Summit Lake North

Star4.25
204 reviews
LASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA
StargazingSwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$15 - $24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Open from June 27th ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

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
Summit Lake North
$15.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 (during dry camping when water is unavailable) to $24 during peak season. Discounts of 50% apply to Interagency Senior and...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 204 reviews

35 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglakefriendly

"User reviews for Summit Lake North are generally positive, emphasizing the campground's scenic beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to park attractions. Some negative aspects include complaints about campsite layout and maintenance issues during busy periods."

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Campground Map

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

Summit Lake North

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

Driving directionsFrom Redding, California take State Highway 44 east approximately 48 miles to the Manzanita Lake entrance of the park. The campground is 14 miles south of the entrance on the main park road.
Summit Lake North Campground is located on the main road through Lassen Volcanic National Park, offering paved access. However, seasonal closures affect road accessibility, such as Hwy 89 being closed at Bumpass Hell parking area and Devastated Area due to snow and plowing operations.
Nearby places
Redding (48 miles, approximately 1-hour drive), Mineral (14 miles south of the park entrance, approximately 20-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies can be found at the Manzanita Lake area, 14 miles north of the campground, including firewood, basic groceries, and camping essentials.

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake North

Summer transforms this high-altitude paradise into a temperate haven, with daytime temperatures climbing to a comfortable 65-81°F—ideal for hiking and swimming. As darkness falls, the mountain air cools dramatically to 26-36°F, creating perfect sleeping weather under a blanket of stars. While Lassen's dramatic peaks hold their snow crowns well into July, the campground itself emerges snow-free by June, extending your camping season in this alpine wonderland.

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

Open June 27–Sep 8; summer temps ideal for swimming, hiking and lake activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Limited early-fall access (open into early Sept); fall experiences are short-lived.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Closed through late June; spring camping not available at this site.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Closed from Sep 24 through Jun 26 due to snow; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 27th to September 8th annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from June 27th to September 8th. Closed from September 24th through June 26th due to snow.
  • Current Alerts: Portions of the Lassen National Park Highway are closed due to snow and plowing operations, and the Bumpass Hell Trail is seasonally closed due to snow hazards.

About Summit Lake North

Perched beside the crystalline waters of Summit Lake, this spectacular campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park offers adventurers a gateway to one of California's most dramatic volcanic landscapes. Loops A and B nestle among towering conifers, providing campers with modern amenities including flush toilets and potable water, while maintaining that authentic wilderness feel. Days here begin with sunrise reflections on the lake and end with starlit skies, with countless hiking trails beckoning explorers to discover hidden waterfalls, volcanic wonders, and alpine meadows. The inviting swimming area at Summit Lake provides the perfect respite after a day of mountain adventures.
Summit Lake North Campground offers standard nonelectric sites and tent-only nonelectric sites. It is primarily geared toward traditional camping experiences.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out ends at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Summit Lake North Campground is praised for its proximity to outdoor activities, including hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The campground is centrally located within Lassen Volcanic National Park, making it a convenient base for exploring the park's attractions.
HikingThe campground is located near one of the park's major trailheads, including the Cluster Lakes loop trail, which offers views of alpine lakes and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Multiple reviewers have highlighted the ease of accessing trails directly from the campground.
SwimmingSwimming in Summit Lake is common and well-reviewed. According to user feedback, the lake is shallow at the shore, making it ideal for children. One camper noted, "The Lake is clean and not deep. It's perfect for those rugrats that want to venture out on a kayak for the first time or go swimming."
BoatingKayaking and paddleboarding are popular in Summit Lake. One reviewer stated, "Summit Lake is a fabulous lake for swimming and kayaking."
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a noted feature of the campground. A user reported seeing a bear and deer during their stay.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational programs are presented at an amphitheater within the campground. Specific topics are not mentioned, but visitors often enjoy ranger talks.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears, wildlife habituated to humans, and a nearby pond that may attract mosquitoes during late summer.
Active AlertsPortions of the Lassen National Park Highway are closed due to snow and plowing operations, and the Bumpass Hell Trail is seasonally closed due to snow hazards.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided at each site and are essential for food and scented product storage.

Weather at Summit Lake North

Reviews

4.3
204 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Summit Lake North is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Summit Lake North are generally positive, emphasizing the campground's scenic beauty, clean facilities, and proximity to park attractions. Some negative aspects include complaints about campsite layout and maintenance issues during busy periods.
Review Summaries
Based on 204 reviews

What Campers Love

- Clean and well-maintained bathrooms - Proximity to Summit Lake and hiking trails - Scenic and serene environment - User-friendly amenities like bear lockers and dishwashing stations
Based on 204 reviews

Common Concerns

- Campsites are close together, leading to limited privacy - Maintenance issues with restrooms during busy weekends - Campsites on sloped terrain or with limited tent space
Based on 204 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Choose outer-loop sites for more privacy - Keep food secured in bear lockers - Consider camping during off-peak periods for a quieter experience - Bring your own firewood, as it is not sold on-site
Based on 204 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summit Lake North is most popular during peak summer months when the lake is warm and trails are easily accessible. Winter closures limit camping opportunities.
Based on 204 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Bathrooms were excellent with actual flushers." - James G. - "The campsites are close enough together that you should anticipate people walking through your campsite." - Sarah Z. - "Summit Lake is...
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Based on 204 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site A12 is described as large and private but lacking parking space. Site B17 has privacy on three sides but is next to a pond, which may attract mosquitoes.
Based on 204 reviews

Accessibility Features

Site A-1 is wheelchair-accessible and all restrooms are ADA-compliant. No additional accessibility features are noted.
Based on 204 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed. One review mentioned concerns about campers bringing large dogs into backcountry trails illegally.
Based on 204 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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