Wilderness Camping

NPS Photo

 

Backcountry or wilderness camping provides an opportunity to explore the numerous lakes, meadows and mountains that lay hidden beyond the park roads. To learn more about wilderness camping at Lassen Volcanic, please read the information below and review the Wilderness Camping handout.

 

Wilderness Camping Permits
Backcountry permits are required for overnight camping in the wilderness. Permits are NOT required for camping in developed campgrounds. Permits may be obtained in the following manner:

By email - Send a completed application to [e-mail] with the subject line "Wilderness Permit Application."

By fax - Fax a completed permit application to Attn: Visitor Center at [phone]. 

In person - Obtain a permits at one of the locations listed below. Please note that if permits are not available in remote locations including Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Warner Valley, please leave your contact information, a brief itinerary and an emergency contact. All stations are self-registration with the exception of Loomis Museum and Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center during regular business hours.

• Loomis Museum (during regular business hours)
• Loomis Ranger Station
• Butte Lake Ranger Station
• Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center
• Warner Valley Ranger Station
• Juniper Lake Ranger Station

 

Areas Closed to Camping
To ensure the enjoyment of all visitors, protect fragile resources, and ensure visitor safety, some areas of the park are closed to camping. Download camping restrictions map (pdf, 166KB).

Camping is prohibited within 1/2 mile of any developed area or park road open to vehicular traffic, except in designated campgrounds.

Camping is prohibited within 1/4 mile of any hydrothermal feature.

Camping is prohibited 1/4 mile in all directions of the following features:

• Bumpass Hell Trailhead to Bumpass Hell
• Cascade Springs
• Cinder Cone/Painted Dunes
• Cliff Lake
• Crags Lake
• Crumbaugh Lake
• Hat Creek Cabin
• Echo Lake
• Kings Creek Falls
• Lassen Peak and Trail
• Little Willow Lake
• Mt. Harkness
• Summit Trail from Summit Lake to Echo Lake
• Kings Creek Meadow - Upper & Lower
• Shadow Lake

 

Suspend scented items between two trees at least 12 feet off the ground.

Food Storage
All food, garbage, and any scented articles must be properly secured day and night. Scented items include flavored drinks, toiletries, insect repellent, first aid kits, etc. Failure to properly secure your property may result in a $150 fine and/or the confiscation of these items.

The use of animal resistant food canisters or hanging food is REQUIRED. If using a canister, place all required items in the container, lock the lid and leave it 100-200 feet from your campsite.

You may also hang your food from a tree by suspending it 12 feet off the ground and 10 feet away from the nearest branch. We recommend using two 50 foot lengths of rope.

1. Tie a rock to the end of a rope and throw it over a tree branch.
2. Tie tail end of rope to tree. Tie food in middle of rope and throw rock over second tree branch.
3. Pull on rock end of rope to raise food.
4. Secure end of rope with rock to tree.

 

Bear Safety
For centuries black bears have made Lassen Volcanic National Park their home. Bears are curious, intellegent and potentially dangerous animals. Minimize bear encounters by making noise when hiking, keeping a clean camp, and storing food properly. Download the bear safety bulletin (pdf, 293 KB)

 

Trail Regulations
Pets, bicycles, and vehicles are prohibited on trails. Overnight backpacking groups are limited to 10 people. Larger groups must split into groups of 10 or less, travel and camp apart, and maintain a distance of 1/2 miles at all times.

Campfires are NOT allowed in the backcountry to protect fragile park resources. At high elevations, wood gathering depletes organic material necessary to provide nutrients for plant growth. Please use backpacking stoves only.

To learn more about preparing for your backcountry camping trip, please ready the Wilderness Camping handout.