Lassen Volcanic National Park Camping Guide

Lassen Volcanic National Park Campgrounds: Complete Guide

Highway 89 Corridor Campgrounds

Outlying Campgrounds (Remote Areas)

Lassen Volcanic National Park Campground Comparison Table

Campground	Location & Sites	Cost & Reservations
Manzanita Lake	NW Entrance (Lake) 179 sites (tents & RVs, cabins)	$26/night Recreation.gov
Lost Creek (Group)	NW (near Manzanita) 8 group sites	$62/night (group) Recreation.gov
Summit Lake North/South	Central (Summit Lake) 94 sites total	$22-$24/night Recreation.gov
Southwest Walk-In	SW Entrance (Visitor Ctr) 21 walk-in tent sites	$16/night First-come, self-pay
Butte Lake	NE corner (Butte Lake) 101 sites	$22/night ($15 in fall) Recreation.gov
Juniper Lake	East side (Juniper Lake) 18 sites (tent-only)	$20/night First-come (Closed 2025)
Warner Valley	SE corner (Warner Valley) 17 tent sites	$21/night First-come

Campground Amenities and Best Uses

Main Road Campgrounds: Manzanita Lake offers the most amenities - ideal for families and those wanting flush toilets, a camp store, and ranger programs nearby. It's the best base for kayaking and easy nature walks. Summit Lake provides a peaceful, mid-park experience with access to alpine lakes and trailheads - perfect for hikers seeking cooler nighttime temperatures. Southwest Walk-In works for late arrivals or winter camping; it's primitive but right by the main visitor center and the park's only year-round entrance.

Remote Campgrounds: Butte Lake is a top choice for solitude and dark skies. Its spacious sites and no-generator policy make it ideal for tent campers, photographers, and astronomy enthusiasts. Warner Valley and Juniper Lake (when open) cater to adventurous tent campers - offering quiet, trail-centric camping far from crowds. Warner Valley serves as the gateway for backcountry-like hikes to thermal areas, while Juniper Lake rewards campers with a pristine mountain lake.

Group Camping: Lost Creek serves organized group outings - easily reachable and able to accommodate large groups with multiple tents. Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and Juniper Lake also have special group sites separate from family camping loops. These areas work well for big family reunions, scout troops, or educational groups.

RVs and Horse Campers: Within the park, RVs up to about 35 feet can be accommodated at Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and in some sites at Summit Lake or Southwest. No hookups exist in Lassen, and only Manzanita has a dump station. Larger RVs and those wanting full hookups often opt for private campgrounds just outside the park. If you're traveling with stock (horses or mules), corrals are available by reservation at Butte Lake, Summit Lake North, and Juniper Lake campgrounds.

Photo by Steven H

Planning Your Lassen Camping Trip

When to Visit Lassen NP

Season	Temperatures	Camping Conditions
Spring (April-May)	Days: 50s-60°F Nights: 20s-30°F	Park road begins to open by mid-late May Limited camping until snow melts (SW Walk-In only before June)
Summer (June-August)	Days: 75-85°F Nights: 40s°F	All campgrounds open by July Reservations essential for holidays/weekends Afternoon thunderstorms possible
Fall (September-October)	Days: 60s°F (cooler by Oct) Nights: 20s-40°F	Campgrounds start closing mid-late Sept Fall colors (aspens) by early Oct Cold nights; chance of early snow
Winter (November-March)	Days: 30-45°F Nights: 0-20°F	Park road closed to vehicles (snowshoers welcome) SW Campground for self-contained RVs only Deep snowpack limits camping options

Spring (April-May): Early spring in Lassen remains quite wintery at higher elevations. The main Park Road usually starts getting plowed in May, but deep snow can linger - in some years the road doesn't fully open until June. Campgrounds like Manzanita Lake and Butte Lake aim to open by the Friday of Memorial Day weekend (conditions permitting). Until then, the only frontcountry camping is at Southwest Walk-In, which may be accessible on dry days. Daytime highs reach the 50s°F, but nights routinely drop below freezing. Late-season snowstorms remain possible in April. Spring visitors enjoy solitude and rushing waterfalls from snowmelt - just prepare for campground closures, muddy trails, and cold nights.

Summer (June-August): Summer is peak season and the best time for the full Lassen experience. By late June, all park roads and campgrounds usually open. Daytime temperatures sit comfortably warm (75-85°F) with low humidity, and wildflowers fill mountain meadows by July. This is the most popular time to camp - reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekends. Sites at Manzanita Lake, Summit Lake, and group camps can book up 3-6 months in advance. Thunderstorms crop up on some afternoons but typically clear quickly. To beat crowds and mosquitoes, try camping in early June or late August.

Fall (September-October): September in Lassen brings crisp, clear days and far fewer visitors. Most services remain open through Labor Day, then begin winding down. Campgrounds close one by one as temperatures drop - usually by late September, only Manzanita Lake and Southwest Walk-In remain open (with others closed or switched to self-registration if weather allows). Fall colors peak around early October, when aspens and willows flare golden in Warner Valley and around Manzanita Lake. Nighttime temperatures drop well below freezing. By mid-October, significant snow may fall on the park highway, effectively ending the main camping season.

Winter (November-March): Winter camping in Lassen suits hardy adventurers and well-equipped RV travelers. The park highway closes beyond the southwest entrance, and snow depths of 10-30 feet blanket campgrounds. Southwest Walk-In Campground becomes a staging area for snowshoers and backcountry skiers. Self-contained RVs can park overnight in a designated area near the visitor center (no hookups or amenities aside from restrooms during the day). Temperatures often stay below freezing during the day and can plummet below 0°F at night in mid-winter. Many campers opt for nearby lower-elevation national forest camps or wait until spring.

Lassen Reservation Systems Explained

Securing a campsite at Lassen requires understanding the reservation process:

Reservations Required: From roughly late May through September, all major campgrounds (except Juniper, Warner, Southwest) require advance reservation. Booking is through Recreation.gov and opens on a 6-month rolling basis. Mark your calendar, especially if you want holiday weekends or a group site.

First-Come, First-Served: Juniper Lake, Warner Valley, and Southwest Walk-In campgrounds do not accept reservations. Arrive by late morning to snag a spot at these, particularly on Fridays. Outside peak season, some reservable campgrounds might switch to first-come status.

Arrival Time: Check-in is typically 1:00 PM (check-out 12 PM) for Lassen campgrounds. No entrance station gate closures exist - if you arrive late with a reservation, proceed to your site. For first-come sites, self-register at the kiosk.

Length of Stay: The park imposes a 14-day camping limit per year per visitor. Popular campgrounds have a 7-day limit during July-August.

Shoulder Season: If visiting in early June or late September, campground opening/closing dates depend on weather and usage. In a heavy snow year, Summit Lake might open late. Always check current conditions on the park's website if traveling in shoulder seasons.

Campground Costs and Budgeting

Campground Type	Nightly Cost	Key Features
Basic Campgrounds	$16-20	Southwest, Warner Valley, Juniper - vault toilets, limited amenities
Standard Campgrounds	$22-24	Summit Lake, Butte Lake - vault or flush toilets, drinking water
Full-Service Campground	$26	Manzanita Lake - flush toilets, showers, camp store, dump station
Group Sites	$62-72	Lost Creek, Butte Lake Group - organized groups only

Additional Costs and Budget Tips

Park and Entry Fees: Park entrance fee costs $30 per vehicle (valid for 7 days) or use an annual National Parks Pass. This is separate from camping fees.

Facility and Service Fees: Hot showers at Manzanita Lake cost about $1.50 in quarters for 3 minutes. Firewood costs roughly $8 per bundle at the camper store or nearby vendors. Ice and basic groceries are available at higher prices due to remote location.

Budget-Friendly Alternatives: Visit mid-week or in June/September when demand is lower. Free dispersed camping in Lassen National Forest is available on forest roads just outside park boundaries. National Forest campgrounds cost $10-16 per night with first-come availability.

