Summit Lake Campgrounds

California's Best Camping

Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA

Summit Lake Campgrounds

Lassen Volcanic National Park


Summit Lake Campgrounds

Summit Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park has two campgrounds - North (Loops A and B) and South (Loops C, D, and E). Campers at either of the Summit Lake Campgrounds have only a short walk to Summit Lake. Sites tend to be close together.

Many of the campsites at the Summit Lake Campgrounds may be reserved ahead of time, while those on Loops A and E are available for first-come, first served. Loop E is a tent-only campground area. Summit Lake also has a Stock Corral. Read vehicle limitations on the reservation site carefully before making a reservation.

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Summit Lake Campgrounds Basics
Summit Lake Campgrounds Location: Summit Lake on Highway 89, Lassen NP
Elevation: 6,695 feet
Nearby Cities: 109 miles east of Red Bluff
Number of Sites: 94 sites between North and South campgrounds
Camping Season: Late June through September, North campground closes mid-September. Weather may affect opening and closing dates.
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children), max. 3 tents
Vehicles per Site: 2 (including RV)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Lassen Volcanic National Park
Campground Office: (530) 595-6121

Reservations at Summit Lake Campgrounds
Reservations Available: Reservations can be made for Loops B, C, and only; Loops A and E are first come, first served. After mid-September all campsites are first-come, first-served.
Reservation Window: available 4 days to 6 months in advance of arrival date
North Campground Max. RV/Trailer Length: 35 feet and 35 feet
South Campground Max. RV/Trailer Length: No RVs or trailers, but small tent trailers allowed
Tent-only Sites: Loop E (no generators)
Wheelchair accessible sites: A-1
Fees: North $24 per night, South $22
Summit Lake North Reservations: Summit Lake North Campground Reservations
Summit Lake South Reservations: Summit Lake South Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 1:00 PM, Noon

Summit Lake Campgrounds Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire ring, tap water (until September 15)
Campground: restrooms with flush toilets in north, vault toilets in south
Showers and Laundry: Available at Manzanita Lake
Dump station: Manzanita Lake
Campground Map: Summit Lake Campgrounds Map
Attractions near Summit Lake Campgrounds: Enjoy beautiful Summit Lake for non-motorized boating, fishing, and swimming. Set out on local hiking trails. Drive to near by Manzanita Lake.




Summit Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park

North Shore of Summit Lake


Summit Lake Stock Corral

Summit Lake Stock Corral has one site across the road from the North Summit Lake Campground. It is open from late June through mid-September. The site is available for a maximum of 8 animals, 10 people, and 6 wheeled-vehicles.

The camping area has a food locker and vault toilets. Water for stock is available at the corral, but potable drinking water must be obtained at the main campground. The site includes two metal panel corrals. Stock parties must camp at the corral site. Pets are permitted.
Check Lassen Park's website for further details:
Summit Lake Stock Corral
Reservations: Summit Lake Stock Corral Reservations
Fee: $37


Reservations Tips

Prime reservations can fill quickly during the busy summer season, but with many the spaces open for first-come, first served, some campers prefer to take their chances and usually find a site at Summit Lake. Campsite size varies - many crowded close together - so for the best choice, arrive early.

General Camping Information for
Lassen Volcanic National Park

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the website when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate. For visitors who are temporarily disabled or do not have their permanent accessible parking placard with them, pick up a temporary placard at the entrance station or a visitor center.

    Check Lassen Volcanic National Park - Summit Lake Campgroundfor any campground updates.


Summit Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park

South Shore of Summit Lake


Lassen Volcanic National Park
Attractions and Activities

Visitors to Lassen Volcanic National Park who camp at Summit Lake Campgrounds are near the center of the park. Drives north and south soon lead to many of the major attractions.

  • Start with the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (just across the road from the campground). Tour the exhibits about the park's volcanic activity and plan your further adventures. The Visitor Center includes a cafe and a gift shop.
  • Make the exhilarating 5-mile hike to the summit of Lassen Peak.
  • Take advantage of in Ranger-led Programs, including nature walks, campfire programs, Starry Night ranger-led programs, astronomy programs, Lassen Dark Sky Festival and snowshoe hikes.
  • Drive around to Butte Lake and walk the 1.6-mile Cinder Cone Interpretive Trail or hike to the summit of Prospect Peak (3.1 miles one-way).
  • Make the Auto Tour of the park, stopping at sites such as Sulfur Works, Bumpass Hell Overlook, Devastated Area, and Chaos Crags.
  • Drop in to the Loomis Museum, which features historic photos of Lassen's last eruption.
  • Relax along the shores of beautiful Manzanita Lake. Try fishing and non-motorized boating.

Key Summit Lake Campground Regulations

  1. Campfires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
  2. Collect only dead and down wood as firewood.
  3. To avoid problems with bears, secure all food and similar items in bear-proof lockers.
  4. Generators may only be operated from 8 AM to 10 AM, Noon to 2 PM, and 5 PM to 7 PM. No generators are permitted in the tents-only E-loop.
  5. Quiet Hours extend from 10 PM to 6 AM.