Camping in Lassen Volcanic: Campgrounds, Reservations, and Fees

By Victoria Boissonade · Data: National Park Service · ← Complete guide Lassen Volcanic

Lassen Volcanic has six official campgrounds inside the park, managed by the National Park Service. Most open from late May through mid-October. Manzanita Lake, the largest and most developed, accepts reservations through Recreation.gov. The others are first come, first served. The park also allows backcountry camping with a free permit.

Campgrounds in the park (10)

• Campground Manzanita Lake Campground see NPS · 179 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Lost Creek Group Campground see NPS · 8 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Summit Lake North Campground see NPS · 46 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Summit Lake South Campground see NPS · 49 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Southwest Campground - Summer/Fall recreation.gov · 35 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Southwest Campground - Winter/Spring recreation.gov · 15 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Butte Lake Campground see NPS · 101 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Juniper Lake Campground first come, first served · 18 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Warner Valley Campground recreation.gov · 17 sites Directions ↗
• Campground Backcountry Camping in Lassen's Wilderness recreation.gov · 0 sites Directions ↗

Show interactive map Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO

Can you camp inside Lassen Volcanic?

Yes, you can camp inside the park. Six campgrounds spread throughout the park accommodate tents and RVs from spring through fall. Camping outside a designated site isn't allowed in developed areas. Backcountry camping is permitted only with an NPS permit.

Campgrounds inside the park

Manzanita Lake

Located at the park's north entrance, where Highway 89 meets Highway 44, Manzanita Lake is Lassen Volcanic's most developed campground. Nearly 180 sites accommodate tents and RVs, with electrical hookups available at some sites. Restrooms, pay showers, and a laundry make it a convenient base for families and stays of several days. It's the only campground that accepts reservations far in advance, and it fills up by Memorial Day weekend in years with high visitation.

Butte Lake

At the park's northeastern end, Butte Lake takes some effort to reach. The access road filters out low-clearance vehicles and large RVs. About 100 sites without hookups line the shore of a volcanic lake. Direct access to the Cinder Cone Trail and its hardened lava flows makes this one of the park's most striking camping spots.

North Summit Lake and South Summit Lake

In the heart of the park, at an elevation of nearly 6,600 feet, these two campgrounds face each other on opposite sides of Highway 89. Each has about 50 sites, with no electrical hookups. Several trailheads begin less than 1,600 feet away, making these campgrounds a prime base for hikers who want to hit the trails at dawn. Nights are cool here even in July.

Southwest, Warner Valley, and Juniper Lake

Three more remote campgrounds round out the park's options. Southwest Walk-in, near the southwest entrance, has about 20 tent-only sites. Vehicles can't reach the individual sites. Warner Valley, in the southern part of the park, is reached from Chester via about 17 miles of road. Expect a wild setting with the park's hydrothermal areas close by. Juniper Lake, to the east, is the most remote of the six, and its access road discourages low-clearance cars. All three campgrounds are first come, first served.

RV vs. tent: which campsite should you choose?

For a road trip in an RV, Manzanita Lake is the only option with electrical hookups. Self-contained vehicles without hookups can also park at Butte Lake and the Summit Lake campgrounds, subject to the size limits. Maximum lengths vary by loop, so check Recreation.gov before booking. Southwest, Warner Valley, and Juniper Lake aren't suitable for large vehicles. The RV camping guide for Lassen Volcanic covers vehicle-size restrictions and RV routes in the area.

Camping nearby: private campgrounds outside the park

If the park is full, the town of Chester to the south and the Shasta region to the north offer private campgrounds and sites managed by Lassen National Forest. These options let you explore the park on day trips without giving up sleeping in a tent. The hotels and lodges around Lassen Volcanic are an alternative if you'd rather sleep under a roof.

Backcountry camping and wilderness camping

Backcountry camping is allowed in the park's wilderness areas with a free permit issued by the NPS. You can get one at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, at the southwest entrance, or self-register at certain trailheads. The basic rules are straightforward. Set up at least 1 mile from any hydrothermal area and 100 feet from any waterway. A bear canister is required outside campgrounds equipped with bear boxes. The multi-day hiking guide to Lassen Volcanic identifies the routes suited to backcountry camping.

How and when should you reserve a campsite in Lassen Volcanic?

Reservations for Manzanita Lake and Butte Lake are made through Recreation.gov, with a booking window opening six months before your arrival date. For July and August, Friday and Saturday night sites can sell out within minutes of the window opening, so mark the date on your calendar. First-come, first-served campgrounds, including Summit Lake, Southwest, Warner Valley, and Juniper Lake, often fill by Friday evening during the busy season. Arrive on a weekday or early on weekend mornings. For the best time to visit based on crowds and weather, see the Lassen Volcanic seasons guide.

Fees: how much does a night of camping cost in Lassen Volcanic?

A night at an NPS campground costs $22 to $35, depending on the site and campsite type. Sites with electrical hookups at Manzanita Lake cost the most. Sites without hookups at first-come, first-served campgrounds are at the lower end of the range. Backcountry camping is free with a permit. Park entrance fees are extra, at $30 per vehicle. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks fees and passes page.

Safety and good practices

Black bears: They regularly appear throughout the park, including around campgrounds. Never leave food, beverages, scented items, or a cooler in an unattended vehicle or outside a bear box or canister. Bear boxes are available at every campsite. Use them every time, day and night.

Hydrothermal areas: The park's hot springs, fumaroles, and mud pots can reach lethal temperatures. Always stay on marked trails, even when you're coming from a campground, and never leave children unsupervised nearby. These areas exist in several parts of the park, not just at Bumpass Hell.

Elevation and weather: The Summit Lake campgrounds sit above 6,200 feet. Temperatures drop below 41°F at night even in the middle of July. Bring a sleeping bag suited to the conditions and check the Lassen Volcanic weather forecast before you leave. Summer thunderstorms move in quickly at this elevation.

Which campground is right for you?

Family with an RV: Manzanita Lake, with full services and hookups available. Hikers: North Summit Lake or South Summit Lake, with direct access to the central trailheads. Nature and solitude: Warner Valley or Juniper Lake, away from the tourist crowds. If the park is full: Lassen National Forest campgrounds around Chester, with day-trip access to the park.

For help planning your entire trip, see the complete Lassen Volcanic guide.

Frequently asked questions