How much does camping cost at Merrill Campground?

Camping fees at Merrill Campground range from $35-$80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Merrill Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Merrill Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Merrill Campground before I book?

Yes! Merrill Campground has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Merrill Campground?

Merrill Campground is open May 15 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Merrill Campground?

Merrill Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Merrill Campground have?

Merrill Campground has 172 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Merrill Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Merrill Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Merrill Campground?

Merrill Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Merrill Campground?

Popular activities at Merrill Campground include Swimming, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Merrill Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Merrill Campground?

Fire policies at Merrill Campground: Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.48

531 reviews

Top 16%Summer

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park Boating Camping

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$35 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

172 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsWiFi

Book on Lassen National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$35 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

172 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Full HookupsWiFi

Book on Lassen National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Merrill Campground

$35.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

DOUBLE FULL HOOK-UP SITE: $80.00; FULL HOOK-UP SITE: $60.00; MANAGEMENT: $50.00; NO HOOK-UP/DRY CAMP SITE: $35.00; PARTIAL HOOK-UP SITE: $50.00. Plus...

Group Site Fee$80.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

lcfcougar@aol.com

I manage this campground

Been here recently?

Campers like you keep our info accurate. Fix a detail in under 30 seconds.

Plan a trip to Merrill Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Merrill Campground

40.5481, -120.8120

Nearby places

Susanville, CA: 16 miles (approximately 25 minutes)

Weather at Merrill Campground

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information on the Lassen National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground
Please Note: One RV with tow vehicle per single site or one vehicle per tent site. Most sites can accommodate 1 extra vehicle that is not included with the reservation fee. Extra vehicle will be charged a per night fee and collected at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Merrill Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Eagle Lake’s water-based activities — expect sunny days in the 70s–80s°F and cool nights in the low 40s–50s°F at 5,100 ft. Boating, swimming (lake temps peak mid-summer around the mid-60s°F), fishing, hiking and biking are all at their best, and the campground is fully open with reservations available. Note that weekends in July and early August are busiest, and wildfire smoke or campfire restrictions can occasionally impact air Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in US

Summer is peak season: warm days, swimmable lake temps, full water recreation and high visitor satisfaction.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open annually from May 15 to October 31. Reservations are available from May 15 to September 2 during the peak season and first-come, first-serve applies afterward.

About Merrill Campground

Merrill Campground sits on the south shore of Eagle Lake in Lassen National Forest, a short drive from Susanville. Operated by the Forest Service, this very large campground offers full hookups, flush toilets, and modern conveniences including wifi and laundry. Campers come for lake swimming, biking the shoreline trails, and fishing in one of California's premier trout fisheries.

Merrill Campground provides a range of camping options to suit different preferences, including full hook-up sites, partial hook-up sites, and standard sites without hookups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather and full access to Eagle Lake’s water-based activities — expect sunny days in the 70s–80s°F and cool nights in the low 40s–50s°F at 5,100 ft. Boating, swimming (lake temps peak mid-summer around the mid-60s°F), fishing, hiking and biking are all at their best, and the campground is fully open with reservations available. Note that weekends in July and early August are busiest, and wildfire smoke or campfire restrictions can occasionally impact air Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryEagle Lake dominates the view, one of California's largest natural lakes backed by a mix of Sierra granite and Cascade volcanic geology. Mature pines and firs provide shade across much of the campground, though some sites sit exposed to full afternoon sun. The forest meets the water at 5,100 feet, where the Sierra Nevada blends into the Cascade Range. Wildlife is common. The setting feels remote without being isolated. Quiet enough to hear wind in the pines, close enough to the lake for easy water access.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodge-style accommodations at Merrill Campground; however, it offers a variety of camping sites, including full hook-up and standard sites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned in the provided sources.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The number of guests per site is not specified.

Groups

Group Standard Electric sites are available and can accommodate larger parties, although specific capacity numbers are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online platform, by phone, and in-person at the campground. Additional fees apply for different reservation methods.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible flush toilets and sites specifically designed for accessibility. Paved pathways and double-wide parking spurs add to its accessibility features, making it a viable option for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites at Merrill Campground are spacious, with parking spurs ranging from 45 to 75 feet in length and being double-wide. User reviews frequently praise the large size of the sites.

