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Lassen Volcanic/Manzanita Lake
Overview
Overview
Manzanita Lake Campground, located within the boundaries of Lassen Volcanic National Park, offers a classic, rustic camping experience nestled in a serene forest setting. This location is defined by its dramatic volcanic landscape and proximity to the tranquil waters of Manzanita Lake. Unlike developed private resorts, this park focuses on providing an authentic connection to nature. It is a highly sought-after destination for travelers who prioritize mountain scenery, quiet surroundings, and immediate access to trailheads while exploring northern California.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the northwest corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral, CA, the campground is surrounded by towering pines and volcanic peaks. The park sits at a high elevation, creating a distinct mountain climate that is often much cooler than the surrounding valleys. Visitors are treated to panoramic views of Lassen Peak, which serves as a constant, majestic backdrop to the daily experience of staying in this protected wilderness area.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is designed for a traditional camping experience rather than luxury convenience. RV sites are available, though they lack utility hookups such as electricity, water, or sewer connections. The facility provides essential comforts including potable water spigots, vault toilets, and fire rings for evening campfires. Because this is a national park setting, guests should come prepared for dry camping. The site remains a top choice for those looking to disconnect and enjoy the outdoors.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw of this location is the spectacular Manzanita Lake, which is perfect for non-motorized boating and fishing. Hikers can easily access miles of trails that lead to fascinating geological features, including hydrothermal areas and mud pots. During the warmer months, the lake area serves as a hub for photography, bird watching, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can also drive the park highway to reach iconic landmarks like the Bumpass Hell trail.
Who This Park Is Best For
Manzanita Lake is best suited for self-contained RV travelers who enjoy rustic, primitive-style camping in a quiet environment. It is an ideal base camp for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers who prefer staying in the heart of the national park rather than in nearby towns. If you value serene wilderness surroundings over modern resort amenities, this park offers an unparalleled home base for discovering the wonders of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
ShuPriya
Had a great stay at Manzanita Campground. It's in a beautiful, convenient location with the lake, a store, and showers just a short distance away. The toilets are also nearby and very clean. Overall, it's a lovely campground with excellent amenities!
Steve Royce
I tent camped there, but the cabins sure looked nice! The campground bathrooms, however, were very dirty. Use the restrooms at the campstore, instead. They were clean and plumbed with flushing toilets. Reports were that the showers only had cold water, so needless to say, I didn't shower.
SWAATI SUNDERRAJAN
The campgrounds were clean. Every camp reservation came a decent size bear box which is not the cleanest. I would suggest bringing a disposable cover to lay down and put your stuff. Every camp reservation also had a picnic table which was old. We did not use picnic tables. The restroom was very dirty and was not cleaned occasionally
Renée Goentzel
This campground is in a great location (within the national park and by a lake) and had no mosquitoes, which was great. The campsites were fairly small and close together, but the amenities were terrible. There were lights in the bathrooms but they didn’t have them on (no switches for people so they are controlled by the campground company), no light at the dish washing station (which had an old sponge full of insect eggs), and three bathroom buildings next to each other (one with three toilets, one with one toilet, and a handicap accessible one) but only pay showers that were far away (a 5-10 minute walk)at their general store. Everyone had to change, use the bathroom, and brush our teeth in the dark. Also, there was a woman in a wheelchair camping by us and the one handicap accessible bathroom was always kept locked so she couldn’t use it.
Adam Johnston
Great campsite with great facilities. Everything is very well kept and facilities are clean. Very pretty scenery. You are about 30 minutes away from the main middle part of the park but it is the best jumping off point for the entire park. Usual fire pit, bear box, and table. Privacy is a little lacking because some sites are very close to each other. Lots of bathrooms and trash cans in the campground. Showers are a short walk.