Lost Creek Group
4.2812 reviewsLASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA
Lost Creek Group
$62.00 - $62.00 / night
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$62.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Group Standard Nonelectric sites cost $62 per night during peak season (June 13 to September 15, 2025). Additional fees apply for park entrance ($30 per vehicle) and reservation service fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in person).
About this campground
Nestled at 5,700 feet in the heart of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lost Creek Group Campground offers an unforgettable wilderness experience for larger parties seeking adventure together. Eight generously-sized sites await, each thoughtfully equipped with sturdy picnic tables, campfire rings for evening storytelling, and bear-proof food lockers to protect your provisions. Fresh mountain water flows from convenient spigots throughout the camp, though you'll find yourself delightfully disconnected from the modern world with no electric or sewer hookups—just pure, authentic camping beneath towering trees and star-filled skies.
Lost Creek Group Campground exclusively provides group camping options. It is tailored for groups with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 campers per site.
Historical SignificanceThis remarkable landscape tells stories spanning millennia, from the dramatic volcanic forces that shaped Lassen—the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade Range—to the indigenous peoples who first called these mountains home. Today's park stands as a testament to both geological wonder and cultural heritage, with over 300 volcanic domes dotting the terrain. The National Park Service honors this dual legacy, actively recognizing and respecting the indigenous ceremonies and traditions that continue to connect native communities to this sacred landscape.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature keeps Lost Creek refreshingly unpredictable, with mountain weather that can shift from brilliant sunshine to sudden hailstorms in mere moments. Even summer visitors are often surprised by the crisp, sometimes downright chilly temperatures that sweep through camp—seasoned campers know to pack warm layers regardless of the season. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, while the sweet spot for camping runs from June through September, when wildflowers bloom and trails beckon, though wise adventurers always keep a fleece jacket within reach.
ElevationPerched at 5,700 feet where the air grows thin and crisp, Lost Creek delivers that authentic high-country camping experience. At this elevation, you'll notice the refreshing coolness that provides welcome relief from valley heat, though the altitude may leave lowlanders slightly breathless during their first day's activities. The reward? Crystal-clear night skies and that invigorating mountain air that makes every sunrise feel like a fresh beginning.
Natural Features and SceneryMajestic ponderosa pines stand sentinel throughout Lost Creek, their vanilla-scented bark and towering presence creating a natural cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Beyond your campsite, Lassen's otherworldly landscape unfolds—steaming fumaroles, bubbling mud pots, and pristine alpine lakes paint a picture of Earth's raw power. Wildlife thrives here too, from chattering squirrels to soaring eagles, while seasonal wildflowers add splashes of color to meadows that seem to stretch forever.
Geological RegionLost Creek sits at nature's crossroads, where three of California's great geological provinces converge in spectacular fashion. Here, the volcanic drama of the Cascade Mountains meets the granite majesty of the Sierra Nevada and the austere beauty of the Great Basin, creating an ecological melting pot found nowhere else on Earth. This unique convergence has birthed an extraordinary landscape of volcanic domes, hissing hydrothermal features, and diverse habitats that range from dense forests to barren volcanic moonscapes—a living laboratory of geological forces that continue to shape the land today.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo detailed information about accessibility features is available.
Sites SizeGroup sites can accommodate a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 25 people per site, along with up to 6 cars or 1 bus/RV.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews indicate the sites offer a decent level of privacy, with 'lots of space between campsite,' though some boundaries between sites are noted as poorly defined.
Total Campsites8 campsites
Recommended CampsitesConsider site 005 for ample space for children to explore and site 008 for overall satisfaction. Avoid site 006 if level tent spots are a priority, as a reviewer noted: "Our site 6 had no level tent spots within the fallen trees."
Best CampsitesUser reviews highlight site 005 and site 008 as excellent choices for families and groups due to space and cleanliness.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each group site accommodates a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 people.
Groups
Each group site accommodates a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 25 individuals and supports up to 6 cars or 1 bus/RV.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of eight group sites. Some sites feature poorly defined boundaries, as noted by a reviewer: "The boundary between site 5, 6, and 7 is poorly defined."
