Is Silver Bowl Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Silver Bowl Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

Are there showers at Silver Bowl Campground?

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

How many campsites does Silver Bowl Campground have?

Silver Bowl Campground has 18 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Silver Bowl Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Silver Bowl Campground?

Silver Bowl Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Silver Bowl Campground

3.90

10 reviews

Top 16% in CASummer

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds California

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,519 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

Quick Facts

6,519 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

18 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book Online Official Website

Get Directions

Silver Bowl Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Silver Bowl Campground

40.4997, -121.1630

Weather at Silver Bowl Campground

Best Time to Camp at Silver Bowl Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to the lake — expect comfortable daytime highs in the mid-to-high 70s F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s at 6,519 ft. This is when the boat ramp, fishing, and hiking trails are fully usable and water-based activities are at their peak, with long daylight hours and warm water for swimming. Weekends can be busy because the campground has only 18 sites, so plan to arrive mid-week or reserve early to secure a spot. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Summer offers reliable weather, warm water and full lake access for activities.

Planning Tips

About Silver Bowl Campground

Silver Bowl Campground sits at 6,519 feet in Lassen National Forest, directly adjacent to Silver Lake. This small, mid-elevation campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers use it as a base for lake fishing, swimming, boating, and trailhead access during the summer season when the boat ramp and water activities are in full swing.

Silver Bowl Campground offers standard camping with vault toilets and a well for potable water. The sites are designed for tent or non-RV camping and accommodate up to 8 people per site.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to the lake — expect comfortable daytime highs in the mid-to-high 70s F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s at 6,519 ft. This is when the boat ramp, fishing, and hiking trails are fully usable and water-based activities are at their peak, with long daylight hours and warm water for swimming. Weekends can be busy because the campground has only 18 sites, so plan to arrive mid-week or reserve early to secure a spot. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6519 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground spreads through forest along Silver Lake's shoreline. Trees provide varying degrees of shade across different sites, with some areas more open to sun. The lake offers clear water for swimming and fishing. A nature trail follows the lake's edge, and the surrounding forest opens to lake views in spots. The setting is quiet and less visited compared to busier Lassen campgrounds.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Silver Bowl Campground does not specify a stay limit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 8 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site SizeThe sites are described as large, with plenty of breathing room in most cases, but some may lack sufficient level areas for tents.

PrivacyCampsites offer a mix of central and secluded spaces, with options for both sun and shade. Privacy levels vary.

Total Campsites18 campsites

Recommended SitesUser reviews recommend Site #14 for its quiet and spacious layout.

Best CampsitesSite #14 gets specific mention from campers for its mix of sun and shade, spacious layout, and quieter position. Most sites offer generous space, though some lack perfectly level tent pads.

Amenities available

Silver Bowl Campground is a developed campground located near Silver Lake, offering 18 designated campsites. Amenities include picnic tables and fire rings at each site, as well as vault toilets and a well with potable water. The campground is noted for its proximity to Silver Lake, providing access to a boat launch ramp and a nature trail encircling the lake. Two nearby picnic areas add to the recreational pursuits. Vault toilets are described as 'clean and well-maintained' by user reviews. Firewood availability and Wi-Fi are not mentioned. The campground is less visited, contributing to its tranquility and appeal.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

10 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Silver Bowl Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall, user reviews emphasize the quiet, less-visited nature of Silver Bowl Campground, its large campsites, and proximity to Silver Lake. The clean vault toilets and availability of potable water are frequently highlighted.

Review Summaries

Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the spacious campsites, clean and well-maintained vault toilets, and proximity to Silver Lake and its recreational opportunities.

Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

One review noted that some campsites may not have sufficiently level areas for setting up tents.

Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #14 was highlighted in user reviews for being quiet, spacious, and having a good mix of sun and shade.

Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Selecting a site with the right mix of sun and shade can enhance comfort, especially during summer when temperatures reach the mid-high 70s. Site #14 is specifically recommended for its balance of...

Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that summer is a popular time due to pleasant temperatures and the availability of lake-related activities. However, no specific seasonal complaints or praises were noted.

Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Quiet, lovely campground next to Silver Lake. The 18 campsites are a typical mix of central and secluded spaces.' 2. 'Vault toilets were clean and well-maintained, and the well was pumping water,...

Based on 10 reviews

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Go if

You want a quiet lakefront base camp for fishing, swimming, and boating in Lassen National Forest.

Skip if

You need paved access roads or want to avoid dust from forest service roads.

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Campgrounds

Lassen National Forest

Silver Bowl Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Silver Bowl Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Located near the shores of Silver Lake, Silver Bowl is a developed campground with 18 designated sites.  There is a maximum of 8 people per site.  Silver Lake offers a boat launch ramp, and a nature trail encircling the lake and two picnic areas provide a variety of recreational pursuits. Caribou Wilderness trailheads are located nearby.</p>

About the campground

The elevation is 6,500 ft. This rustic campground, close to Silver Lake and one of two campgrounds in the Silver Lake Recreation Area, stretches through a stand of Lodgepole pines and other conifers next to a cluster of summer homes. There is no access to or view of the lake from the campground. But, the Silver Bowl picnic area, just east of campground, offers access to the lake. Bringing mosquito repellent is a good idea. The Caribou Wilderness is less than a mile from the campground where the Caribou Lake Trail is also located. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Open Memorial Day through second weekend in October - weather dependent

Facilities

The water spigots are handpumps.

Water activities

Silver Lake is 98 acres. A primitive boat ramp and Silver Beach is 0.1 miles west of Rocky Knoll campground.

RV information

The parking aprons are dirt.

Directions

In Westwood, CA, at intersection of State Rt. 36 and Cty. Rt. A21, take Rt. A21 north 14 miles to Silver Lake Rd. Turn left onto Siver Lake Rd. (dirt) and go 5 miles to an intersection with North Shore sign. Turn right after sign onto Forest Rt. 10 and go 0.5 miles to another intersection and North Shore sign. Continue straight for almost 0.1 miles to a "T" intersection and Silver Lake Summer Home sign. Turn right at sign and go 0.1 miles to campground entrance (2nd right).

National Forest: Lassen National Forest
Ranger District: Almanor
Elevation: 6,500
Rate: $12 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May – October