Camping at Lassen Volcanic: 10 Campgrounds, Reservations, and 2026 Rates
Lassen Volcanic has 10 official campgrounds inside the park, managed by the National Park Service, with a total of 468 sites. Most open from late May through early October. Manzanita Lake, the largest and best-equipped campground, is the only one with showers, laundry, and a dump station. Most sites can be reserved through Recreation.gov. Backcountry camping is also allowed with a $5-per-night 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 ↗
Base map © OpenStreetMap · © CARTO Lassen Volcanic campgrounds by the numbers
10 official campgrounds inside the park, 468 campsites in total, 493 of them reservable.
| Campground | Sites | Booking | Fee / night | Open | Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Manzanita Lake Campground | 179 (30 tent only, 5 group) | Reservation | from $15 | Closed Nov 13 to May 21 | toilets*, showers*, potable water*, dump station*, camp store*, firewood*, bear lockers* |
| Butte Lake Campground | 101 (6 group) | Reservation | from $15 | Closed Oct 14 to May 29 | toilets*, potable water*, bear lockers* |
| Summit Lake South Campground | 49 (23 tent only) | Reservation | from $15 | Closed Sep 25 to Jun 26 | toilets*, potable water*, bear lockers* |
| Summit Lake North Campground | 46 | Reservation | from $24 | Closed Sep 8 to Jun 26 | toilets*, potable water*, bear lockers* |
| Southwest Campground - Summer/Fall | 35 (20 tent only) | First come, first served | from $10 | Seasonal | toilets, potable water, bear lockers* |
| Juniper Lake Campground | 18 (2 group) | Reservations and first come | from $12 | Closed Jan 1 to Dec 31 | toilets*, potable water, bear lockers* |
| Warner Valley Campground | 17 | Reservations and first come | from $21 | Closed Oct 14 to Jun 11 | toilets*, potable water*, bear lockers* |
| Southwest Campground - Winter/Spring | 15 | First come, first served | from $10 | Seasonal | toilets, potable water |
| Lost Creek Group Campground | 8 (8 group) | Reservation | from $62 | Closed Jul 27 to Aug 6 · Closed Sep 16 to Jun 12 | toilets*, potable water*, bear lockers* |
| Backcountry Camping in Lassen's Wilderness | Reservation | from $5 | Year round | toilets, potable water |
Source: National Park Service (NPS API), retrieved October 6, 2026. Fees and dates change: check the campground page before you go.
Can You Camp Inside Lassen Volcanic?
Yes, you can camp inside the park. Ten campgrounds across 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 a $5-per-night NPS permit.
Campgrounds Inside the Park
Manzanita Lake
At the park's north entrance, where Highway 89 meets Highway 44, Manzanita Lake is Lassen Volcanic's most developed campground, with 179 sites, including 30 tent-only sites and 5 group sites. Showers, laundry, and a dump station make it the park's only truly all-purpose base, ideal for families and stays of several days. The main season runs from May 21 through October 6, 2026. Loops A and B then switch to dry camping, with no water or services, through November 12. This is the park's most sought-after campground, and it fills up by Memorial Day weekend during the busy season.
Butte Lake
At the park's northeastern edge, Butte Lake has 101 sites, including 6 group sites, all without hookups. The access road limits larger vehicles, with a maximum RV length of 35 feet. The main season runs from late May through early September, then one loop remains open for dry camping through October 13, 2026. Direct access to the Cinder Cone Trail and its hardened lava flows makes this one of the park's most memorable camping spots.
North Summit Lake and South Summit Lake
In the heart of the park, these two campgrounds face each other across Highway 89. South Summit Lake has 49 sites, including 23 tent-only sites, at $15 per night, with dry-camping sites available through September 21. North Summit Lake has 46 sites at $24 per night and closes in early September. Both operate by reservation. Several trailheads start less than 1,640 feet away, making these campgrounds a natural base for hikers who want to hit the trails at first light. Nights are chilly here even in July.
Southwest, Warner Valley, and Juniper Lake
Three more remote campgrounds round out the park's options. Southwest Campground operates in two seasons without reservations: 35 sites, including 20 tent-only sites, from June through November, and 15 sites in winter and spring, at $10 per night in both cases. Internet access is available on site, which makes it an exception in the park. Warner Valley, in the southern part of the park, is reached from Chester by about 17 miles of road. It has 17 sites at $21 per night and is open from June 12 through October 10, 2026, with a mix of reservations and first-come, first-served sites. Juniper Lake, in the east, is closed for all of 2026. Restoration work is underway, and no reopening date has been confirmed.
RV vs. Tent: Which Site Should You Choose?
For an RV road trip, Manzanita Lake offers the most complete services, including showers, laundry, and a dump station, with a maximum vehicle length of 40 feet. Butte Lake accommodates vehicles up to 35 feet. Southwest Campground accepts RVs up to 36 feet on a first-come, first-served basis. For the other campgrounds, check the size restrictions on Recreation.gov before booking. 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 for travelers who prefer a roof over their heads.
Backcountry Camping
Backcountry camping is allowed in the park's wilderness areas with a $5-per-night permit obtained through Recreation.gov, at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, or through self-registration at some trailheads. The basic rules are simple. Set up at least 1 mile from any hydrothermal area and 100 feet from any waterway. A bear-resistant canister is required outside campgrounds equipped with bear boxes. Backcountry access is greatly reduced from about November through May, when snow closes the main roads. The multi-day hiking guide to Lassen Volcanic identifies routes suited to overnight camping.
How and When Should You Reserve a Campsite at Lassen Volcanic?
Most park campgrounds can be reserved through Recreation.gov, with reservations opening six months before the arrival date: Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, North Summit Lake, South Summit Lake, and Lost Creek, for groups only, at $62 per site. For July and August, Friday and Saturday night reservations disappear within minutes of the booking window opening, so mark your calendar. Southwest Campground is first come, first served. Arrive on a weekday or early on a weekend morning to find a site. Warner Valley offers a mix of reservations and first-come, first-served sites. To choose the best time based on crowds and weather, see the Lassen Volcanic seasons guide.
Rates: How Much Does a Night of Camping Cost at Lassen Volcanic?
A night at an NPS campground costs $10 to $24, depending on the site. Southwest Campground is the least expensive at $10 per night on a first-come, first-served basis. North Summit Lake is the most expensive individual campground at $24. Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and South Summit Lake cost $15; Warner Valley costs $21. Backcountry camping costs $5 per night. Lost Creek, reserved exclusively for groups, costs $62 for the entire site. Park entrance fees, $30 per vehicle, are added to these rates. For entrance fees and annual passes, see the National Parks Fees & Passes page.
Safety and Best Practices
Black bears: They regularly appear throughout the park, including around the campgrounds. Never leave food, drinks, scented products, or a cooler in an unattended vehicle or outside a bear box or canister. Bear boxes are available at every site. 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 your campsite, and never leave children unattended nearby. These areas occur 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 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 Should You Choose?
Family with an RV: Manzanita Lake has the park's most complete services, including showers, laundry, and a dump station. Hikers: North or South Summit Lake offers direct access to the central trailheads. Nature and solitude: Warner Valley lies in the southern part of the park, away from the main tourist traffic. If the park is full: Lassen National Forest campgrounds around Chester offer daytime access to the park.
To plan your entire trip, see the complete Lassen Volcanic guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you camp inside Lassen Volcanic?
Yes. Lassen Volcanic has 10 official campgrounds inside the park, with a total of 468 sites. Most are open from late May through early October.
Which campground should you choose at Lassen Volcanic?
Manzanita Lake, with 179 sites, is best for families and RVs. North or South Summit Lake works well for hikers who want to start early. Warner Valley is the choice for solitude. Juniper Lake is closed for all of 2026.
When should you reserve a campsite at Lassen Volcanic?
The Recreation.gov booking window opens six months before the arrival date. For July and August, reserve on the first day the window opens. Weekend dates disappear within minutes.
How do you camp at Lassen Volcanic?
Reserve through Recreation.gov for Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, North Summit Lake, and South Summit Lake. Southwest Campground is first come, first served at $10 per night. For backcountry camping, get a $5-per-night permit through Recreation.gov or at the visitor center.
How much does a night at a Lassen Volcanic campground cost?
Rates range from $10 at Southwest Campground, first come, first served, to $24 at North Summit Lake, by reservation. Backcountry camping costs $5 per night. Park entrance fees are added to these rates.
Can you encounter bears while camping at Lassen Volcanic?
Yes. Black bears regularly visit the campgrounds. Store all food in the bear boxes available at every site, day and night.