Juniper Lake Group

Star4.18
20 reviews
PO BOX 100 C/O LASSEN VOL NP, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA
Peace & QuietSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$30/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

19 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens Lassen Volcanic National Park site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Juniper Lake Group
$30.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Entrance fee is $30.00 per vehicle. Campers must have a valid entrance permit/pass before camping.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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

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Provider
530 595-6121Michelle_DUlisse@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.18

Satisfactory

Based on 20 reviews

14 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for Juniper Lake Group Campground highlight its natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and access to Juniper Lake for water activities. The road access is frequently noted as challenging, with some reviewers suggesting AWD vehicles."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

PO BOX 100 C/O LASSEN VOL NP, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA

Juniper Lake Group

PO BOX 100 C/O LASSEN VOL NP, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA

Driving directionsFrom the Red Bluff (I.5), drive east on state HWY 36 approximately 70 miles to Chester. Turn left at fire station immediately after crossing Feather River Bridge (watch for National Park Service sign on right) continue approximately 13 miles follow signs to Juniper Lake Campground and Group Campsite Area. Campground access is via paved and dirt road, last 6 miles is narrow, rough and dusty dirt road.
The campground access involves a 13-mile road split between seven miles of gravel and six miles of roughly paved road. The final stretch is narrow, rough, and dusty dirt road. Reviews suggest that 4-wheel drive is recommended for the journey, although some users, like Aldrich Ong in their review, mentioned successfully traveling in a Prius, albeit with difficulty.
Nearby places
Red Bluff: ~70 miles (~1.5 hours)
Chester: ~13 miles (~20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are likely in Chester (~13 miles away), including groceries, fuel, and other essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Juniper Lake Group

Mother Nature keeps campers on their toes at Juniper Lake, where weather patterns shift as dramatically as the volcanic landscape itself. While heavy snowfall can transform the area into a winter wonderland during certain weeks, patient adventurers are rewarded with spectacular sunny stretches that create perfect camping conditions. These golden periods of moderate temperatures and clear skies offer the ideal window to experience this high-altitude paradise, though the mountain's mercurial moods mean packing layers is always wise.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Warm-season popularity for swimming, hiking and paddling; many reviews describe summer use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Likely pleasant for hiking and views; fewer explicit review mentions than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder season with variable weather; trails and lake access possible but conditions fluctuate.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Area receives heavy snow; winter accessibility and activities are not detailed.

Planning Tips

    About Juniper Lake Group

    Escape to the pristine wilderness of Juniper Lake Group Campground, where canvas tents replace concrete walls and the eastern shore of crystalline Juniper Lake serves as your backyard. Tucked away in the remote southeastern corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park, this rustic tent-only retreat offers an authentic back-to-nature experience with jaw-dropping views of mighty Lassen Peak rising above the forest canopy. Here, the volcano that shapes this landscape becomes your constant companion, reminding you that you're camping in one of nature's most dynamic environments.
    Juniper Lake Group Campground is a tent-only facility offering two group sites. It is connected to the broader Juniper Lake Campground, which operates on a first-come, first-served basis.
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    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    Maximum consecutive stay: 7 nights.

    Amenities available

    Fire rings
    Picnic tables
    Vault toilets
    Group Sites

    Activities you can enjoy

    Juniper Lake Group Campground offers a variety of activities including hiking, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. The Mount Harkness Trail leads to a historic fire tower and provides breathtaking views. Juniper Lake is popular for non-motorized water activities and swimming. Additional recreational opportunities include picnicking and camping.
    HikingTrailheads for Horseshoe Lake, Snag Lake, and the interior of Lassen Volcanic National Park are accessible from the campground. The Mount Harkness Trail ascends to a historic fire tower that is still in use.
    SwimmingJuniper Lake is described as a popular swimming spot. User reviews state, 'The lake is great for swimming.'
    BoatingNon-motorized boating such as canoeing and kayaking is permitted on Juniper Lake. User reviews suggest bringing kayaks to enjoy the lake.
    Wildlife viewingThe campground is part of Lassen Volcanic National Park, which boasts 250 vertebrate species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish. This diverse habitat provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
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    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the rough, narrow road access and the lack of drinking water at the site.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Juniper Lake Group

    Reviews

    4.2
    20 reviews
    Satisfactory
    Satisfactory
    Juniper Lake Group is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews for Juniper Lake Group Campground highlight its natural beauty, proximity to hiking trails, and access to Juniper Lake for water activities. The road access is frequently noted as challenging, with some reviewers suggesting AWD vehicles.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 20 reviews

    What Campers Love

    The lake's proximity and suitability for swimming and kayaking are praised. One review states, 'Bring your swim suit and kayaks.' Another user said, 'We loved it. Right next to a beautiful creek.'...
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    Based on 20 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The rough and dusty road leading to the campground is a recurring issue noted by users. One reviewer commented, 'Luckily we survived with our Prius, but it was heart pounding. AWD is recommended.'...
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    Based on 20 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Bring your own potable water as none is available on-site. Plan for a challenging drive, with AWD recommended. Pack swimwear and kayaks to enjoy the lake.
    Based on 20 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Reviews suggest that the campground and lake are popular during the warmer months for swimming and hiking. Winter accessibility and activities are not detailed.
    Based on 20 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    1. 'The dirt road to the campsite is quite long and bumpy and terrible with a car that isn’t 4 wheel drive.' 2. 'Lake is clean and beautiful.' 3. 'Sites farther away from the lake are more secluded.'...
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    Based on 20 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No specific site numbers within the group campground were referenced in user reviews.
    Based on 20 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    No reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
    Based on 20 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    Pets are permitted but must be on a 6-foot leash, not left unattended, and are prohibited on park trails.
    Based on 20 reviews

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    Last updated January 13, 2026
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