How much does camping cost at Summit Lake South?

Camping fees at Summit Lake South are $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Summit Lake South 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 South before I book?

Yes! Summit Lake South has 10 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 South?

Summit Lake South is open June 26 to September 21. 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 South?

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

How many campsites does Summit Lake South have?

Summit Lake South has 234040 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 South?

Yes, pets are allowed at Summit Lake South. 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 Summit Lake South?

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

What activities can I do at Summit Lake South?

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

Summit Lake South

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

Fire policies at Summit Lake South: 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.

4.37

225 reviews

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

Top 3% in CASummer

C+Report Card

Scenic ViewsStargazingSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park#3 Summer Camping California

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

234040 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Lassen Volcanic National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

234040 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Lassen Volcanic National Park Official Website

Get Directions

Summit Lake South

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00. 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

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Campground Map

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

Summit Lake South

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

Nearby places

Nearby cities include Redding (approximately 48 miles north, about 1 hour drive) and Susanville (approximately 60 miles southeast, about 1.5 hours drive).

Weather at Summit Lake South

Current alerts(8)

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/pass before camping

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake South

Best season: summer. Summer offers full access to Summit Lake South and surrounding trails, with long daylight, warm afternoons (typically 60–75°F) and cool nights (often 30–45°F) ideal for swimming, fishing, and hiking. This is when ranger programs and the amphitheater schedule are active and volcanic features along nearby routes are most easily reached. Crowds are moderate compared with lower-elevation Sierra trailheads, but sites fill quickly—reservations are required (open June 27–Sept 22). Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Best season: summer offers warm days, open trails, swimming and peak visitor satisfaction.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 26 to September 21. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open for reservations from June 27 to September 22, 2025.

About Summit Lake South

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 South offers diverse camping options, including tent-only areas, RV sites, and group camping. Primitive camping is available in the tent-only loop.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers full access to Summit Lake South and surrounding trails, with long daylight, warm afternoons (typically 60–75°F) and cool nights (often 30–45°F) ideal for swimming, fishing, and hiking. This is when ranger programs and the amphitheater schedule are active and volcanic features along nearby routes are most easily reached. Crowds are moderate compared with lower-elevation Sierra trailheads, but sites fill quickly—reservations are required (open June 27–Sept 22). Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits where the Cascade Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Great Basin converge, creating a landscape packed with over 300 volcanic domes. Summit Lake reflects the surrounding alpine forest and provides a centerpiece for the campground. Lassen Peak rises in the distance. Nearby hydrothermal features include bubbling mud pots and steam vents. The terrain mixes alpine meadows with areas recovering from the 2021 Dixie Fire, showing both volcanic geology and forest regeneration in progress.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodge-style accommodations at Summit Lake South; the campground is focused solely on tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesEducational programs are occasionally presented at the amphitheater within the facility, although specific topics and schedules are not detailed.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 7 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Campsites allow up to 6 people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov, including its app and website.

AccessibilityVault toilets and potable water facilities are available, but specific details regarding accessibility for individuals with disabilities are not provided.

Site SizeSite sizes vary, with some accommodating multiple tents and offering spacious layouts. Others are described as cramped or sloped.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by site; some offer seclusion and shade, while others are exposed and closely spaced.

Total Campsites234040 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites with steep parking spaces (e.g., E06) and those with little shade (e.g., E23). Sites near the lake, such as C08 and C09, offer better views and proximity to water.

Best CampsitesLoop D gets praise for quiet and often operates first-come, first-served. Loop C sits closer to Summit Lake and trail access. Some sites accommodate multiple tents with spacious layouts, while others are cramped or sloped.

Need help booking Summit Lake South?

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

Summit Lake South Campground offers a selection of essential amenities in a rustic setting designed to blend with the natural surroundings. Amenities include vault toilets, potable water, campfire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers at each campsite. The campground is equipped with a tent-only loop for added privacy and tranquility.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Summit Lake South

Summit Lake South Campground provides access to a wealth of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, cultural and educational programs are occasionally presented at an amphitheater within the facility.

Hiking4.0/5

Numerous trails (Cluster Lakes loop, day hikes) accessible directly from the campground.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Water Sports4.0/5

Cultural and Educational Programs

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.5/5Lake reflections, volcanic domes, Lassen views and dark skies provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at Summit Lake South Campground. The facility relies on vault toilets, which are frequently noted in user reviews as clean and well-maintained.

Food Storage RequiredEvery campsite includes a bear-proof food storage locker.

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.

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 collection is frequent, and dumpsters are located near the bathrooms. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.

Cell CoverageOne user review mentioned intermittent cell service, with a weak Verizon signal in certain areas of the campground.

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

225 reviews

Recommended

Summit Lake South is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews generally highlight Summit Lake South Campground's beautiful location, cleanliness, proximity to trails, and tranquility. Complaints center on sloped campsites, lack of showers, and crowded conditions in certain loops.

Review Summaries

Based on 225 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 225 reviews.

Site D12Loved
Site D12 was praised for cleanliness and proximity to trails.
Site C10Mentioned
Site C10 and C11 received criticism for being small and sloped.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, proximity to Summit Lake, numerous hiking trails, and excellent stargazing opportunities.

Based on 225 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised by users include sloped and exposed campsites, lack of privacy, and noisy neighbors at some sites. The absence of showers and limited availability of shaded sites are noted.

Based on 225 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing extra warm clothing for chilly nights, headlamps for navigating dark vault toilets, and ample firewood. Swimming in the lake and hiking Echo Lake trails are highly...

Based on 225 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews are overwhelmingly positive due to favorable weather and open trails. Winter camping is not detailed in reviews but heavy snowfall could limit access and activities.

Based on 225 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Summit Lake South is clean, quiet, and beautiful!" "Vault toilets were clean, running water was close to the sites." "The campsites were well-positioned, providing privacy but close to the lake and...

Based on 225 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited, and no specific reviews address experiences of individuals with disabilities.

Based on 225 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Complaints about the pet policy were common; dogs are not allowed on trails or in the lake. "How can dogs not be allowed in wilderness areas?"

Based on 225 reviews

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Summit Lake South

$15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00. 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

256,000+ 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

Go if

You want lake swimming and trail access in Lassen Volcanic National Park without breaking the bank.

Skip if

You need spacious, level sites with privacy or want to avoid light and noise from neighboring campers.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

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 South

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Current alerts(8)

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake South

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Best Campsites

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Need help booking Summit Lake South?

Amenities available

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Policies & Safety

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Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns