How much does camping cost at Summit Lake North?

Camping fees at Summit Lake North are $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Summit Lake North first-come first-served or reservation?

Summit Lake North 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 Summit Lake North before I book?

Yes! Summit Lake North has 13 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 Summit Lake North?

Summit Lake North is open June 26 to September 07. 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 Summit Lake North?

Summit Lake North does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Summit Lake North have?

Summit Lake North has 46 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Summit Lake North?

Pets are not allowed at Summit Lake North. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Summit Lake North?

Summit Lake North offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Summit Lake North?

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

Summit Lake North

Q: Can I have a campfire at Summit Lake North?

Fire policies at Summit Lake North: 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.

4.42

220 reviews

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

Top 15% in CASummer

BReport Card

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Open from June 27th ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

46 campsites

Season

Open from June 27th ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Summit Lake North

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

530 595-6121Michelle_DUlisse@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Redding (48 miles, approximately 1-hour drive), Mineral (14 miles south of the park entrance, approximately 20-minute drive).

Weather at Summit Lake North

Current alerts(7)

50 percent discount on camping fees applies only to lifetime pass holders and senior annual pass holders
An entrance fee of $30 per vehicle is required. We highly recommend visitors purchase the park's digital 1-7 day entrance fee or the parks annual pass throught recreation.gov prior to visiting park.
Be bear aware; food and scented products must be stored in the bear lockers provided at each campsite
Campers must have a valid entrance permit or pass before camping

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake North

Best season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access and the most comfortable weather at this 6,700 ft alpine lake — daytime highs typically run 65–81°F with crisp nights around 26–36°F. Trails, boat launches, and campground services (flush toilets, potable water) are all operating, making hiking, swimming, paddling, and wildlife viewing at their peak. Expect more visitors on holiday weekends and mid-July through August is the busiest window, but weekday stays feel quiet and restorative. Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Open and best season: lake warmest, trails accessible; strong positive reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 26 to September 07. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from June 27th to September 8th. Closed from September 24th through June 26th due to snow.

About Summit Lake North

Summit Lake North sits at 6,700 feet in Lassen Volcanic National Park, operated by the National Park Service. This mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers use it as a base for hiking park trails, swimming in the alpine lake, and fishing.

Summit Lake North Campground offers standard nonelectric sites and tent-only nonelectric sites. It is primarily geared toward traditional camping experiences.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the clearest access and the most comfortable weather at this 6,700 ft alpine lake — daytime highs typically run 65–81°F with crisp nights around 26–36°F. Trails, boat launches, and campground services (flush toilets, potable water) are all operating, making hiking, swimming, paddling, and wildlife viewing at their peak. Expect more visitors on holiday weekends and mid-July through August is the busiest window, but weekday stays feel quiet and restorative. Peak months: July, August, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a rare geological junction where the volcanic Cascades, granite Sierra Nevada, and ancient Great Basin floor converge. Summit Lake fills a volcanic depression, its water clear enough to see the bottom. Mountain hemlock forest provides shade across most sites, with Lassen Peak's 10,457-foot cone visible from clearings. Volcanic soils support an ecosystem found nowhere else in California. A short walk leads to the Cluster Lakes loop trail, where a chain of alpine lakes reflects surrounding ridges. The park's geothermal features. Mud pots, fumaroles. Sit within hiking distance, evidence of the dormant volcano beneath.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground focuses on tent and RV sites rather than lodging. No cabins, yurts, or other hotel-style accommodations are provided.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are presented at an amphitheater within the campground. Specific topics are not mentioned, but visitors often enjoy ranger talks.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per site.

Groups

There are no designated group camping sites explicitly mentioned for Summit Lake North.

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 via Recreation.gov website, app, or contact center.

AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible restrooms are available, and campsite A-1 is designated as accessible. However, there are no ADA-specific campsites beyond A-1.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size; some reviewers found them spacious, while others noted limitations. For example, site B17 was described as having privacy on three sides.

PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly across sites. User reviews mentioned that some sites feel cramped and close to neighbors, while a few outer-loop sites provide better privacy.

Total Campsites46 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid campsites near day-use parking areas to reduce disturbances. Choose outer-edge sites for more privacy.

Best CampsitesOuter-loop sites on Loop A offer better privacy and views. Reviewers singled out site A12 as spacious and private. Site B17 has privacy on three sides. Inner sites feel cramped, and some share parking pads.

Need help booking Summit Lake North?

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

There are no electricity, water or sewer hook-ups

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Summit Lake North

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Adjacent to major trailheads (Cluster Lakes loop); used as a base for park trails.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Swimming in Summit Lake is common and well-reviewed; lake is shallow and clear.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Users reported bear and deer sightings; wildlife viewing is noted.

Water Sports4.0/5

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing is available but not a primary draw; limited authoritative mentions.

Cultural and Educational Programs

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5High elevation in Lassen NP and scenic, dark setting suggest good stargazing.

Photography4.5/5Clear lake, Lassen Peak, forest and wildlife create strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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 seasonally. One camper described, "There were bins for trash and recycling, and they accepted all recycling (not just bottles and cans)."

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

4.4

220 reviews

Recommended

Summit Lake North is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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 220 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 220 reviews.

Site B17Loved
Site B17 has privacy on three sides but is next to a pond, which may attract mosquitoes.
Site A12Mentioned
Site A12 is described as large and private but lacking parking space.

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 220 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 220 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 220 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 220 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...

Based on 220 reviews

Accessibility Features

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

Based on 220 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 220 reviews

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Summit Lake North

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530 595-6121Michelle_DUlisse@nps.gov

Nearby Campgrounds

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

Summit Lake South sits at mid-elevation in Lassen Volcanic National Park near Mineral, operated by the National Park Service. The very large campground offers tent, RV, and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers hike park trails, fish and swim in Summit Lake, and stargaze after dark.

Summit Lake North

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake North

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About Summit Lake North

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Current alerts(7)

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake North

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

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Need help booking Summit Lake North?

Amenities available

Things to do at Summit Lake North

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns