How much does camping cost at Manzanita Lake?

Camping fees at Manzanita Lake range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Manzanita Lake first-come first-served or reservation?

Manzanita Lake 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 Manzanita Lake before I book?

Yes! Manzanita Lake has 11 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 Manzanita Lake?

Manzanita Lake is open May 15 to November 09. 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 Manzanita Lake?

Yes, Manzanita Lake has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Manzanita Lake have?

Manzanita Lake has 234 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Manzanita Lake?

Yes, pets are allowed at Manzanita Lake. 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 Manzanita Lake?

Manzanita Lake offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Manzanita Lake?

Popular activities at Manzanita Lake include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Manzanita Lake

Q: Can I have a campfire at Manzanita Lake?

Fire policies at Manzanita Lake: Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.18

622 reviews

LASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100, MINERAL, CA, 96063, USA

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

234 campsites

Season

Season Opens: May 16...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

234 campsites

Season

Season Opens: May 16...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Manzanita Lake

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530 595-6121Michelle_DUlisse@nps.gov

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Manzanita Lake

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Campground Map

LASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100, MINERAL, CA, 96063, USA

Manzanita Lake

LASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100, MINERAL, CA, 96063, USA

Nearby places

Redding, CA: 48 miles east, approximately 1 hour by car.

Weather at Manzanita Lake

Current alerts(7)

An entrance fee of $30 per vehicle is required. We highly recommend purchasing a digital pass through Rec.gov
Be bear aware; food and scented products must be stored in the bear lockers provided at each campsite
Campsites are limited to 3 tents, 6 people and 2 vehicles (including RV) per site.
Motorized boats are not permitted on the lake

Best Time to Camp at Manzanita Lake

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably warm, snow-free access and full services at Manzanita Lake — daytime highs are typically in the 70s–low 80s°F with crisp nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s, making lake paddling, shoreline fishing, and high-elevation hikes comfortable. Trails to volcanic features and Lassen Peak are generally clear by late June–July, ranger programs and full campground services are operating, and you’ll have the best window for boating and wildlife viewing. Expect the Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season; pleasant daytime temps, trails clear and reviews report better maintenance and fewer complaints.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to November 09. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Season Opens: May 16, 2025, and closes November 10, 2025 (reservable period ends October 6, 2025).

About Manzanita Lake

Manzanita Lake sits in Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral, operated by the National Park Service as a seasonal basecamp for exploring volcanic terrain. The very large campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, showers, a dump station, and a camp store in mid-elevation forest. Campers fish and paddle the lake, hike to Lassen Peak and geothermal features, and gather for ranger programs under dark skies.

Manzanita Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. It does not offer cabin lodging or glamping options.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliably warm, snow-free access and full services at Manzanita Lake — daytime highs are typically in the 70s–low 80s°F with crisp nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s, making lake paddling, shoreline fishing, and high-elevation hikes comfortable. Trails to volcanic features and Lassen Peak are generally clear by late June–July, ranger programs and full campground services are operating, and you’ll have the best window for boating and wildlife viewing. Expect the Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLassen Peak, the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range, rises directly above the campground. The lake itself sits in a landscape where three mountain ranges converge: the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and Great Basin. Jeffrey and ponderosa pines shade most sites, and the surrounding volcanic terrain includes mud pots, steam vents, and mineral deposits left by ongoing geothermal activity. Deer browse through camp at dusk. Osprey fish the lake. The elevation means crisp nights even in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal lodging accommodations like a hotel-style lodge are mentioned. The campground primarily supports tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesPrograms at the Loomis Museum and amphitheater offer cultural and educational insights into the park's volcanic history and ecosystem.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites are limited to 3 tents, 6 people, and 2 vehicles (including RV) per site.

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 through Recreation.gov and its mobile app.

AccessibilityAccessible sites are available. Bathrooms are equipped with accessible flush and vault toilets. Bear lockers are easy to operate, and paved roads enhance accessibility.

Site SizeSites vary in size, accommodating tents and RVs. Some sites are spacious while others are close together, limiting privacy.