Essential Gear for Lassen Camping

Pack the right gear for Lassen's variable mountain conditions and rustic campgrounds:

Shelter and Sleeping:

• Sturdy tent with full rainfly (summer thunderstorms are brief but intense)
• Sleeping bag rated 20°F or colder - nights are chilly even in July
• Sleeping pad with good insulation (R-value of 3+)
• Extra blankets or fleece liner for high-elevation nights
• Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries

Camp Kitchen:

• Bear-resistant food storage containers (all sites have lockers; use them)
• Camp stove and fuel (firewood availability varies)
• Matches or lighter in waterproof case
• Large water jug (fill at campground spigots)
• Cookware, utensils, plates/cups
• Biodegradable soap and scrubber
• Garbage bags for keeping sites tidy

Clothing and Footwear:

• Layers for temperatures ranging from 30s to 80s°F
• Waterproof rain jacket and pants
• Warm hat and gloves (especially for May/Sept trips)
• Sturdy hiking boots and sandals for around camp
• Swimsuit (for Manzanita Lake or Drakesbad's hot-spring pool)
• Mosquito repellent - early summer mosquitoes are fierce
• Sunglasses and sun hat - high elevation UV exposure

Safety and Misc:

• Map and compass/GPS (cell reception is very limited; download maps offline)
• First aid kit with blister care and personal medications
• High SPF sunscreen and lip balm
• Water filter or treatment tablets for hiking
• Insect repellent (worth mentioning twice for June/July)
• Star charts or telescope for incredible dark skies

Photo by Marty P

Wildlife Safety and Park Regulations

Black Bear Safety in Lassen

Lassen Volcanic National Park is home to a healthy population of black bears. Follow these bear safety practices:

Food Storage Requirements:

• Always store food, toiletries, and scented items in bear-proof lockers provided at each campsite
• Never leave coolers, trash, or food wrappers in the open
• Bears break into cars when they smell or see food inside
• Keep items out of sight, or better yet, in lockers

Clean Camp:

• Keep your picnic table and fire pit free of food scraps
• After cooking, wipe down surfaces and immediately stow leftovers
• Dispose of garbage in bear-resistant dumpsters (usually near entrance or restroom)
• Don't leave trash at your site

No Food in Tents:

• Even toothpaste, lip balm, and gum count as "smellables"
• Change clothes if you've spilled food on them before sleeping

Bear Encounters:

• Black bears in Lassen are generally shy
• If you see one, do not approach
• Make noise - clap, shout, bang pots - to scare it away
• If a bear persistently approaches, continue to yell and make yourself look big
• Notify a ranger of any bold bear activity

Keep Your Distance:

• Never get closer than 50 yards to a bear
• Use binoculars or a zoom lens
• Mother bears with cubs can be especially defensive

Lassen Volcanic National Park Park Regulations and Etiquette

Regulation Category	Specific Rules	Penalties
Campfires	Permitted only in designated fire rings Never leave unattended Completely extinguish before leaving Subject to seasonal restrictions	Citations and fines Possible campground eviction
Quiet Hours	10:00 PM to 6:00 AM Generator hours: 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (varies by campground)	Warnings and possible eviction
Pets	Allowed in campgrounds, must be leashed Not allowed on park trails Never leave unattended	Citations for violations

Additional Park Regulations:

Camping Limits: 14-day camping limit per year per visitor. Popular campgrounds have 7-day limit during July-August.

Wildlife Protection: Feeding any wildlife is illegal. Never feed squirrels, chipmunks, jays, or foxes. Maintain distance from all wildlife. Report wildlife issues to rangers.

Fire Regulations: Campfires permitted only in metal fire rings. In late summer, fire restrictions may ban wood fires entirely. Never leave a fire unattended. Fully extinguish before bedtime or leaving: drown with water, stir ashes, feel to ensure cold.

Waste Disposal: Use bear-resistant trash cans (latch properly) or pack out trash. Micro-trash like bottle caps can harm animals. Dispose of dishwater in designated utility sinks, not in natural areas.

Beyond the Campground: Activities and Exploration

Day Trips from Lassen NP Campgrounds

From Manzanita Lake Campground: Near the northwest entrance, Manzanita Lake campers have easy access to several highlights. Loomis Museum sits a short walk away - check the schedule for ranger talks. The must-do Manzanita Lake Loop Trail (1.5 miles flat) circles the lake with postcard views of Lassen Peak reflected in the water. A 10-minute drive up the road brings you to Devastated Area, where an interpretive trail winds among boulders blasted out by the volcano. Manzanita Lake allows non-motorized boats; you can rent kayaks at the camper store. In the evening, stroll to the lake shore near the boat launch for sunset alpenglow on Lassen Peak.

From Summit Lake Campgrounds: Summit Lake sits roughly in the middle of the park, making it a convenient base. Heading south 10 miles brings you to the famous Bumpass Hell trail - a 3-mile round-trip hike into Lassen's largest hydrothermal area, filled with boiling mud pots and steaming sulfur vents. Closer to Summit Lake, the short trail to Echo Lake (an easy 2 miles) or the longer loop past Upper and Lower Twin Lakes (6-7 miles total) rewards hikers. Summit Lake itself has a small beach perfect for swimming on hot days (the water warms nicely by late summer).

From Southwest Walk-In Area: Campers near the southwest entrance are steps from the modern Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center - start there for morning coffee and the park film. Right across the parking lot sits Sulphur Works, an active bubbling mudpot visible from a roadside boardwalk. Continue 7 miles up to Lake Helen, a blue lake at 8,200 feet below Lassen Peak. Ambitious hikers can tackle Lassen Peak Trail starting about 5 miles from the visitor center; it's a strenuous 5-mile round trip, but summiting the volcano (10,457 ft) is unforgettable. Also nearby is Bumpass Hell (3 miles round trip) and Kings Creek Falls (a moderate 2.5-mile hike to a 30-foot waterfall).

From Butte Lake Campground: The signature adventure here is hiking the Cinder Cone: a 4-mile round-trip with a steep, calf-burning ascent of a volcanic cinder cone. At the top you can peer into the crater and get panoramic views of the Painted Dunes and Fantastic Lava Beds below. Start early to avoid hiking on black cinder in heat, and bring plenty of water. For a relaxed outing, a Butte Lake paddle is lovely - non-motorized boats are allowed. Fishermen try their luck in Butte Lake for rainbow trout. A 30-minute drive north takes you to Burney Falls, an iconic waterfall in McArthur-Burney Falls State Park.

Top Hiking Trails Near Campgrounds

Trail Name	Difficulty & Distance	Key Features
Manzanita Lake Loop	Easy 1.5 miles loop	Level path circling lake; Lassen Peak reflections; waterfowl and wildflowers
Bumpass Hell Trail	Moderate 3 miles round-trip	Boardwalks through hydrothermal basin; steaming fumaroles, boiling mud pots
Lassen Peak Trail	Strenuous 5 miles round-trip	Switchbacks up to 10,457-ft summit; 360° views; wind-sheltered summit hut
Cinder Cone Trail	Moderate/Strenuous 4 miles round-trip	Unique hike up black cinder volcano; panoramic views of Painted Dunes and lava beds
Kings Creek Falls	Moderate 2.5 miles round-trip	Forested trail to cascading 30-ft waterfall; return via steep stone stairs
Devastated Area Trail	Easy 0.5 miles loop	Paved loop with signs explaining 1915 eruption; giant boulders thrown by Lassen Peak
Summit Lake to Echo Lake	Easy 4 miles round-trip	Gentle hike to quiet alpine lake; wildflowers and possible deer sightings

Trail Access and Starting Points

Manzanita Lake Area: The Manzanita Lake Loop trail begins near the boat ramp by the campground. Across the main road, the Lily Pond Nature Trail (0.75 mi) offers a short interpretive walk to a lily-covered pond. For longer hikes, drive 10 minutes to Chaos Crags Trailhead (near Devastated Area) which climbs 4 miles round-trip to Crags Lake at the base of stark lava cliffs.

Summit Lake Area: From Summit Lake North Campground, you can hop right on the Cluster Lakes Loop - a 12-mile figure-eight linking alpine lakes. The Lassen Peak Trailhead sits about 10 minutes south at the peak parking area. Kings Creek Falls trailhead is 5 minutes south of Summit on the main road.

Butte Lake Area: The Cinder Cone trailhead is within Butte Lake Campground - follow the shoreline east from the boat ramp about 0.8 mile. For a less intense hike, follow the Bathtub Lake trail (4.5 mi round trip) which starts near campsite #6.

Warner Valley Area: From Warner Valley Campground, major trailheads fan out: It's 1.2 miles to Boiling Springs Lake and roughly 4.2 miles (round-trip) to Devils Kitchen. Terminal Geyser (3 miles one-way) uses the same initial trail as Devils Kitchen, then branches off.

