout the area, reflecting the need for proper food storage in this wildlife-rich environment.
Pine forests provide natural shade at most campgrounds, creating comfortable microclimates even during hot summer days. Campers frequently mention excellent stargazing opportunities, particularly at sites farther from developed areas. Water features enhance many camping experiences, with visitors noting the proximity to swimming, fishing, and paddling opportunities. At McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, one reviewer shared, "There are the falls, which are beautiful, the lake for swimming and water sports, and lots of hiking trails." Site leveling can be challenging at some locations, with several reviewers mentioning the importance of selecting sites carefully, especially for RVs and trailers. Campground amenities vary widely, from primitive sites with vault toilets to developed facilities with showers, camp stores, and electrical hookups.
"We took an eight-day tour through Northern California and this was our first leg. Tent-camped three nights."
"Regular flush toilets still in use for season versus adjacent pit toilets. Used blocks to level RV. Many sites close to level. Store with showers and laundry within 1/4 mile easy walk."
from $15 / night
Check Availability"Lassen / Shingletown KOA Holiday in Shingletown, California might just be my favorite KOA we have ever stayed at. We are at site 30. This site has FHU with 50 amp."
"It's close to the dog park if you have a dog. The bathroom/shower is 3 sites down. Very clean.
Also close to the walking trail, basketball/volleyball courts& a neat tree swing."
"This is one of my favorite campsites in California. There all the falls, which are beautiful, the lake for swimming and water sports and lots of hiking trails."
"Lake to swim and boat in, waterfall short walk, General store with everything you can imagine and firewood, close by a town where you can eat out."
from $35 - $70 / night
Check Availability"Being right off the main road and so close to Lassen, this spot almost felt too good to be true."
"About one mile south of the northwest entrance, so it’s convenient. Follow the instructions from other campers as they’re spot on."
"Our parking spot is big enough for our travel trailer, right next to the creek. Clean, quiet, safe. No traffic. But No cell service."
"Right next to the creek and big spots! Our motorhome drove down here just fine. Caught a bunch of trout in the creek and had an absolute blast. Quiet and safe and lots of shade."
from $60 - $150 / night
Check Availability"The best part about this campground is the proximity to Lassen NP! It is about a 15 min drive to the entrance & Manazanita Lake."
"There are two sets on campsites, drive-up and walk-in."
"last time we visited the water was out of service at the drive in camp spots. to get to the lake access sites you have to get permission to drive past the gate. dogs cost $2 each night. a few of the signs"
"I really love this small campground, especially this year when the lake is full. There's only 10-12 sites, bathrooms are clean. very quiet."
"Close to the mountain for skiing. Close to the lake for skiing. Nancy the manager was extremely helpful! We found this to have an old fashioned touch. Garbage facilities close by!"
"Only downside was the highway noise."
TravelerWe camped in the rv campground and it was basically just a parking lot. The price was decent ($30 a night) but we had to pay for a park pass on top of that ($25 for a week). They had showers, but they cost a quarter per minute. The lake was nice, but it was a bit of a walk from the rv parking.
GuideWe stayed two nights here and were able to walk to the Apple harvest festival across the street. You are definitely packed in here but the park is really nice. We stayed in spot 29.
These spots seem to have shade all day long: 25-34 47-70
Spots we saw that we would like to stay in next time: 18, 19, 83A, 113
Also good: 80-83 and 105-113
36-47 have no shade in the afternoon/early evening
The bathrooms were old but clean. I wish the outdoor cooking facilities were better maintained. I’m not quite sure they are usable, but my husband says they are.
We definitely will return to this Park. I appreciate the tight ship they run. We let them know that our cable box was broken when we arrived, and even though we don’t use the cable, they had somebody there within five minutes to fix it. Strict 10pm quiet rule, which I also appreciated. Some highway noise, but it was not that bad. The little town of McCloud is so very cute and easily walkable. We recommend Sage for a fancy dinner.
TravelerI showed up for a first come first served site. It wasn’t clear when I drove in that you can look at the dates on the reservation tags and use the site if you’re between days it is reserved. Nice shady wooded campground right next to the river with easy access to a gorgeous trail.
TravelerI 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.
GuideFor 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.
GuideGenerally if I'm getting a cabin and paying extra for it I would like it to have electric. They did have propane heat though which is nice. That aside, the location is great. $5 for shower access for the duration. Close walk to the lake. Lots of wildlife.
GuideThe staff were very friendly. Convenient for car camping. The showers are very nice and big.
ScoutThis was a fairly nice campground in the sycamore grove. Mix of pull through and back in spots. Bathroom had showers that looked a bit old but did not use them. Bathroom door code was in the reservation receipt email. Fairly quiet and hosts were available and kind.
