Merrill Campground

4.49

531 reviews

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park Boating Camping

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$35 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

172 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricWiFi

Opens Lassen National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$35 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

172 campsites

Season

Open annually from M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricWiFi

Opens Lassen National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Merrill Campground

$35.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $35 to $60 during the peak season depending on site type. Walk-in and first-come-first-serve options are available during specific...

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$60.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$80.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

lcfcougar@aol.com

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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 531 reviews

214 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousfriendlywell-maintained

"Merrill Campground is highly regarded for its spacious sites, clean facilities, and proximity to Eagle Lake. The camp hosts receive consistent praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. While the lack of on-site showers and occasional maintenance issues (e.g., uncleaned trails and restrooms) have been noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Merrill Campground

40.5481, -120.8120

Driving directionsFrom Susanville, California, take Highway 36 west for 2 miles to County Road A-1. Turn north and continue 14 miles to the Eagle Lake Recreation Area. Continue past Gallatin Road, the first highway you will come to in the lake basin, and follow the signs to Merrill Campground. Located on County Road A-1.

The roads leading to Merrill Campground, such as County Road A-1, are paved but described as narrow and bumpy, with expansion seams that may challenge large RVs or trailers. The drive is noted to be curvy and steep in parts but manageable.

Nearby places

Susanville, CA: 16 miles (approximately 25 minutes)

Nearby supplies

The Eagle Lake Marina Store, located 2.5 miles away, provides gas, propane, fishing and camping supplies, along with shower and laundry facilities. For more extensive supplies or emergencies, visitors would need to travel to Susanville, CA.

Best Time to Camp at Merrill Campground

Summer days at Merrill unfold with golden warmth that invites endless outdoor adventures, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness perfect for gathering around the campfire. The crystalline waters of Eagle Lake maintain a brisk temperament—visitors in June have discovered the lake's 65°F waters feel surprisingly invigorating, ideal for those seeking a refreshing dip after a day of exploration. Mountain weather can showcase its dramatic side with occasional gusty winds that remind visitors of nature's dynamic personality, adding an element of adventure to your stay.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season with abundant activities; warm days, cool evenings, high usage on holiday weekends.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Quieter season with open campground through Oct 31; pleasant lake scenery and fewer crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Late spring (after May 15) is open and quieter; fewer crowds but less peak services early season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed Nov–mid-May; winter camping not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 15, 2025 - September 2, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open annually from May 15 to October 31. Reservations are available from May 15 to September 2 during the peak season and first-come, first-serve applies afterward.

About Merrill Campground

Nestled beneath towering conifers along the pristine shores of Eagle Lake, Merrill Campground welcomes outdoor enthusiasts to 172 thoughtfully designed campsites. Whether you're seeking the convenience of full hookups, the simplicity of partial connections, or the authentic experience of standard camping, you'll find your perfect basecamp here. Often celebrated as the gold standard of Forest Service RV parks, Merrill combines generous site spacing with the tranquil beauty of California's high country, creating an atmosphere where the hum of civilization fades into the whisper of wind through ancient pines.

Merrill Campground provides a range of camping options to suit different preferences, including full hook-up sites, partial hook-up sites, and standard sites without hookups.

Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Merrill unfold with golden warmth that invites endless outdoor adventures, while evenings bring a refreshing mountain coolness perfect for gathering around the campfire. The crystalline waters of Eagle Lake maintain a brisk temperament—visitors in June have discovered the lake's 65°F waters feel surprisingly invigorating, ideal for those seeking a refreshing dip after a day of exploration. Mountain weather can showcase its dramatic side with occasional gusty winds that remind visitors of nature's dynamic personality, adding an element of adventure to your stay.

ElevationPerched at 5,100 feet above sea level, Merrill Campground offers a natural escape into California's crisp mountain air. This elevated sanctuary provides welcome relief from valley heat, though newcomers to altitude should take time to acclimate to the thinner air. The elevation creates an ideal climate where warm sunshine meets cool mountain breezes, crafting perfect conditions for both relaxation and recreation.

Natural Features and SceneryEagle Lake spreads before you like a sapphire jewel, ranking among California's largest natural lakes and offering a spectacular centerpiece to your camping experience. The campground rests within a remarkable ecological crossroads where three distinct regions converge—the granite peaks of the Sierras, the volcanic landscapes of the Cascades, and the high desert expanses of the Modoc Plateau. Mature pines and firs create a natural cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns while providing welcome shade and the intoxicating scent of evergreen.

Geological RegionMerrill Campground occupies a fascinating geological threshold where California's most iconic mountain ranges meet and mingle. Here, along Eagle Lake's southern shore, the Sierra Nevada's granite foundations blend seamlessly with the Cascade Range's volcanic heritage, all within the embrace of Lassen National Forest. This convergence at 5,100 feet has created an extraordinarily diverse landscape—a living tapestry where mature stands of pine and fir forest shelter an abundance of wildlife and frame breathtaking vistas. The result is a camping destination that offers both the dramatic mountain scenery California is famous for and the intimate forest settings that make memories last a lifetime.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

NOON

Check-out

Check-out time is also NOON.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The number of guests per site is not specified.