Water Activities in Lassen

Fishing Opportunities:

• Manzanita Lake: Popular for fly fishing (catch-and-release only). You might hook rainbow or brown trout. The view of Lassen Peak while casting is hard to beat.
• Butte Lake: Rainbow trout fishing. Anglers often wade near the boat launch or take a canoe to deeper spots. Check regulations - standard California fishing rules apply.
• Hat Creek & Kings Creek: Hat Creek (north of park) and Kings Creek (near Summit Lake) provide small stream fishing for brook and rainbow trout.
• Lake Almanor: 30-40 minutes south of the park, Lake Almanor offers fishing for rainbows, browns, and bass.

Boating and Swimming:

• Non-Motorized Boating: Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Summit Lake all allow kayaks, canoes, and inflatable rafts (no gas motors). Manzanita Lake has rentals.
• Swimming: Summit Lake has a tiny beach area near the picnic site. Juniper Lake's clear waters are refreshingly cold. Hardy souls do short swims in Manzanita Lake.
• Hot Springs Pools: Drakesbad Guest Ranch in Warner Valley has a thermal-fed swimming pool available to outside guests for a fee during certain hours.

Safety on the Water:

• Wear life jackets when boating
• Water is cold year-round; even when air temp is 80°F, lakes might be 50°F
• No motorboats or jet skis permitted on any park waters
• Mosquitoes are abundant near lakes around dusk - use repellent

Photo by Mary K

The Dyrt Community Insights for Lassen NP

Ranger Recommendations

Rangers and seasoned campground hosts offer these insider tips:

Best Sites at Manzanita Lake: "Sites A-1 through A-5 are right by the lake trail with peekaboo views of the water," one ranger shares. These first-loop sites offer easy shoreline access but are a bit more secluded than big RV loops. Sites in Loop C have more shade for mid-summer camping. Take the short path to the lake behind the amphitheater for sunrise.

Hidden Gem Campground: "Butte Lake is Lassen's hidden treasure," according to multiple rangers. Loop B sites are closest to lake trailheads (handy for early hikers) while Loop A sites are nearer the water's edge. Rangers mention you might hear great horned owls at night due to the open forest.

Best for Kids: Rangers recommend Summit Lake South for families with children. It's tents-only, quieter (no generator noise), and the lake is shallow on the South side - perfect for wading and splashing. Summit Lake has a "Discovery Day" each week in summer where kids can catch insects or learn about local frogs.

Photographer's Pick: The camp host at Southwest Walk-In swears by sites 6-8 in late September: "The light through the aspen grove there is unbelievable around 5 PM." Hosts and rangers agree fall is photography gold - morning mist on Manzanita Lake, golden meadows in Warner Valley, and crisp air for distant shots of Lassen Peak.

Top-Rated Lassen NP Sites from The Dyrt Community

Category	Top Pick & Rating	Key Highlights
Highest-Rated In-Park	Summit Lake North 4.8/5 stars	Tranquil lakeside atmosphere, clean facilities, central location
Most Recommended Private	Mt. Lassen / Shingletown KOA 4.7/5 stars	Full hookups, hot showers, pool and playground - family-friendly basecamp 20 minutes from Manzanita Lake
Best for Solitude	Butte Lake Campground 4.6/5 stars	Spacious, far from mainstream, incredible night sky viewing
Favorite Nearby Dispersed	Rocky Point East (Lassen NF) 4.5/5 stars	Free lakeside camping on Lake Almanor (about 30 miles south); peaceful and scenic

Community Insights and Recommendations

Campground Personalities: Manzanita Lake is praised for convenience - many reviews mention loving the store and showers nearby, though some note it's more crowded and "busy with families and RVs." Summit Lake campers rave about the setting ("waking up to the lake view and bird songs is magical") and find it quieter and more rustic. Butte Lake reviewers mention the rough road in, but almost all follow up with "...but totally worth it for the solitude and stars."

Weather and Season Tips: Many community members underscore how cold it can get at night. Even in July, temps can drop into the 40s. One reviewer at Summit Lake wrote, "Thank goodness for our zero-degree sleeping bags - we needed them in mid-July!" Several fall campers noted that early October felt like winter. The consensus: layer up and prepare for swings.

Bugs and Critters: Nearly every June/July review mentions mosquitoes, especially at Summit and Warner. On the positive side, campers love wildlife sightings: deer meandering through Manzanita loops, a fox at Butte Lake, chipmunks everywhere. A 2021 review described, "A black bear strolled through Loop B of Manzanita one morning - we watched quietly from a distance. Exciting and a good reminder to store our food!"

