Southwest Campground - Winter/Spring

4.27

11 reviews

East side of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center parking area, Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center, southwest corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park along Hwy 89, about 1 mile from the southwest entrance (500 feet from entrance station/fee booth).

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Walk-in tent sites a...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Lassen Volcanic National Park site

Get Directions

Quick Facts

Price

Varies

Booking

Check Site

Sites

Varies

Season

Walk-in tent sites a...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

RV Friendly

Opens Lassen Volcanic National Park site

Get Directions

Southwest Campground - Winter/Spring

No fees available

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

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

Total Campsite Fees$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.27

Satisfactory

Based on 11 reviews

15 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerycleanrestroomsshade

"Reviewers consistently highlight the campground’s spacious, convenient layout next to a visitor center and a popular trailhead, with clean restrooms, on-site water, and basic campsite amenities (food lockers, fire rings, picnic tables). Many praise the scenery — good stargazing, nearby creek, waterfall and geothermal features — while noting limited cell service and occasional noise or seasonal closures."

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Best Time to Camp at Southwest Campground - Winter/Spring

The rhythm of the seasons dictates the camping experience here, with snow serving as nature's calendar. When winter's white mantle covers the landscape from roughly November to May, the walk-in tent sites slumber beneath the snow, and only self-contained vehicles can overnight in the parking area. As spring warmth melts the snowpack around June, the tent sites awaken for their active season, inviting campers to pitch their shelters under the stars until October's chill signals the return of winter.

Spring (Mar-May)

Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.

Best

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.

Fall (Sep-Nov)

Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Off-season, limited services. Check for closures before visiting.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June to October. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Walk-in tent sites are generally closed when snow is present (approximately November to May) and are open when the snow melts (approximately June to October). When snow is present, overnight stays are only allowed in self-contained vehicles in the parking lot.

About Southwest Campground - Winter/Spring

Nestled in the volcanic wilderness of Lassen's southwest corner, the Southwest Walk-in Campground offers an intimate basecamp just steps from the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center. These peaceful tent sites welcome adventurers from approximately June through October when trails emerge from winter's blanket, while the parking area accommodates self-contained vehicles during the snowy months of November through May.

Seasonal walk-in campground with different rules by season: walk-in tent sites are open roughly June–October; when snow is present (roughly November–May) tent sites are closed and overnight stays are permitted only for self-contained vehicles in the parking lot.

Weather and SeasonsThe rhythm of the seasons dictates the camping experience here, with snow serving as nature's calendar. When winter's white mantle covers the landscape from roughly November to May, the walk-in tent sites slumber beneath the snow, and only self-contained vehicles can overnight in the parking area. As spring warmth melts the snowpack around June, the tent sites awaken for their active season, inviting campers to pitch their shelters under the stars until October's chill signals the return of winter.

Natural Features and SceneryYour camping adventure begins at the doorstep of discovery, positioned right alongside the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center where volcanic wonders await exploration. Situated along the scenic Highway 89 corridor in the park's southwest gateway, this location offers immediate access to Lassen's geothermal marvels and mountain vistas. The campground serves as an ideal launching point for discovering the volcanic landscape that defines this remarkable corner of the Cascade Range.

Geological RegionLassen Volcanic National Park

Campsite details

Sites SizeWalk-in tent sites located on the east side of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center parking area; when snow is present overnight stays are allowed only in self-contained vehicles in the parking lot (walk-in tent sites closed).

Total Campsitesnull campsites

Recommended CampsitesDuring snowy periods (approx. November–May) plan to use a self-contained vehicle and park in the visitor center parking area; walk-in tent sites are closed during that time. Note there are 5 parking spaces in the center of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center parking lot referenced for use.

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Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutWalk-in tent sites located on the east side of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center parking area. The visitor center parking lot includes 5 spaces in the center of the lot; the parking/visitor center is about 500 feet from the park entrance station/fee booth.

Open and Closed SeasonWalk-in tent sites are generally closed when snow is present (approximately November to May) and are open when the snow melts (approximately June to October). When snow is present, overnight stays are only allowed in self-contained vehicles in the parking lot.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-in tent sites are open approximately June to October (when snow has melted). When snow is present (approximately November to May) the walk-in tent sites are closed and overnight stays are limited to self-contained vehicles in the parking lot.

Cancellation PolicyWhen snow is present, approximately November to May, overnight stays are only allowed in self-contained vehicles in the parking lot (walk-in tent sites are closed in winter). Walk-in tent sites are open when the snow melts, approximately June to October.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed

Hazards

General hazardsSeasonal snow conditions affect campground access and site availability (snow presence closes walk-in tent sites).

Weather at Southwest Campground - Winter/Spring

°F

Dec 11

Thursday

Clear sky

Precipitation: 0%

Humidity: 27%

Wind: 5.5 mph

Clear sky

Weather History

Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Detailed 7-Day Forecast

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Good to know

Peak season datesJune to October

Campground Map

Driving directionsThe Southwest Walk-in Campground is located on the east side of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center parking area. The parking area has 5 spaces in the center of the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center parking lot. The visitor center/parking lot are located in the southwest corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park along the park's main road (Hwy 89), about one mile from the southwest entrance (500 feet from entrance station/fee booth).

Located along Highway 89 in the southwest corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park; approximately one mile from the park's southwest entrance.

Reviews from booking and map sources

4.3

11 reviews

Satisfactory

Southwest Campground - Winter/Spring is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviewers consistently highlight the campground’s spacious, convenient layout next to a visitor center and a popular trailhead, with clean restrooms, on-site water, and basic campsite amenities (food lockers, fire rings, picnic tables). Many praise the scenery — good stargazing, nearby creek, waterfall and geothermal features — while noting limited cell service and occasional noise or seasonal closures.

Review Summaries

Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers like the easy access to the visitor center and trailhead, short carry from the parking area to sites, and self-serve flexibility (including car camping when sites are full). Sites offer both...

Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited cell reception and very slow WiFi at the visitor center are repeatedly mentioned. A few reviewers note noise (wildlife and general noise) and potential crowding on popular weekends (e.g.,...

Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring cash for self-serve payment and be prepared to park in the back of the visitor center lot then carry gear a short distance to sites. Download offline maps and expect no cell signal; the visitor...

Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer (especially early–mid July) is highlighted for comfortable temperatures, wildflower blooms (Mountain Mule Ears), and nearby snow at higher spots depending on weather; mid-July had few...

Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

"They allow you to car camp if the campsites are full for a fee." "The restrooms are clean." "At night, you’ll see more stars than you can imagine."

Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites are self-serve and you typically park in the back of the visitor center lot and carry gear a short distance to campsites. Individual sites include a strong food locker, fire ring, and picnic...

Based on 11 reviews