Summit Lake South

Star4.36
196 reviews
LASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100 MINERAL, CA 96063 USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,700 ft

Price

$15 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

234040 campsites

Season

Open for reservation...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Lassen Volcanic National Park 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 South
$15.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates are $22 per night for all sites (standard and tent-only). During non-peak season, rates drop to $15 per night. Displayed rates...
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
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

4.36

Recommended

Based on 196 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanhikinglake

Some mention

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"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."

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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

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.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Some user reviews noted concerns about seasonal conditions, especially runoff from snowmelt, which can impact parking areas and site slopes.
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).
Nearby supplies
The nearest supplies can be found at Manzanita Lake Campground Store, located approximately 14 miles north of Summit Lake South on the main park road. It provides soft-serve ice cream, basic camping supplies, and firewood. Fuel is available in nearby towns like Redding or Susanville.

Best Time to Camp at Summit Lake South

Experience the magic of high-altitude camping where summer days bring gentle warmth and star-filled nights remind you to pack that extra layer. At over 6,000 feet, evening temperatures can dip surprisingly low even in July and August, creating perfect conditions for cozy campfire gatherings. Early season visitors should note that lingering snowmelt and winter's heavy snowpack may affect access and conditions well into late spring, adding an element of alpine adventure to your stay.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
5.0 / 5
Top 2% in CA

Open and praised in summer; 'overwhelmingly positive' reviews during open season and accessible trails.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into late Sept; early fall likely pleasant though season short and some closures begin.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Campground typically closed in spring; snowpack and access issues likely until late June openings.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Heavy snowfall limits access; campground closed outside June–Sept reservation window.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 27, 2025 - September 8, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open for reservations from June 27 to September 22, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Post-2021 Dixie Fire recovery efforts are visible in certain parts of the campground, with burnt zones near Summit Lake.

About Summit Lake South

Discover your perfect mountain retreat at Summit Lake South Campground, where tranquility meets adventure at 6,700 feet in the heart of Lassen Volcanic National Park. This hidden gem offers a peaceful escape from the crowds while keeping you close to crystalline Summit Lake and miles of scenic hiking trails. Wake up to crisp mountain air, spend your days exploring volcanic wonders, and wind down with evening programs at the amphitheater. Well-appointed with vault toilets, fresh drinking water, bear-proof lockers, and campfire rings, this campground provides all the essentials for an unforgettable wilderness experience without sacrificing comfort.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 7 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

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.
HikingHiking trails abound around Summit Lake South, including the Cluster Lakes loop trail, popular among birders. The campground is conveniently located near the Lassen Peak Trail and is within 10 miles of the hydrothermal area, Bumpass Hell. Echo Lake and Twin Lakes trails are highly recommended by reviewers.
FishingFishing opportunities are available at Summit Lake, where the tranquil waters are conducive to catching local fish species.
SwimmingSwimming is popular at Summit Lake, especially after hikes, as noted by multiple reviewers. The lake is described as refreshing but not too cold.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer and occasionally bears, as noted by campers. One review recounts a bear sighting near the meadow.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsEducational programs are occasionally presented at the amphitheater within the facility, although specific topics and schedules are not detailed.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCampers should be aware of wildlife such as bears and occasional mountain lions. Vault toilets lack lighting, so campers should bring headlamps.
Active AlertsPost-2021 Dixie Fire recovery efforts are visible in certain parts of the campground, with burnt zones near Summit Lake.
Food Storage RequiredEvery campsite includes a bear-proof food storage locker.

Weather at Summit Lake South

Reviews

4.4
196 reviews
Recommended
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 196 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, proximity to Summit Lake, numerous hiking trails, and excellent stargazing opportunities.
Based on 196 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 196 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...
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Based on 196 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 196 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...
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Based on 196 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site C10 and C11 received criticism for being small and sloped. Site D12 was praised for cleanliness and proximity to trails.
Based on 196 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are limited, and no specific reviews address experiences of individuals with disabilities.
Based on 196 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 196 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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