Starry Skies: Camper after camper calls out incredible night sky viewing. Whether from Butte Lake ("truly zero light pollution") or Manzanita ("we walked to the lake shore after 10 and could see the Milky Way reflecting in the water"), the community agrees Lassen is a prime stargazing park.

Responsible Camping Practices

Camping in Lassen's wilderness comes with the responsibility to preserve this special place:

Leave No Trace Basics: Pack out everything you pack in. All trash (even tiny bits like bottle caps and food scraps) should leave with you or go into proper receptacles. Food scraps don't belong on the ground or in fire pits. Stay on established trails around camp and don't cut through vegetation. Strive to make it look like you were never there when you depart.

Campfires and Firewood: Use only provided fire rings for campfires, keeping fires small and manageable. Check for any fire restrictions or burn bans. Do not scavenge park wood for your fire - dead and down wood provides habitat and nutrients. Buy firewood locally to prevent bringing in pests. Never leave a fire smoldering - drown thoroughly with water, stir ashes, and feel that it's cold.

Respect Wildlife: Give animals distance. Never feed any animals, from chipmunks to birds. Keep coolers and food secured from ravens when cooking. If an animal approaches you, back away slowly. Store toiletries and scented items just like food. Never approach or chase wildlife for photos.

Be Considerate of Others: Sound travels in still mountain air. Quiet hours (10 PM - 6 AM) are enforced. Keep music or loud chatter to a respectful level. Generators should only run mid-day and early evening (never during quiet hours). Use bathhouses considerately - don't monopolize showers and leave them tidy.

Pet Etiquette: If you brought your dog, keep them leashed (max 6-foot leash) and under control at all times. Always clean up pet waste. Never leave pets alone at the campsite. Don't leave a dog in a hot car or tied up unattended.

Light on the Land: Minimize your camp footprint. Use a camping tablecloth instead of putting stickers on picnic tables. Don't hammer nails into trees. Grey water should be strained and either tossed in designated sumps or broadcast at least 200 feet from water sources. No dumping anything into lakes or streams.

Photo by Aldy Y

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need reservations to camp in Lassen Volcanic National Park? In peak summer, yes, for most campgrounds. All main campgrounds (Manzanita, Summit, Butte) offer reservations and fill up on weekends. First-come, first-served camping is available at Southwest Walk-In, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley - but even those can fill by early afternoon in July. Reserve sites as early as possible (6 months out on Recreation.gov). If you arrive without a reservation, check the first-come sites or look at nearby Lassen National Forest camps. Shoulder season (June and September) offers better chances at last-minute spots.

What if I arrive late at night? Can I still get into my campsite? Yes - if you have a reservation, rangers will typically clip your name and site number on the post. The entrances are open 24/7 (no gates close). Drive carefully in the campground at night, locate your site, and set up quietly. Check in with the entrance station or host the next morning. If you'll be a day or more late, contact the park.

Are there RV hookups and dump stations in Lassen Volcanic National Park? No hookups exist at any Lassen campground. It's dry camping/boondocking. RVs are welcome in sites that accommodate them (up to about 35 feet in some places), but you'll need to be self-contained. There is one dump station at Manzanita Lake Campground near the entrance, operating mid-May through mid-October. If you require hookups, the closest options are private RV parks like Mt. Lassen / Shingletown KOA or in nearby towns.

What is the best campground for tents? And for RVs? For tent campers in Lassen Volcanic, many argue Summit Lake (South) is best: tents-only, no generators, and beautiful setting. Others love Warner Valley for its meadow solitude (also tents only). For RVs, Manzanita Lake and Butte Lake are top picks. Manzanita has some large pull-through sites and easier access to services (and that dump station). Butte Lake can handle medium-sized rigs and offers a quieter experience.

Can I camp for free or do dispersed camping in Lassen? Backcountry camping (wilderness backpacking) is allowed with a free wilderness permit, but you must hike several miles in. Roadside camping inside the national park is not permitted. However, the surrounding Lassen National Forest allows dispersed camping along certain forest roads outside park boundaries. Many visitors use nearby forest roads for a free night before entering the park or if campgrounds are full.

