![]() Lassen Volcanic National Park contains seven campgrounds. Reservations are highly recommended July through early September; reservations can only be made through recreation.gov. RVs and trailers are best accommodated at Manzanita Lake, Butte Lake, and Summit Lake Campgrounds. There are no hook-ups in the park; a dump station is available at Manzanita Lake. Southwest Campground is open year-round and changes to oversnow camping in the winter/spring snowy months. All other campgrounds are open approximately May/June through September/October. Opening and closing dates are dependent on snow depth and other conditions; changes will be reflected in the table below. Dispersed camping (sleeping in a vehicle along the road) is not allowed - you must stay in established campgrounds inside the park or obtain a backcountry camping permit. Plan Your Camping TripThe quickest way to find answers about camping in the park is to review this webpage. The most common questions about camping in the park are answered below:
Campground ListAll Dates Are For 2021
*Dry Camping Reduced Fee
Drinking water and flush toilets are not available when dry camping is in effect. The normal fee applies whenever water is available. The availability of water is generally dependent on overnight temperatures; water systems cannot function when temperatures are consistently below freezing level. Campsite ReservationsMost campsites in the park are available by reservation only. Juniper Lake (except Juniper Lake Group), Warner Valley and Southwest Walk-in Campgrounds do not accept reservations. Campsites are usually available on a first-come, first-served basis once water systems are turned off for the winter snow season, at which point each campground is open to "dry" camping until its closure date.
Camping RegulationsCheck-in and Check-outCheck-out time is 12 pm. Check-in time is 1 pm. Campers may occupy a campsite at any time if vacant or once the occupant leaves. If you have a reservation, verify your name and dates listed on the reservation card on the campsite post. Contact a camp host (if available) or entrance station staff if there is an error. Campers without reservations can learn more about obtaining a first-come, first-served campsite. Campsites cannot be held and must be paid for upon occuping the site. RatesRates vary by campground and are reduced for dry camping (when the drinking water is not available). Senior and Access pass holders receive 50% off camping fees; this does not include the dump station fee. Park entrance and campground fees are paid for separately. If self-registering, please fill out an envelope for your camping fees, payable at the campground. Camping fees must be paid within thirty minutes of occupying a site. Camping fees are not refundable and stays are limited to 14 days per year. Campsite CapacitiesCampsites are limited to 3 tents, 6 people, and 2 vehicles (including an RV or trailer) per site. Group sites are limited to a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 people and 6 vehicles. Vehicles must stay on paved/graveled areas. Additional parking is only available in the designated overflow parking lot near each campground. CampfiresFires are allowed only in designated campfire rings. Do not build rock rings or burn trash in the grate. Never leave fires or hot coals unattended and extinguish them completely when not attended to. If it's too hot to touch, it's too hot to leave. Learn more about how to maintain and extinguish your campfire at smokeybear.com. FirewoodYou may gather dead wood that is down on the ground within 30 feet of the road and less than 4 inches in diameter. Do not cut, saw, or break any standing trees, dead or alive for firewood. Chainsaw use is not permitted. Firewood is available for purchase at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store and gift store inside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. Buy firewood where you burn it. Tree-killing insects and diseases can lurk in or on firewood. As a rule of thumb, it's best to only move firewood up to 10 miles. Learn more at dontmovefirewood.org. Leave No TraceHelp care for your national park and campgrounds. Leave your campsite as you found it. Do not create trenches, level your site, or put nails in trees. Dispose of all trash and recyclables in provided bins. Do not burn trash or leave it in campfire rings. Dispersed CampingCamping is permitted only in the campgrounds listed above. Backpackers may camp in the backcountry with a permit. It is unlawful to camp outside of established campgrounds, including sleeping in your vehicle along the road or "boondocking". The surrounding Lassen National Forest permits dispersed camping (or camping outside of a developed area) in many areas. Quiet hoursRespect your fellow campers by observing quiet hours between 10 pm and 6 am. Generators may be used only from 8 am to 10 am; 12 pm to 2 pm; and 5 pm to 7 pm. Do not run continually and please keep use to a minimum so other campers are not disturbed. Food Storage and WildlifeStore all food and scented items in the bear-resistant storage locker provided at your campsite. It is also safe to store food and scented items in hard-sided vehicles. Do not leave food and other items with a scent unattended on tables or around your campsite. It is illegal to feed, frighten, or disturb any wildlife. Read more about proper food storage in the backcountry. SanitationWash dishes at your campsite, not in restrooms or water spigots. Please do not wash clothes, hair, or bathe at water spigots or sinks. Strained dishwater must be disposed of in the grates located in front of each restroom or industrial sinks. Dispose of food particles in trash bins, not in the sink drains or grates. Coin operated showers and laundry machines are at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store. Gray water from RVs and trailers must be contained and may be disposed of at the Manzanita Lake dump station. Refuse receptacles are available throughout each campground. PetsPets are welcome in park campgrounds, however they must be attended and physically restrained on a leash not longer than 6 feet at all times. Pets are not permitted on trails or inside park facilities. Read more about visiting the park with your pets. Vehicles and BicyclesKeep all vehicles, including motorcycles, bicycles, and trailers on paved areas at all times to prevent damage and reduce risk of wildfire. The speed limit on campground roads is 10 miles per hour; most campground roads are one-way. Bicycles are permitted on paved areas only. California law requires people under 18 years of age wear a helmet. Learn more about biking in the park. Amenities & ServicesCampsite AmentitiesAll campsites are equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant storage locker. Store all food and scented items in the bear-resistant storage locker. These items may also be stored in a hard-sided vehicle. Storage lockers measure 4' x 3' x 2.5' (30 cubic feet). Group campsites are equipped with three picnic tables, three fire rings, and three bear-resistant lockers. Campground AmenitiesAll campgrounds except Juniper Lake offer spigots and/or sinks for drinking water. Campgrounds with flush toilets also include one or more utility sinks for dish washing. All campgrounds have receptacles for trash and recyclables. Due to freezing wintertime temperatures, water may not be available at a campsite in early summer or late fall. If water is not available, a dry camping reduced rate applies (see dates and rates in the campground table). Camper ServicesThe Manzanita Lake Area offers the most camper services. The Manzanita Lake Camper Store is located at the entrance to the Manzanita Lake Campground. Showers and a laundromat are available only at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store. Both take quarters; a change machine is located by the showers. The Manzanita Camper Store also offers camping supplies, food, and souvenirs mid-May through mid-October. The only dump station in the park is located on the road to Manzanita Lake Campground. AccessibilityWheelchair accessible campsites include Manzanita Lake A32 and B9, Butte Lake A6, and North Summit Lake A-1. All accessible sites are located near accessible restrooms. Accessible campsites are first-come, first-served only. At least one vehicle at an accessible site must display a valid disabled person placard or license plate. Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins 1,8,14, and 18 are accessible. Each cabin includes a bed, propane heater, lantern, bear box, fire ring, access ramp, stairs with handrails and an extended picnic table. Learn more about accessibility in the park. Obtaining a First Come, First-Served CampsiteReservations are highly recommended between July and early September. First-come, first-served (FCFS) sites are most easily obtained in late spring and early summer. Juniper Lake, Warner Valley and Southwest Walk-in campgrounds are first-come, first-served only. All group sites, including Lost Creek Group Campground are reservation-only.
How to Claim and Pay for a FCFS CampsiteOnce you have a located a site that does not have a reservation placard for that night:
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Last updated: January 6, 2021