Almanor

Star4.46
153 reviews
LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST, ALMANOR, P.O. BOX 767, CHESTER, CA, 96020, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

4,540 ft

Price

$15 - $100/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

120 campsites

Season

Open May 27, 2025 - ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens US Forest 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
Almanor
$15.00 - $100.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $15 per night for walk-to sites to $100 per night for group standard nonelectric sites. Additional reservation fees apply ($8...
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Standard Site Fee$18.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00
Group Site Fee$100.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-258-2141
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What Campers Say

4.46

Recommended

Based on 153 reviews

95 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanrestroomsspaciouslake

Some mention

expensivereservation

"Reviews are largely positive, with users praising the cleanliness of the bathrooms, the helpfulness of the camp host, and the campground's proximity to Lake Almanor. Some users noted drawbacks such as the lack of showers and the rocky beach."

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Campground Map

LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST, ALMANOR, P.O. BOX 767, CHESTER, CA, 96020, USA

Almanor

LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST, ALMANOR, P.O. BOX 767, CHESTER, CA, 96020, USA

Driving directionsFrom Chester, take Highway 36 west to Highway 89 South. Turn left on Highway 89 and continue south about 6 miles, to Almanor Drive West (not to be confused with Almanor West development and Almanor West Drive). Turn left on Almanor Drive West (directly across from the Almanor Group Camp and rest area) and continue approximately 1 mile to Almanor South Campground.
Accessible by paved roads. Directions specify turning onto Almanor Drive West, which is directly across from Almanor Group Camp and rest area. No indication of seasonal closures or challenging terrain.
Nearby places
Chester - 12 miles away (approximately 15-20 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
A smaller convenience store is located down the road. Chester (12 miles away) offers additional stores and services, but reviews mention high prices and limited options in town.

Best Time to Camp at Almanor

The high-country climate here tells a tale of dramatic seasonal shifts, from crystalline winter mornings when frost paints every pine needle to warm summer afternoons perfect for lake adventures. Late spring through early fall unveils the campground's full splendor, though adventurous souls should pack layers even in summer—mountain nights can surprise you with their crisp temperatures. Winter transforms the landscape into a quiet wonderland, though most visitors save their trips for when wildflowers dot the meadows and the lake beckons for afternoon swims.

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

Peak season; reviewers praise water activities, boating, swimming and bike/hike trail use in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Autumn brings golden understory and pleasant weather for trails and lakeside views.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring wildflowers and meadows noted, but early spring may still have snow; season opens late May.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground season closed outside late May–early Sept; winter visits require snow prep and limited facilities.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 27, 2025 - September 5, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open May 27, 2025 - September 5, 2025 (reservable season starts June 24, 2025).
  • Current Alerts: Some fire damage and ongoing recovery from the Dixie Fire are noted in user reviews, but the campground itself remains unaffected.

About Almanor

Nestled along the pristine shores of Lake Almanor, this beloved family campground offers an authentic slice of Northern California paradise. With 120 thoughtfully spaced campsites winding through towering pines, visitors can choose between intimate single-family spots or larger group gathering areas perfect for reunions and celebrations. While the campground embraces a back-to-basics approach without hookups, guests consistently praise the tranquil atmosphere, generous site spacing, and immaculately maintained facilities that make disconnecting from the digital world feel like a luxury rather than a sacrifice.
The campground offers both tent and RV camping, with no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Group sites are also available.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
  • Maximum stay limit is unclear
  • average for similar campgrounds is 14 days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Almanor Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Lake Almanor provides ample opportunities for water sports, such as paddleboarding and sailing. Biking enthusiasts can enjoy the 11-mile Lake Almanor Recreation Trail, which is accessible from the campground.
HikingThe Lake Almanor Recreation Trail stretches approximately 11 miles along the lake's west shore and offers excellent views of Dyer Mountain and Lassen Peak. It is open to all non-motorized activities.
FishingThe lake and nearby streams support fishing for trout, bass, salmon, and catfish. One reviewer mentioned fishing tributaries, though experiences varied regarding success.
SwimmingThe lake offers swimming opportunities, but the adjacent beach is noted to be 'full of volcanic rock,' so swim shoes are recommended for comfort.
BikingThe paved Lake Almanor Recreation Trail runs through the campground and along the lake for 11 miles. It features manageable hills and is suitable for families.
BoatingA free boat ramp is available near the campground. Boaters can enjoy sailing, water skiing, and other water-based activities on the 28,000-acre lake.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of chipmunks and other small animals. However, users have reported reduced wildlife due to recent fires.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears (confirmed by reviews), chipmunks raiding campsites, and rocky beaches that require swim shoes.
Active AlertsSome fire damage and ongoing recovery from the Dixie Fire are noted in user reviews, but the campground itself remains unaffected.

Weather at Almanor

Reviews

4.5
153 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Almanor is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are largely positive, with users praising the cleanliness of the bathrooms, the helpfulness of the camp host, and the campground's proximity to Lake Almanor. Some users noted drawbacks such as the lack of showers and the rocky beach.
Review Summaries
Based on 153 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, spacious campsites, a helpful camp host, and proximity to Lake Almanor are frequently mentioned positives. 'The campgrounds were very clean,' one user said, and another noted, 'The...
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Based on 153 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include the lack of showers, the rocky beach, and some confusion with directions and reservations. 'No showers, which would be a great addition,' one camper stated. Another user...
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Based on 153 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring swim shoes to navigate the rocky beach. Consider visiting during the week to avoid crowds. Purchase supplies in advance as nearby stores are expensive.
Based on 153 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with campers appreciating water activities. Winter visits require preparation for snow and limited facilities.
Based on 153 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The bathrooms were very well maintained with a light inside and fresh paint.' 'The camp host was very helpful and willing to help with whatever you need.' 'The boat ramp was about a 3-minute drive...
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Based on 153 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #5 received mixed reviews, with one camper noting, 'Worst site due to lack of shade and no table.' Site #50 is praised for its proximity to the lake.
Based on 153 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campground provides accessible vault toilets, but other accessibility features are not explicitly detailed.
Based on 153 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but owners must keep them on a leash. 'Dog-friendly, but they ask you to keep them leashed,' one review noted.
Based on 153 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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