How much does camping cost at Almanor?

Camping fees at Almanor range from $15-$100/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Almanor first-come first-served or reservation?

Almanor 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 Almanor before I book?

Yes! Almanor has 8 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 Almanor?

Almanor is open May 27 to September 05. 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 Almanor?

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

Can I have a campfire at Almanor?

Fire policies at Almanor: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Almanor have?

Almanor has 120 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Almanor?

Yes, pets are allowed at Almanor. 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 Almanor?

Almanor 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 Almanor?

Popular activities at Almanor include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Almanor

4.39

153 reviews

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

Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on US Forest Service Official Website

Get Directions

Almanor

$15.00 - $100.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-SITE 053: $36.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $100.00; MANAGEMENT: $18.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $18.00; Scan & Pay...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$100.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-258-2141

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Chester - 12 miles away (approximately 15-20 minutes drive).

Weather at Almanor

Current alerts(5)

Bears frequent this area, please store food properly. For more information visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Keep-Me-Wild/Bear
Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest
Click here for more information on the Lassen National Forest
Limited parking is available. Most sites can accomodate 1 RV or two cars. Please keep all vehicles on pavement in parking spur.

Best Time to Camp at Almanor

Best season: summer. Summer offers full use of Lake Almanor—warm, sunny days and all water-access activities at their peak. Expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s°F, ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and long evening campfires. Note that the campground is busiest on July/August weekends and that reservations begin June 24, so book early for holiday weekends. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Prime season for swimming, boating and hiking; warm days, popular and fills weekends.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 27 to September 05. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 27, 2025 - September 5, 2025 (reservable season starts June 24, 2025).

About Almanor

Almanor is a US Forest Service campground in Lassen National Forest near Chester, offering direct access to Lake Almanor's swimming, boating, and fishing. This large, mid-elevation site provides tent, RV, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Reviewers praise the spacious sites, clean facilities, and helpful camp hosts, making it a popular base for summer water recreation and wildlife viewing.

The campground offers both tent and RV camping, with no electrical, water, or sewer hookups. Group sites are also available.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers full use of Lake Almanor—warm, sunny days and all water-access activities at their peak. Expect daytime highs in the mid-70s to low-80s°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s°F, ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, and long evening campfires. Note that the campground is busiest on July/August weekends and that reservations begin June 24, so book early for holiday weekends. Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4540 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a transition zone where dense conifer forests meet flowering meadows. Volcanic rocks worn smooth over millions of years form tide pools and hidden coves along the shoreline, interrupted by sandy stretches. Spring and summer bring lupines, paintbrush, and mule's ears to the meadows. Views stretch to Dyer Mountain and distant Lassen Peak. Deer and osprey frequent the area. The beach combines rocky sections with sand, creating varied terrain for exploration.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or accommodations are available within the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is unclear
average for similar campgrounds is 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most sites accommodate 1 RV or two cars. Guest limits unspecified.

Groups

Group sites accommodate larger gatherings, but specific limits on guests and vehicles are not detailed.

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 or app), contact center, or in-person scan and pay.

AccessibilityCampground offers accessible vault toilets and parking, but further accessibility details are lacking.

Site SizeCampsites are described as 'large,' with sufficient space for tents and vehicles. 'Our site had a 40 ft back-in driveway sufficient for a truck and boat,' a user review highlighted.

PrivacyThe sites are moderately spaced apart, offering some privacy. 'The campsites are really large and spread out,' one user stated, noting that some sites offer more privacy than others.

Total Campsites120 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid Campsite #5 due to lack of shade and convenience. Consider sites near restrooms or meadows for spaciousness and comfort.

Best CampsitesSite #50 gets close to the lake. Site #13 earns praise for being flat and clean. Reviews note that some sites offer more privacy than others, so study the map when booking.

Need help booking Almanor?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Almanor Campground provides a wide range of amenities to cater to campers. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground features accessible vault toilets, drinking water, and limited parking. 'The bathrooms were very well maintained,' according to a user. 'Water supply everywhere,' another review noted, highlighting the convenience of nearby water spouts. However, there are no shower facilities on-site, which has been a common point of mention by reviewers. 'No sink or shower,' one stated, while another remarked, 'Showers would be an excellent addition.' For RV campers, there are no hookups available, and firewood must be brought or gathered, as there is no explicit confirmation of on-site purchase availability. Additionally, the campground lacks a formal dump station within the grounds, though one is available nearby. Cell phone reception and Wi-Fi are similarly not documented.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available within the campground. Vault toilets are provided instead.

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.

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

153 reviews

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...

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...

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

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...

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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Go if

You want Lake Almanor water access with spacious sites and don't mind premium pricing during busy summer weekends.

Skip if

You need full hookups, food storage lockers, or guaranteed restroom access during maintenance periods.

Nearby Campgrounds

2.6

Almanor

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Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Almanor

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Almanor

Planning Tips

About Almanor

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Almanor?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Plan a trip to Almanor

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Almanor

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Almanor?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews