Summit Lake Campground

 

Summit Lake Campground is located 12 miles south of Manzanita Lake and 17.5 miles north of the Southwest Entrance. The campground contains a north section and a south section. Both have access to Summit Lake and are connected via a short trail along the east shore. Swimming is generally better from the north shore; the south shore is more grassy. South Summit Lake Campground cannot accommodate RVs or trailers (except small tent trailers).

Please Keep Equipment on Woodchips and Use Designated Paths

To protect newly-planted vegetation in both Summit Lake North and South, please travel only on roads, gravel paths, and rock-lined paths. Learn more about how this restoration project and your actions can improve your camping experience.

 

Summit Lake North

 
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North Summit Lake campground map
 

Summit Lake South

 
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Summit Lake Stock Corral

The corral is located across the park highway from the North Summit Lake Campground. The facility has two metal stock corrals with water troughs and water is furnished for the horses. There is no potable water so campers must bring their own water or go into the Summit Lake Campground to obtain drinking water. There are two campsites with tables, fire rings and bear lockers available. There is a vault toilet available near the site for the corral users. There is a limit of 8 animals, 10 people, and 6 licensed vehicles. Make a reservation for the Summit Lake Stock Corral or learn more about stock corrals in the park.

Due to the Dixie Fire, the Summit Lake Stock Corral is closed for the duration of the 2024 season.

 
South Summit Lake campground map
 
Three stacked photos top to bottom: a campsite with orange circles highlight newly planted vegetation, a campsite covered in woodchips, and a walkway lined by stones.
Top to bottom: Orange circles highlighting new plants near a campsite, a campsite covered in woodchips to show where to keep tents and equipment, and a rock-lined path to a restroom to prevent trampling new flowers and plants.

NPS Photo

Native Plant Restoration Project

Newly planted flowers and shrubs need your help to grow in order to:

  • Provide more privacy at each campsite

  • Reduce dust caused by areas previously trampled to bare dirt
  • Improve the forest understory, beauty, and camping experience of Summit Lake Campground

You can help new flowers and shrubs grow in Summit Lake Campground by:

  • Keeping tents and equipment on campsite areas covered in wood chips
  • Walk on designated pathways (paved roads and paths, rock-lined pathways)
  • Not creating new pathways or shortcuts, which may cause trampling of flower seedlings or plant and shrub starts

About the Project

In 2019 numerous hazard trees were removed from Summit Lake Campground to improve safety, reduce wildfire danger, and improve overall forest health. In 2020, park staff and American Conservation Experience (ACE) crews planted about 125 pounds of seed and 4,000 plants in restoration areas in both the North and South sections of Summit Lake Campground. Over the past 80 years, the creation of social trails, campsite widening, and reduced forest health have transformed Summit Lake Campground into a barren, parking lot like camping experience. This project was funded through your fee dollars to improve the camping experience at this popular campground.

Last updated: June 21, 2024

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063

Phone:

530 595 6100
Park phone lines may be intermittently offline.

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