Groups

Group Standard Electric sites are available and can accommodate larger parties, although specific capacity numbers are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is organized into multiple loops, with a mix of full-hookup, partial-hookup, and no-hookup sites. Loops closer to the water offer dry camping.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online platform, by phone, and in-person at the campground. Additional fees apply for different reservation methods.

Walk-in AvailabilityForty-five sites (specific site numbers provided in the source) are designated as walk-in. First-come, first-serve availability applies from September 3 to October 31.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to one day before check-in for a $10 fee. Late cancellations (starting from midnight one day before the scheduled check-in) will forfeit the first night's recreation fee. No refunds are available for cancellations on the check-in day.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible flush toilets and sites specifically designed for accessibility. Paved pathways and double-wide parking spurs add to its accessibility features, making it a viable option for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeCampsites at Merrill Campground are spacious, with parking spurs ranging from 45 to 75 feet in length and being double-wide. User reviews frequently praise the large size of the sites.

PrivacyMany reviews highlight the privacy afforded by the large spacing between sites. Some users mention shaded areas, while others note exposed locations with full sun. For example, site #126 is described as being exposed to afternoon sun.

Total Campsites172 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the lake, such as in loop 159, are highlighted for their proximity to water and views. A user noted that sites in the initial loops offer full hookups but limited shade.

Amenities available

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Merrill Campground offers a diverse set of activities, with the primary highlight being its proximity to Eagle Lake, the third-largest natural lake in California. Activities include fishing, hiking, biking, swimming, kayaking, and boating. The campground connects to a 5.2-mile paved hiking and biking trail that links the various recreation facilities in the area. User reviews frequently praise the opportunities for family-friendly activities, such as biking and kayaking.

HikingThe campground is connected by a 5.2-mile paved hiking and biking trail, which is well-regarded by users for family walks and bike rides. Some reviews mention that the trail requires maintenance, such as clearing pine needles and addressing tree roots.

FishingFishing is a major draw for visitors, with Eagle Lake being home to the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout, a California Heritage Trout. While fishing from the shore is possible, many reviews suggest that fishing from a boat yields better results. The marina, located 2.5 miles away, serves as a hub for fishing supplies.

SwimmingSwimming is available in Eagle Lake, although some reviews note that the lake's cold water may not be ideal for everyone. One camper mentioned that the water temperature was around 65°F in mid-June but felt much colder.

BikingA paved 5.2-mile bike trail runs through the campground, connecting it to other recreation facilities. The trail is described as family-friendly but has been criticized in user reviews for being covered in pine needles, which obscure hazards like potholes and tree roots.

BoatingBoating is a popular activity on Eagle Lake, accommodating motorboats, sailboats, kayaks, and paddleboards. There are no restrictions on 2-cycle engines. The marina, located nearby, offers a boat launch.

Wildlife viewingThe diverse landscapes around Eagle Lake provide opportunities for wildlife viewing. While specific species are not mentioned, reviews note the area's tranquil and natural setting.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome user reviews mention low water levels at Eagle Lake, which may affect boat launching. Afternoon winds are also noted. Wildlife such as deer and squirrels are commonly seen.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within the provided fire rings, except during fire restrictions imposed due to dry weather.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 8 AM

Emergency ServicesSusanville, CA, is the closest location for emergency services, including a hospital and police station. The nearest ranger station is likely within Lassen National Forest, though specific details are not provided.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, but some users have expressed a desire for additional garbage cans and the implementation of recycling options for items like plastic bottles and glass. One review noted that garbage cans tend to fill up quickly.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located on the southern shore of Eagle Lake, offering easy access for fishing, kayaking, and other water activities.

Camp HostHosts are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness, often described as a highlight of the campground experience.

Weather at Merrill Campground

Reviews

4.5

531 reviews

Recommended

Merrill Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Merrill Campground is highly regarded for its spacious sites, clean facilities, and proximity to Eagle Lake. The camp hosts receive consistent praise for their friendliness and helpfulness. While the lack of on-site showers and occasional maintenance issues (e.g., uncleaned trails and restrooms) have been noted, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.

Review Summaries

Based on 531 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean facilities, spacious campsites, friendly camp hosts, well-maintained bike trails, and ample recreational opportunities such as fishing and kayaking.

Based on 531 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of on-site showers, occasional lack of soap in bathrooms, maintenance issues like uncleaned pine needles on trails, and the marina store's closure in some years.

Based on 531 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own soap and shower supplies if relying on the marina's showers. Consider bringing a high-pressure regulator for RV water connections. Review campsite maps carefully, as descriptions on...

Based on 531 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are quieter seasons, while summer sees high usage, especially during holiday weekends. Some campers note that summer temperatures can be high, and the wind at Eagle Lake can be strong...

Based on 531 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Hosts were very nice! It is so quiet and peaceful." (Debbie Darnell, July 2022) "Loved the bike trail. Lake is cold (as lakes usually are lol)." (Vivian Lawrence, June 2021) "The park host, Karen,...

Based on 531 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #126: Exposed to afternoon sun. Site #130: Easy walking distance to the lake. Site #159: Close to the lake with clean bathrooms nearby.

Based on 531 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible flush toilets and spacious sites are noted, although no reviews specifically address experiences of campers with disabilities.

Based on 531 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is noted as pet-friendly, but some reviews criticize off-leash dogs and the lack of enforcement of leash rules.

Based on 531 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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