Warner Valley Campground
3.848 reviewsChester Warner Valley Rd, Chester, CA 96020
Warner Valley Campground
$21.00 - $21.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$21.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
The nightly rate for standard nonelectric sites during peak season (June 16, 2025 - October 13, 2025) is $21. This does not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Tucked away in the southeastern corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Warner Valley Campground offers an authentic wilderness experience where modern amenities meet untamed nature. This thoughtfully designed campground provides essential comforts including vault toilets and fresh drinking water from convenient spigots, while maintaining the rugged charm that draws adventurers seeking solitude. As your basecamp for exploration, Warner Valley opens doors to an extensive network of trails that wind through volcanic landscapes, leading intrepid hikers to hidden hot springs, serene mountain lakes, and breathtaking vistas that showcase the raw power of our planet's geothermal forces.
Warner Valley Campground offers standard nonelectric campsites suitable for tent camping. RVs and trailers are not recommended due to the steep and rutted access road.
Historical SignificanceStanding as a testament to the Earth's fiery temperament, Lassen Peak holds the distinction of being the southernmost active volcano in the majestic Cascade Range. This sleeping giant made headlines as the most recent Cascade volcano to awaken before Mount Saint Helens stole the spotlight, reminding us that beneath the serene mountain landscapes lies a powerful force that has shaped this land for millennia. The volcanic legacy permeates every aspect of the Warner Valley experience, from the mineral-rich soils that nourish unique plant communities to the bubbling hot springs that have drawn visitors for generations.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Warner Valley into a camper's paradise, where warm days give way to cool, star-filled nights perfect for campfire stories. The peak season brings reliably dry conditions and comfortable temperatures that invite long days of hiking and exploration. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings hint at the coming transformation, when winter's arrival closes access to certain trails and roads, wrapping the valley in a peaceful blanket of snow and solitude. Smart campers plan their visits during the golden months of June through September, when the full splendor of the park reveals itself under clear mountain skies.
ElevationWarner Valley Campground sits at a carefully chosen elevation that balances accessibility with the authentic mountain experience, though specific elevation details await your discovery upon arrival. This strategic positioning places campers in the sweet spot where diverse ecosystems converge, offering glimpses of both lower elevation forests and higher alpine environments within easy reach.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living laboratory where the Earth reveals its inner workings through dramatic displays of volcanic power. Warner Valley serves as your front-row seat to nature's most captivating theater, where churning mud pots bubble like witches' cauldrons and steam vents exhale the Earth's ancient breath. This geothermal wonderland supports an astonishing tapestry of life, from wildflower meadows that explode with color each spring to dense forests where black bears forage and mountain lions prowl. The volcanic soils nurture rare plant species found nowhere else, while crystal-clear streams cascade through the valley, their waters warmed by underground thermal features that create unique aquatic habitats.
Geological RegionWarner Valley Campground occupies one of the most geologically fascinating crossroads in North America, where three mighty mountain systems converge in a spectacular collision of landscapes. Here, the volcanic peaks of the Cascade Mountains meet the granite spires of the Sierra Nevada and the vast expanses of the Great Basin, creating a unique environment where diverse geological forces have crafted a playground for the curious. Active volcanic domes rise from the forest floor, their slopes scarred by ancient lava flows and painted with deposits from countless eruptions. Hydrothermal features dot the landscape like nature's own chemistry set, while this remarkable convergence of geological provinces has created an extraordinary mosaic of habitats that support everything from alpine wildflowers to old-growth forests.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campsites are described as small by one reviewer.
Sites PrivacySites are reportedly close together, with limited privacy.
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites near hiking trails and scenic features like Devil's Kitchen and Boiling Lake are highly recommended.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights.
Groups
No group camping facilities are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle loop layout accessible via Warner Valley Road.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open for reservations from June 16, 2025, to October 13, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability starts on June 20, 2025, but specific details about the number of sites or fill patterns are not provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the scheduled arrival date are subject to a $10 fee along with forfeiture of the first night's use fee. Late cancellations for one-night reservations will forfeit the full payment.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Hiking is the primary recreational activity at Warner Valley Campground. The campground offers access to trails leading to unique features such as Devil’s Kitchen, Boiling Springs Lake, and Terminal Geyser. Nearby wildlife and natural volcanic features enhance the outdoor experience.
Hiking
Several hiking trails are accessible directly from the campground. Popular hikes include the trails to Devil’s Kitchen, Boiling Springs Lake, and Terminal Geyser. Visitors highly praised these trails for their scenic beauty and proximity to hydrothermal features.Winter Activities
The Bumpass Hell Trail and other areas are subject to seasonal closures due to snow, but winter activities like snowshoeing are not explicitly mentioned.Water Sports
No information on water sports is provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted in designated fire pits.
Hazards
General hazardsRoads are steep and rutted. Wildlife precautions include using bear boxes for food storage.
Active alertsPark closures affecting Lassen National Park Highway, Bumpass Hell Trail, and Juniper Lake Road due to snow, ice, and fire damage.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 52%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative content.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 16, 2025 - October 13, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo specific information on trash or recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresBoiling Lake and Terminal Geyser are accessible via trails from the campground.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of camp host availability, issues with bathroom maintenance (e.g., lack of toilet paper), and problems with bear box usability in certain campsites.
HostNo camp host available at Warner Valley Campground.
Campground Map
Chester Warner Valley Rd, Chester, CA 96020
Driving directionsThe campground is located one mile north of Warner Valley Ranger Station via gravel road and 17 miles north of Chester. From CA-36 in Chester, turn onto Feather River Road (on the east side of the bridge). Continue a half mile and veer left onto CR-312. Continue 4 miles and veer right to stay on CR-312. Follow signs to Drakesbad. Continue 12.5 miles to Warner Valley Campground and Day Use Area. RVs and trailers not recommended due to steep, rutted gravel access road.
The road access is described as steep and rutted gravel roads, making RVs and trailers not recommended. Seasonal closures may affect certain routes within the park.Nearby places
Chester (17 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Drakesbad Guest Ranch (half a mile away) provides dining facilities, but other essential supplies locations are not specified.
Camper Reviews
3.8
8 reviews
Warner Valley Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed picture of Warner Valley Campground. While the campground’s proximity to hiking trails and natural attractions received praise, numerous complaints were raised regarding maintenance and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Many reviewers appreciated the campground's proximity to hiking trails and natural volcanic features. Specific highlights include 'great positioning for lovely hikes' and 'quiet campground with...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The most frequent complaints included the poor condition of vault toilets, lack of toilet paper, and maintenance issues such as bear boxes with warped doors and non-functional water spigots. One user...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing your own toilet paper and being prepared for basic facilities. One user suggested, 'BYO toilet paper!' Another mentioned that the 'road in is rough but it’s worth it.'
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Vault toilets and water spigots were noted as seasonal amenities. User experiences may vary depending on the maintenance during peak seasons.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Greatly enjoyed the hike to Devil’s Kitchen, then Boiling Lake and Terminal Geyser.'
2. 'Quiet campground with friendly people.'
3. 'The toilets were immaculate.'
4. 'The road in is rough but...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite 14 received several complaints about maintenance issues, including non-functional water spigots and problematic bear boxes. Campsite 8 received high praise for its cleanliness and proximity...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific reviews addressed accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically mentioned pet policies or experiences.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025