How much does camping cost at Manzanita Lake Group Campground?

Camping fees at Manzanita Lake Group Campground range from $72/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Manzanita Lake Group 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 Manzanita Lake Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Manzanita Lake Group Campground has 15 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 Group Campground?

Manzanita Lake Group Campground is open May 15 to October 05. 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 Group Campground?

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

How many campsites does Manzanita Lake Group Campground have?

Manzanita Lake Group Campground has 179 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 Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Manzanita Lake Group 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 Manzanita Lake Group Campground?

Manzanita Lake Group Campground 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 Group Campground?

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

Manzanita Lake Group Campground

4.28

228 reviews

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

Top 11% in CAFall

Scenic ViewsStargazingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping California#3 Group Camping California Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park +1 more

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

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

$72/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

179 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Manzanita Lake Group Campground

$72.00 - $72.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $72.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$72.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-595-6121Michelle_DUlisse@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Manzanita Lake Group Campground

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

Nearby places

Redding, CA (48 miles east)

Mineral, CA (approximately 5 miles south)

other distances not explicitly stated.

Weather at Manzanita Lake Group Campground

Best Time to Camp at Manzanita Lake Group Campground

Best season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest air, calmest winds and the best chance for mirror-like reflections of Lassen Peak on Manzanita Lake, with cooler days perfect for hiking and photography. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F (7–18°C) and nights often dip below freezing, producing crisp mornings and brilliant color in high-elevation shrubs and aspen pockets. Fishing, mellow paddling, and quieter trails are at their peak as summer crowds thin and the park feels more solitary Peak months: September, August, July, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Clearest air, calm winds, mirror-like reflections and excellent photography/stargazing conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15 to October 05. 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.

About Manzanita Lake Group Campground

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.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall delivers the clearest air, calmest winds and the best chance for mirror-like reflections of Lassen Peak on Manzanita Lake, with cooler days perfect for hiking and photography. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F (7–18°C) and nights often dip below freezing, producing crisp mornings and brilliant color in high-elevation shrubs and aspen pockets. Fishing, mellow paddling, and quieter trails are at their peak as summer crowds thin and the park feels more solitary Peak months: September, August, July, May Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5900 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryJeffrey and ponderosa pines tower over the campground, their vanilla-scented bark distinctive in the mountain air. Manzanita Lake reflects Lassen Peak on calm days, especially during fall mornings when conditions are ideal for photography. The park sits at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Great Basin, creating diverse habitats from alpine meadows to dense forest. Active hydrothermal features, including mud pots and steam vents, bubble throughout the surrounding landscape. Over 300 volcanic domes shape the terrain. Wildlife is common. Squirrels, eagles, and other species thrive in this volcanic ecosystem. Wildflowers appear in meadows during spring and early summer, while rocky outcroppings mark the paths of ancient lava flows.

Lodging & AccommodationsBesides group campsites, the campground offers cabins for rent, including bunkhouses that accommodate up to eight people and smaller double cabins for two. "Stayed in 2 different cabins—the bunkhouse and a double," said a reviewer. Cabins are noted as clean but with firm mattresses, prompting some campers to bring sleeping pads.

Programs & ActivitiesRanger-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.

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

Sites accommodate up to 15 persons.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate up to 15 people and four vehicles. However, "These group sites are not set up for a group," noted one camper, as they lacked communal areas like shared tables.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessible camping options include food storage lockers for bear safety and well-maintained trails near Manzanita Lake. However, little specific information regarding ADA-compliant facilities was found.

Site SizeSite sizes include small back-in spots, pull-throughs, and larger group areas. "Pull-through sites are very short with tight curves," reported a user.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary greatly across the campground. "If you stay on the main part of the loop, expect to not have much privacy," wrote one camper. "Most outer rings would be best" for solitude, noted another.

Total Campsites179 campsites

Recommended SitesOuter loops offer privacy; inner loops appeal to families due to proximity to amenities. Reviews suggest avoiding crowded central areas for solitude.

Best CampsitesSite B2 sits close to restrooms and the lake. B14 offers quieter surroundings. Outer loops provide more privacy than the main loop, where sites are tighter and less secluded.

Need help booking Manzanita Lake Group Campground?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The Manzanita Lake Group Campground offers a range of amenities for campers. Each campsite is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings, and food storage lockers. Flush toilets, showers, and potable water are provided. A camp host is on-site to assist visitors. The campground is conveniently located one mile south of the northern park entrance, close to the Loomis Museum, Loomis Ranger Station, and popular hiking trails. "Bathrooms were flush toilets and extremely clean," according to a user review. "Showers, laundry, and flush toilets,” were also noted in another review. However, some reviews mention issues with cleanliness during peak traffic times, such as "comfort station restrooms...littered with toilet paper and dirty."

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof food lockers provided at each site; essential for storing food and scented items.

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.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are widely available throughout the campground, and multiple areas for trash disposal were praised in reviews. Recycling options were not specifically mentioned in the source materials.

Cell CoverageMultiple reviews highlight the lack of cell phone reception at the campground. "No cell phone reception was a bummer," stated one review, while another mentioned finding a signal after driving east on Highway 89 for two miles. "Reception is far and few between," said a camper.

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

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

228 reviews

Satisfactory

Manzanita Lake Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 228 reviews.

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

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...

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...

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

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want established facilities, lake recreation, and hiking access in Lassen Volcanic National Park with group or family camping options.

Skip if

You need solitude and quiet, as the campground experiences generator noise and crowding during busy periods.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

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.