PrivacyMany reviews highlight the privacy afforded by the large spacing between sites. Some users mention shaded areas, while others note exposed locations with full sun. For example, site #126 is described as being exposed to afternoon sun.

Total Campsites172 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the lake, such as in loop 159, are highlighted for their proximity to water and views. A user noted that sites in the initial loops offer full hookups but limited shade.

Need help booking Merrill Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Merrill Campground offers an extensive range of amenities catering to all types of campers, including RV enthusiasts and tent campers. According to the authoritative description, the campground features 57 full hook-up sites, 64 partial hook-up sites (with water and electricity but no sewer), and 51 standard no-hookup sites. Each campsite includes a picnic table, a campfire ring with a grill, and double-wide parking spurs that range from 45 to 75 feet in length. Additional amenities include flush toilets, potable water points, a grey water dump, and limited Wi-Fi. Firewood is available for purchase for $5 per bundle. Although showers are not available within the campground, they can be accessed 2.5 miles away at the Eagle Lake Marina. There is also a $5 RV dump station conveniently located outside the campground. User reviews echo the cleanliness and maintenance of the facilities, with multiple mentions of clean restrooms and well-kept sites. A paved bike trail runs through the campground, providing access to the surrounding Eagle Lake Recreation Area.

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Merrill Campground offers a diverse set of activities, with the primary highlight being its proximity to Eagle Lake, the third-largest natural lake in California. Activities include fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and boating. The campground connects to a 5.2-mile paved hiking and biking trail that links the various recreation facilities in the area. User reviews frequently praise the opportunities for family-friendly activities, such as biking and kayaking.

Swimming

Biking

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Fire PolicyFire Restrictions: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but some users have expressed a desire for additional garbage cans and the implementation of recycling options for items like plastic bottles and glass. One review noted that garbage cans tend to fill up quickly.

Cell CoverageWhile limited Wi-Fi is available, there is no specific mention of cell phone service quality in the authoritative source. User reviews highlight poor reception further from the lake, with one camper noting frustration over limited streaming capabilities.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

531 reviews

Recommended

Merrill Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Merrill Campground is highly regarded for its spacious sites, clean facilities, and proximity to Eagle Lake. The camp hosts receive consistent praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. While the lack of on-site showers and occasional maintenance issues (e.g., uncleaned trails and restrooms) have been noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

Review Summaries

Based on 531 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 531 reviews.

Site #130Loved
Site #130: Easy walking distance to the lake.
Site #159Loved
Site #159: Close to the lake with clean bathrooms nearby.
Site #126Issues noted
Site #126: Exposed to afternoon sun.

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, spacious campsites, friendly camp hosts, well-maintained bike trails, and ample recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking.

Based on 531 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of on-site showers, occasional lack of soap in bathrooms, maintenance issues like uncleaned pine needles on trails, and the marina store's closure in some years.

Based on 531 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own soap and shower supplies if relying on the marina's showers. Consider bringing a high-pressure regulator for RV water connections. Review campsite maps carefully, as descriptions on...

Based on 531 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are quieter seasons, while summer sees high usage, especially during holiday weekends. Some campers note that summer temperatures can be high, and the wind at Eagle Lake can be strong...

Based on 531 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Hosts were very nice! It is so quiet and peaceful." (Debbie Darnell, July 2022) "Loved the bike trail. Lake is cold (as lakes usually are lol)." (Vivian Lawrence, June 2021) "The park host, Karen,...

Based on 531 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible flush toilets and spacious sites are noted, although no reviews specifically address experiences of campers with disabilities.

Based on 531 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is noted as pet-friendly, but some reviews criticize off-leash dogs and the lack of enforcement of leash rules.

Based on 531 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want full RV hookups and wifi at a large Forest Service campground with direct lake access and maintained bike paths.

Skip if

You need on-site showers or want a smaller, more secluded camping experience away from a very large campground.

Nearby Campgrounds

Lassen National Forest

Eagle Campground sits on the shore of Eagle Lake in Lassen National Forest, a short drive from Susanville. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-elevation pine-shaded campground offers tent and RV sites with electric and water hookups, flush toilets, a dump station, and a camp store. Campers bike the lakeside paths, launch boats at the nearby marina, and enjoy spacious sites under tall conifers.