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Lassen/Merrill
Overview
Merrill Campground provides a tranquil retreat nestled within the Lassen National Forest on the scenic shores of Eagle Lake. This seasonal destination serves as a primary gateway to one of California's most unique high-altitude ecosystems. Known for its serene atmosphere and towering pine canopy, the park offers a classic camping experience that balances the rugged beauty of the wilderness with essential comforts for modern RV travelers seeking a true mountain escape.
Location & Surroundings
Situated approximately 20 miles north of Susanville, California, the park sits at an elevation of 5,100 feet along the south shore of Eagle Lake. The surrounding landscape features a transition from high-desert shrublands to dense stands of Jeffrey pine and fir trees. The area is renowned for its remarkably clear night skies and sweeping views of the water, providing a deep sense of seclusion while remaining easily accessible from Highway 139.
Amenities & Park Features
The facility stands out among forest service campgrounds by offering paved camping pads that can accommodate a variety of RV lengths and setups. Unlike more primitive forest sites, several loops provide access to water and electrical hookups, allowing for a more comfortable stay. The park includes clean restrooms with flush toilets, sturdy picnic tables, and fire rings at every site. A nearby dump station and easy access to the marina ensure a convenient stay for those planning extended trips.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Fishing is the primary draw for many visitors, as the area is home to the world-famous Eagle Lake Trout, a species known for its impressive size and fighting spirit. Boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking are popular activities, with a boat launch located just a short distance from the campground. For those who prefer land-based adventures, the Eagle Lake Shoreline Trail offers miles of hiking and biking with stunning lake vistas and frequent wildlife sightings.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is an ideal choice for dedicated anglers looking to spend long days on the water and families who appreciate a traditional forest camping vibe. It appeals specifically to RVers who want to trade busy commercial parks for a quiet, nature-focused environment without giving up basic utilities. If you enjoy crisp mountain air, morning birdsong, and the smell of pine needles, Merrill Campground is a perfect fit for your northern California travel style.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Leanne Dombkowski
The campground is awesome nice big spots with full partial and non hookups.The road in is not good for rvs, it's very bumpy. Very nice scenery and the bike trail is good.
Linda Danialy
Nice campground with full hookups, laundry, and store. Great camp hosts. A bit out of the way off highway 395 but well worth the drive.
Bev Best
LOVE this campground! HUGE spaces. Handicap spaces available. Book 6 months out.. Family friendly. Dog friendly (must be leashed), kid friendly. Hiking, and biking trails take you off-site. The restrooms are cleaned several times a day. Faucet water is spring fed from the lake. Lake is clean - once you get away from the shoreline! Fishing is ok. lots of golden mantles running around. (They look like chipmunks.) A few pull-through sites, several tent sites, and RV sites accommodating 45' RVs. Full hookup and partial hookups sites, as well as dry camping sites available. There are also a few first-come, first-served sites, if you want to gamble without a reservation. The marina is about a mile away. Drive over on Eagke Lake Road, or take one of the hiking trails on your bike to get there. Pay showers and washers and dryers are available there. There's a small store at the marina. The store sells Eagle Lake merch, some fishing supplies, and limited groceries. You can also purchase your fishing license. Camp hosts are top-notch, very friendly, and accommodating. Wood bundles are available for purchase from the camp hosts for $10.00 (in 2025). Quiet time is 10pm to 7am. You'll see park rangers, fire, and sheriff cruising through the campground on any given day. We feel safe there. PS: Quick heads up - Amazon and Post Office no longer deliver to the campground...
Rudy von Ravensberg
Pretty good campground. Clean, large spaces, generally quiet. Bathrooms were very clean. Kinda muddy down near the lake and a 5 min walk. Great for kids and biking, as well as paddle boarding. Watch out for Bigfoot!
Tony M
This whole "prototypical" concept is neat, I kinda hope it takes off. The tiered loops idea with the full hook-up sites at the top, and the non-hook-up sites at the bottom makes it easy to keep track as you are looking to make reservations. Would be a benefit if you come for a first come, first served site as well. The sites aren't as spacious as Christie, but they're sufficient. All of the driveways are in great shape and actually built with RVs in mind, so no awkward back-in with a tree blocking you here. I love how much more quiet this campground is with no generators allowed! Easy access to the bike path is always a plus too, every time we stay we ride our bikes to the Marina and get popsicles/ice cream, it's kind of a tradition.