Manzanita Lake

Star4.18
615 reviews
LASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100, MINERAL, CA, 96063, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$15 - $26/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

234 campsites

Season

Season Opens: May 16...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens National Park Service 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
Manzanita Lake
$15.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range between $15 and $26 depending on the season. Peak season rates for standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites are $26...
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Standard Site Fee$26.00
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 615 reviews

109 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowerslocationhiking

Some mention

noiseexpensive

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom Redding, California drive 48 miles east on State Highway 44. Turn right into Lassen Volcanic National Park and continue one mile south to Manzanita Lake Campground.
Manzanita Lake Campground is located on paved roads and is one mile south of the park entrance. Accessibility is straightforward, but review mentions that some sites are challenging to level trailers and RVs due to inclines.
Nearby places
Redding, CA: 48 miles east, approximately 1 hour by car.
Nearby supplies
The campground has a general store for basic supplies, ice, and firewood, but reviews mention limited fresh food availability. Additional supplies can be purchased in Redding, CA.

Best Time to Camp at Manzanita Lake

Experience nature's dramatic seasonal theater at Manzanita Lake, where summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for lake activities, while evenings remind you of your mountain elevation with refreshingly cool temperatures that make for perfect sleeping weather. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a canvas of gold and crimson before winter's first snowflakes dust the volcanic peaks. The famously dry California summers mean rain rarely interrupts your adventures, though wise campers always pack an extra layer for those crisp mountain nights.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (May–Oct): warm days ideal for lake activities; reviews note better maintenance then.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into November with scenic fall color; post-Labor Day sees more noise and fewer hosts.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Opens mid-May; spring offers cool days, lake access and fewer crowds early in season, but snow can linger.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is closed Nov 10–May 16 for the reservation season; winter stays not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16, 2025 - October 6, 2025. 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

Nestled in the heart of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Manzanita Lake Campground stands as the park's premier camping destination, where pristine mountain waters meet ancient volcanic landscapes. Here, campers wake to the gentle lapping of Manzanita Lake's crystal-clear waters, perfect for casting a fishing line at dawn or paddling a kayak through morning mist. Scenic trails wind directly from your campsite, inviting exploration of this remarkable wilderness. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with nature, offering flush toilets during the bustling summer months and well-maintained vault facilities when autumn's quiet descends.
Manzanita Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. It does not offer cabin lodging or glamping options.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
12 PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Food storage lockers

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.
HikingHiking trails vary in difficulty, ranging from family-friendly paths around Manzanita Lake to challenging hikes like Bumpass Hell and Lassen Peak. Trails are praised for their accessibility and scenic views.
FishingFishing is permitted at Manzanita Lake under a catch-and-release policy. The lake is popular with fly fishermen.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Manzanita Lake. Kayaks are available for rent near the campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife commonly observed includes deer, ospreys, and bald eagles. The campground also offers opportunities for night sky observation.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsPrograms at the Loomis Museum and amphitheater offer cultural and educational insights into the park's volcanic history and ecosystem.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears, limited water points during off-season, and uneven terrain at some campsites.
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided at each campsite and are easy to use with oversized Allen wrenches.

Weather at Manzanita Lake

Reviews

4.2
615 reviews
Satisfactory
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 615 reviews

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 615 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 615 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 615 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 615 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...
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Based on 615 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site B08 is difficult to level for trailers but offers privacy. Site B39 can accommodate large trailers but lacks shade. Tent-only sites in Loop D are quieter and more spacious.
Based on 615 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible bathrooms and paved roads receive positive feedback. However, some users criticize uneven terrain at specific sites.
Based on 615 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 615 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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