PrivacyPrivacy varies greatly between campsites. Outer-loop sites are described as quieter and more secluded, while inner-loop sites have little to no privacy.

Total Campsites234 campsites

Recommended SitesSite A10 offers deep shade, while site B39 is suitable for trailers under 28 ft. Sites in Loop C tend to be quieter.

Best CampsitesOuter-loop sites like C21 offer better privacy and quieter conditions. Inner-loop sites pack campers close together with minimal screening. Loop D works well for tents, while Loop A accommodates RVs and trailers more easily. Reserve early to secure spots on the outer loops.

Need help booking Manzanita Lake?

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

Manzanita Lake Campground offers a variety of basic amenities. It is equipped with pay showers, flush toilets (seasonally available), and vault toilets outside peak seasons. Additionally, potable water is available during summer months. Amenities also include picnic tables, fire rings, a camp store, and a general store selling firewood and basic supplies. The campground roads are paved, and bear lockers are provided at every site. Laundry facilities are available near the camp store. Cellular service and internet are not available, and gas stations provide only regular gas. These facilities have received varied reviews from users; some commend their availability and convenience, while others highlight maintenance concerns, such as unclean showers and bathrooms.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Manzanita Lake Campground offers diverse recreational activities. These include hiking, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs. Campers also enjoy stargazing and exploring trails around Manzanita Lake.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided at each campsite and are easy to use with oversized Allen wrenches.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling bins are available throughout the campground and are regularly emptied. Dishwashing sinks are located near restroom facilities.

Cell CoverageNo cell phone service is available in the Manzanita Lake area. Users recommend traveling outside the campground for connectivity.

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

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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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

622 reviews

Satisfactory

Manzanita Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present a mixed picture. Positive feedback highlights the campground's cleanliness, amenities, and proximity to scenic sites. Criticisms include poor maintenance, lack of privacy, and inadequate enforcement of noise policies.

Review Summaries

Based on 622 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 622 reviews.

Loop DLoved
Tent-only sites in Loop D are quieter and more spacious.
Site B08Mentioned
Site B08 is difficult to level for trailers but offers privacy.
Site B39Issues noted
Site B39 can accommodate large trailers but lacks shade.

What Campers Love

Many users praised the clean facilities, availability of showers, and convenient location near Manzanita Lake. Hiking trails and stargazing opportunities are widely appreciated.

Based on 622 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative reviews focus on crowded sites, noise issues, and unclean bathrooms. Some users reported a lack of camp hosts and maintenance, as well as high prices for firewood and showers.

Based on 622 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash for firewood and gas. Reserve sites in advance to secure spots in quieter outer loops. Leveling blocks are essential for trailers and RVs due to uneven terrain.

Based on 622 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest fewer noise complaints and better maintenance during peak summer months. After Labor Day, lack of camp hosts leads to increased noise and rule violations.

Based on 622 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Manzanita Lake Campground is well positioned and nicely maintained." - Leah W. "Showers were nasty and not cleaned the whole week we were there." - Judy H. "The trail around the lake was easy and...

Based on 622 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible bathrooms and paved roads receive positive feedback. However, some users criticize uneven terrain at specific sites.

Based on 622 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and are not permitted on trails. Some users reported campers violating pet policies.

Based on 622 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a full-service basecamp for exploring Lassen's volcanic landscape with convenient lake access and ranger programs.

Skip if

You need privacy and solitude or want to avoid crowds during peak summer months.

Nearby Campgrounds

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4.3

(228)

Manzanita Lake Group Campground

P.O. Box 100, Mineral, CA 96063, USA

Manzanita Lake Group Campground sits in Lassen Volcanic National Park at mid-elevation forest, operated by the National Park Service. The campground offers tent sites, RV spaces, group camping, and cabins with access to showers, flush toilets, a dump station, and a camp store. Visitors hike park trails, fish and boat on Manzanita Lake, and photograph Lassen Peak's reflections from the shoreline.