GuideI missed a couple of other spots just outside of Lassen as they had already been taken for the night. Also because of the dangerous fire season we were having a lot of the other dispersed areas were closed to public. So I was scoping out the area and finally found this spot. When you turn on the road theres a big multiple camping site area on your left. There were plenty of people there and made me feel more comfortable grabbing my own spot but further up the hill. The highway was loud and few drivers coming in and out of the road. As a solo car camper- this actually makes me feel as ease. Hahaa So I set up and enjoyed the sunset, stars and nestled in for the evening. Lassen National Park is about a 5 minute drive and I HAVE to mention- when you turn to go to Lassen there is on the left public restrooms- and the best Ive ever encountered. 😀
Camping opportunities in the Whitmore area range from free dispersed sites to established campgrounds with amenities. Located at elevations between 3,500-5,000 feet, most sites experience significant temperature drops after sunset even during summer months. Shaded pine forest settings predominate, creating natural wind protection and filtered sunlight at the best places to camp near Whitmore, California.
Creek fishing opportunities: Big Pine Dispersed Camping offers excellent creek fishing access. One camper reported, "Caught a bunch of trout in the creek and had an absolute blast. Quiet and safe and lots of shade." Another visitor found "black raspberries along the creek" during their stay.
Hiking from campgrounds: Manzanita Lake Campground provides direct trail access. "I loved being able to hike right by from the campground on multiple hikes," one visitor noted. The surrounding areas offer trails of varying difficulty suitable for day hikers.
Water recreation: At McArthur-Burney Falls Memorial State Park, visitors can enjoy both natural attractions and water activities. One camper mentioned the campground has "the falls, which are beautiful, the lake for swimming and water sports, and lots of hiking trails."
Quieter alternatives: North Battle Creek Campground provides a secluded experience with reasonable site spacing. One visitor shared, "This is a great spot that I almost didn't review because I don't want anyone else to know about it." Sites are "reasonably spread out" making this location popular with repeat visitors.
Free camping options: 31N17N - North Manzanita Dispersed Camping offers no-cost camping near Lassen Volcanic National Park. According to a camper, "Overall a great place to camp if your looking for a free option to camp/boon dock very close to the park." Sites are located just off Highway 44.
Private waterfront sites: Jones Valley Inlet Shoreline Campground provides lake access when water levels are high. A regular visitor noted, "I really love this small campground, especially this year when the lake is full. There's only 10-12 sites, bathrooms are clean, very quiet."
Access road conditions: Several campgrounds require driving on forest service roads. For North Battle Creek Campground, "The roads were in great condition in August of 2017, to the point were a two-wheel drive low-clearance car would have made it without issue, but would likely take longer than 30 minutes."
Cell service limitations: Big Pine Dispersed Camping has no cellular coverage. One camper reported, "No service but you can drive to the overlook between Twin Pines road and Big Pine campground entrance to get 1 bar."
Seasonal operation: McCumber Reservoir Campground operates from April to September only. The campground was rehabilitated by a dedicated host as one visitor noted, "The camp host was super nice, and was telling us how he put a lot of work to rehab the campground. He's done a great job!"
Junior Ranger programs: Manzanita Lake Campground offers educational activities for children. A visitor mentioned, "The museum has a Junior Ranger program which is a book of neat educational tasks for the kids to complete so that they can show it to a ranger and get a Junior Ranger Badge."
Kid-friendly activities: Mt. Lassen-Shingletown KOA provides numerous recreational options. A camper shared, "The KOA has a wonderful swimming pool, a great outdoor game area, dirt-bike trails for the kids, rope swings, and a fort."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to observe local fauna. One visitor at Manzanita Lake noted, "We drove up to the other side of Lassen 30min away and saw the Sulphur Works hydrothermal vent. We also saw a small bear and deer there."
Site leveling requirements: RV sites at many campgrounds require adjustment. At Manzanita Lake, one camper advised, "Be ready to level your camper." Some campgrounds offer more level sites than others.
Hookup availability: Mountain Gate RV Park provides full hookups for RVs. "Great rv park! Patti is super accommodating and helpful. It's nice for a stop over or a couple of weeks while exploring the Shasta area," according to one visitor.
Dispersed options for larger rigs: Big Pine Dispersed Camping accommodates various RV sizes. A camper with a larger rig reported, "We found a could spots that our 38ft fifth wheel could fit, and many spots for smaller rigs. Water, dump, and trash are available at Old Station Visitor Information Center just north."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Whitmore, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Whitmore, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 238 campgrounds and RV parks near Whitmore, CA and 27 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Whitmore, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Whitmore, CA is Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park with a 4.5-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Whitmore, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 27 free dispersed camping spots near Whitmore, CA.
What parks are near Whitmore, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 18 parks near Whitmore, CA that allow camping, notably Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Lassen Volcanic National Park.
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