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.
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
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.
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
Campfires are only permitted in provided fire rings.
Collect only dead and down wood as firewood.
To avoid problems with bears, secure all food and similar items in bear-proof lockers.
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.