When do the Lassen Volcanic National Park campgrounds open and close for the season? It depends on snow. Generally: Manzanita Lake and Butte Lake open around late May (Memorial Day) and close in mid-to-late October. Summit Lake usually opens a little later (mid-June) and closes early October. Southwest Walk-In is open year-round (though in winter it's snow camping). Juniper Lake and Warner Valley open roughly mid-June (if roads are cleared) and often close by late September. These dates can swing by a few weeks. Always check the official Lassen website if you have early or late season camping plans.

What about bears? Will I see one, and what do I do if I do? Lassen's black bears tend to be shy - many visitors never see one. Sightings do happen, especially in quieter areas like Butte or Summit. Follow all food storage guidelines. If you encounter a bear, stay calm: make yourself appear large, make noise, and back away slowly if it hasn't noticed you. If it's closer, continue to stand your ground and yell/clap to scare it off. Almost all Lassen bears will run from a human who asserts themselves. Bear attacks are extraordinarily rare.

Are campfires allowed in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and can I collect firewood? Campfires are allowed in provided fire rings except when high fire danger triggers restrictions (usually late summer). You cannot collect downed wood in the park for burning - it's against regulations. Bring your own firewood from a local source or buy it from the camp host/store. This helps prevent tree-killing insects from being transported and leaves the natural environment intact.

Lassen NP Planning Resources

Essential Lassen Links

• The Dyrt Lassen NP Campground Finder - Reviews and availability for campgrounds in and around Lassen
• All About Visiting Lassen National Park - The Dyrt - Articles and guides about Lassen camping
• Lassen Volcanic National Park Official Website - Current conditions, alerts, and regulations
• Recreation.gov Lassen Campgrounds - Booking platform for all reservable campgrounds
• Lassen Road and Weather Conditions - Current updates on road status and weather
• California Fishing Regulations - License requirements and fishing rules

Lassen Volcanic National Park Reservation Timeline

Time Period	Reservation Task	Platform/Details
6 Months Before Trip	Book park campgrounds	Recreation.gov (rolling 6-month window) Set calendar reminder for reservation opening
3-4 Months Before	Reserve alternative options	Private campground websites Check for cabin rentals or glamping
1-2 Months Before	Research first-come options	NPS and Forest Service websites Check Recreation.gov regularly for cancellations
2-3 Weeks Before	Check current conditions	NPS current conditions page Verify campground opening dates
1 Week Before	Check weather forecast	National Weather Service Finalize gear list
Day Before Arrival	Check road conditions	CalTrans website Download offline maps

Lassen Camping Checklist

Reservations and Permits:

• Campground reservation confirmation (printed and digital)
• Park entrance pass or America the Beautiful Pass
• Photo ID that matches reservation
• California fishing license (if fishing)
• Backcountry permit (if backpacking)

Camping Gear:

• Tent with rainfly and footprint
• Extra stakes and guy lines
• Sleeping bag rated for appropriate temperature
• Sleeping pad with adequate R-value
• Extra blankets or sleeping bag liner
• Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
• Lantern and/or string lights
• Camp chairs and table

Kitchen Items:

• Camp stove and fuel
• Lighter/matches in waterproof container
• Cookware and utensils
• Cooler and ice
• Water containers (at least 5 gallons)
• Dish washing supplies (biodegradable soap, basin)
• Trash bags and recycling bags
• Food storage containers

Clothing:

• Moisture-wicking base layers
• Insulating mid-layers (fleece, down)
• Waterproof/windproof jacket
• Hiking pants/shorts
• Extra socks and underwear
• Warm hat and gloves
• Sturdy hiking boots
• Camp shoes/sandals
• Swimsuit

Safety and First Aid:

• First aid kit including blister treatment
• Prescription medications
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Insect repellent
• Basic tools and repair kit
• Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
• Whistle for emergencies

Navigation and Communication:

• Printed reservations and maps
• Offline maps downloaded to phone
• Portable phone charger
• Emergency contact information
• Park map and trail guides
• Compass or GPS device

By planning thoroughly and following park guidelines, your Lassen camping experience can be both enjoyable and responsible. The park's varied campgrounds offer experiences ranging from the convenience of Manzanita Lake to the solitude of remote Butte Lake. Whether you're watching steam rise from Bumpass Hell at dawn or stargazing from your campsite under the Milky Way, camping in Lassen connects you to one of America's lesser-known national parks.