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season from June 13, 2025, to September 15, 2025. Closed outside of these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo indication of walk-up availability; campground operates on a reservation-only basis.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations incur additional fees, including forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Lost Creek Group Campground provides access to a variety of activities within Lassen Volcanic National Park. Campers can enjoy nearby hiking trails, fishing at Manzanita Lake (catch-and-release policy applies), non-motorized boating, and swimming. Interpretive programs and picnicking are also available. The national park offers unique volcanic features and diverse ecosystems, enhancing recreational opportunities.
Hiking
Hiking trails are accessible within a short drive of the campground. These trails allow campers to explore the natural beauty of Lassen Volcanic National Park, including volcanic domes and hydrothermal features.Fishing
Fishing is available at Manzanita Lake with a catch-and-release policy. Only artificial lures and single barb-less hooks are permitted. Fly fishing for trout is particularly popular.Swimming
Swimming opportunities are available nearby, though specific details regarding designated swimming areas or safety measures are not mentioned.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed at Manzanita Lake, and kayak rentals are available nearby.Cultural and Educational Programs
Educational programs are accessible within a short drive, including those at the Loomis Museum.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, but the park's general features suggest potential for cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking are supported at nearby Manzanita Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours are mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential wildlife encounters, including bears (food storage lockers are provided for safety). Yellow jackets or 'meat bees' may be present, especially near cooking areas, as noted by a reviewer.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 50%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.9 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include ranger stations within Lassen Volcanic National Park and medical facilities in Redding, CA.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 13, 2025 - September 15, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are nearby and easily accessible from campsites, as mentioned in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLost Creek is nearby, and Manzanita Lake is within a short drive, offering non-motorized boating and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsUsers have reported issues with hail during summer, poorly defined boundaries between sites, and yellow jackets in cooking areas. Bathrooms were noted as lacking disinfectant cleaning.
HostRangers provide excellent communication and support, as noted in reviews: "Amazing communication from the rangers!"
Campground Map
LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA
Driving directionsFrom Redding, California drive 48 miles east on State Highway 44 to State Highway 89. Turn right into Lassen Volcanic National Park and continue five miles south to Lost Creek Group Campground. It is 1/8-mile south of Crags Campground.
Located off the main park road, accessible by paved roads. Seasonal closures may apply due to snow conditions.Nearby places
Redding, CA - 48 miles (approximately 1-hour drive)
Mineral, CA - 10 miles (approximately 20-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
General store, showers, and other amenities are available within Lassen Volcanic National Park near Manzanita Lake. Larger supply options are located in Redding, CA.
Camper Reviews
4.3
12 reviews
Lost Creek Group is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews range widely in sentiment, with an average overall rating of 4.22. Positive aspects include spacious campsites, proximity to park attractions, and reliable amenities. Criticisms focus on poorly defined site boundaries, cleaning standards for vault toilets, and occasional issues like hailstorms and yellow jackets.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the 'spacious campsites,' 'plenty of room to spread out,' a 'well-maintained campground,' and 'tons of space for kids to explore.' The location and proximity to park attractions are...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms include poorly defined boundaries between sites ('boundary between site 5, 6, and 7 is poorly defined'), challenges with trailer fit ('no way could our trailer fit in'), and concerns about...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Reviewers advise packing warmly due to cold summer nights, being cautious about trailer size when selecting sites, and preparing for potential encounters with yellow jackets during cooking.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer appears to be the most popular season for visiting, though weather can be unpredictable, ranging from cold nights to hailstorms. The campground may be quieter during early or late summer,...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Nice to have a federal park and service staff that not only recognizes but respects indigenous ceremonies and traditions.' - Marlena Alva
2. 'Lots of space between campsite.' - Vincent Tang
3....
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 003: Concerns about trailer fit and cleaning standards for vault toilets.
Site 006: Poorly defined boundaries between neighboring sites led to crowding.
Site 001: Positive experience with...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for campers with disabilities.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed on trails and must be on a 6-ft. leash. No detailed pet-related reviews were provided.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025