Manzanita Lake Group Campground

Star4.32
228 reviews
P.O. Box 100, Mineral, CA 96063, USA
Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

$72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

179 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

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 Group Campground
$72.00 - $72.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group Standard Nonelectric sites have a fixed nightly rate of $72 during peak season.
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$72.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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

4.32

Recommended

Based on 228 reviews

273 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanlakewell-maintained

Some mention

noise

"User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient amenities of Manzanita Lake Group Campground. Many praise its cleanliness, proximity to the lake, and accessible hiking trails. However, some common complaints include lack of privacy in centrally located sites, expensive firewood, and disruptive behavior during peak seasons."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Manzanita Lake Group Campground

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

Driving directionsFrom Redding, California, take State Highway 48 miles east. Turn right into Lassen Volcanic National Park and continue one mile south to Manzanita Lake Campground. Proceed to Loop B and go west to the back side of the loop where the group campsites are located.
Accessible from major roads, primarily paved; no mention of significant navigation challenges provided.
Nearby places
Redding, CA (48 miles east)
Mineral, CA (approximately 5 miles south)
other distances not explicitly stated.
Nearby supplies
Camp store available on-site offering souvenirs, food, firewood, and basic camping supplies
nearby Loomis Museum also provides information
general store mentioned in reviews for broader access to goods.

Best Time to Camp at Manzanita Lake Group Campground

Perched at 5,900 feet, this mountain sanctuary delivers crisp, star-filled nights that remind you why you packed that extra fleece. Spring visitors often discover a delightful surprise—occasional snow dustings that transform the landscape into a temporary wonderland. Summer brings gloriously warm days perfect for lake activities, though mountain weather keeps things refreshingly unpredictable. Pack layers and embrace the alpine climate that makes every sunset spectacular and every morning invigorating.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Busiest season with full access to trails, lake activities and facilities; high review praise.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open in early fall with peak season Sept–Oct; good weather and quiet compared to mid-summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Open from mid-May but spring can include lingering snow and variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonal; snow affects access and many facilities close in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 16 - June 23, 2025, and September 2 - October 6, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations May 16, 2025, to October 6, 2025, excluding out-of-season periods from June 23, 2025, to September 2, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: No active advisories mentioned, but reviews note closures due to snow or fire.

About Manzanita Lake Group Campground

Nestled within Loop B of Lassen Volcanic National Park's largest campground, Manzanita Lake Group Campground offers an extraordinary basecamp for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. Wake up to mirror-like reflections of majestic Lassen Peak across the pristine waters of Manzanita Lake, where endless hiking trails beckon and family memories await. This western gateway to volcanic wonders combines convenient access with breathtaking natural beauty, making it the perfect launching point for exploring one of California's most dramatic landscapes.
The campground supports a variety of camping styles, from primitive walk-in sites to RV camping and group sites. Cabins are also available for rent during certain seasons.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in times are not explicitly mentioned.
Check-out
Check-out times are not explicitly mentioned.
Stay Limit
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

Activities at Manzanita Lake Group Campground include hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. Educational programs and ranger-led presentations are available at the nearby Loomis Museum and amphitheater. "The lake was great for fishing and kayaking,” noted one user. Hiking trails around the lake provide picturesque views, such as Lassen Peak’s reflection in the water, which is a favorite spot for photographers.
HikingThe campground provides access to over 150 miles of hiking trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park. Trails range from family-friendly to challenging options for experienced hikers. "Take a couple hours to hike around Manzanita Lake—it’s worth it!" noted a camper.
FishingManzanita Lake is a popular fishing destination with a catch-and-release policy. Trout are commonly found, and barbless hooks are required. "Although we didn’t catch any, we wish we would’ve," said one camper. Rangers enforce state fishing regulations.
SwimmingSwimming in Manzanita Lake is permitted, but it’s noted to be chilly. "You can swim too, but it is chilly!" remarked a user review.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is allowed on Manzanita Lake, with kayak rentals available nearby. "Boat rentals and fishing on the lake," noted one review.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is surrounded by Jeffrey and ponderosa pines, creating ideal habitats for wildlife. River otters and eagles are often spotted near the lake. "One night we even saw an eagle circle in the lake looking for dinner," shared a camper.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsRanger-led educational programs and presentations are conducted twice daily at the Loomis Museum. Topics include the park’s volcanic history and native flora and fauna.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears and mosquitos are common; users advise carrying bug spray. Extreme cold and snowfall can occur during shoulder seasons.
Active AlertsNo active advisories mentioned, but reviews note closures due to snow or fire.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers provided at each site; essential for storing food and scented items.

Weather at Manzanita Lake Group Campground

Reviews

4.3
228 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Manzanita Lake Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty, family-friendly atmosphere, and convenient amenities of Manzanita Lake Group Campground. Many praise its cleanliness, proximity to the lake, and accessible hiking trails. However, some common complaints include lack of privacy in centrally located sites, expensive firewood, and disruptive behavior during peak seasons.
Review Summaries
Based on 228 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mention clean facilities, scenic lake views, well-maintained trails, and the camping store’s wide selection, including soft serve ice cream and souvenirs.
Based on 228 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include lack of privacy, noise from crowded loops, expensive amenities such as firewood and showers, and inconsistent enforcement of quiet hours. "It was $15 for a bundle of firewood that...
Show more
Based on 228 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend booking reservations early, especially during peak season. "Be sure to pick up a waffle cone while you are there," one camper advised. Campers should pack bug spray due to mosquitos...
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Based on 228 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the campground is busiest during summer months, with some facilities closed during the off-season. Winter camping is also noted to be cold, with snow affecting usability.
Based on 228 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Showers are unlimited time, so soak it up." "The sunsets on that lake are phenomenal." "Manzanita Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in Lassen."
Based on 228 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #23 in Loop A mentioned as having good parking for RVs. Site #14 noted as pleasant but noisy due to generators and kids.
Based on 228 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews about accessibility features were mentioned.
Based on 228 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. "Pets require a 6 foot leash and may not be left unattended."
Based on 228 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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