Manzanita Lake
4.18119 reviewsLASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100, MINERAL, CA, 96063, USA
Manzanita Lake
$15.00 - $26.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$26.00
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
Camping fees range between $15 and $26 depending on the season. Peak season rates for standard nonelectric and tent-only nonelectric sites are $26 per night. Non-peak season rates for these sites are $15 per night.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Manzanita Lake Campground stands as the park's premier camping destination, where pristine mountain waters meet ancient volcanic landscapes. Here, campers wake to the gentle lapping of Manzanita Lake's crystal-clear waters, perfect for casting a fishing line at dawn or paddling a kayak through morning mist. Scenic trails wind directly from your campsite, inviting exploration of this remarkable wilderness. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with nature, offering flush toilets during the bustling summer months and well-maintained vault facilities when autumn's quiet descends.
Manzanita Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. It does not offer cabin lodging or glamping options.
Historical SignificanceJust a short walk from your campsite, the historic Loomis Museum stands as a gateway to understanding this land's remarkable story. Built from native volcanic rock, this charming museum chronicles the dramatic eruptions that shaped these mountains and preserves the tales of early settlers who first witnessed Lassen Peak's fiery awakening. Through vintage photographs and carefully preserved artifacts, visitors discover how indigenous peoples, pioneering families, and early park advocates all played vital roles in protecting this volcanic wonderland for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's dramatic seasonal theater at Manzanita Lake, where summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for lake activities, while evenings remind you of your mountain elevation with refreshingly cool temperatures that make for perfect sleeping weather. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a canvas of gold and crimson before winter's first snowflakes dust the volcanic peaks. The famously dry California summers mean rain rarely interrupts your adventures, though wise campers always pack an extra layer for those crisp mountain nights.
ElevationPerched at 5,900 feet where the air grows thin and pure, Manzanita Lake Campground offers that perfect high-country experience without venturing into extreme altitudes. This sweet spot elevation delivers spectacular mountain vistas and wildflower meadows while remaining accessible to most visitors. The altitude creates a natural air conditioning system, ensuring comfortable sleeping temperatures even during California's warmest months, and painting the night sky with an extraordinary tapestry of stars unobscured by lower elevation haze.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering Jeffrey and Ponderosa pines create a natural cathedral above the campground, their vanilla-scented bark and whispering needles providing both shade and serenity. From nearly every campsite, the commanding presence of Lassen Peak dominates the horizon, its volcanic slopes changing color with each passing hour. The surrounding landscape reads like a geology textbook come to life, where ancient lava flows frame emerald meadows and pristine Manzanita Lake reflects the surrounding peaks like nature's own mirror. Wildlife thrives here, from curious deer browsing through campsites at dusk to osprey diving for trout in the lake's clear waters.
Geological RegionManzanita Lake Campground occupies one of North America's most geologically fascinating crossroads, where three mighty mountain ranges converge in a spectacular display of Earth's power. Here, the volcanic fury of the Cascade Mountains meets the granite grandeur of the Sierra Nevada and the ancient mysteries of the Great Basin. This unique position creates an outdoor laboratory where bubbling mud pots, hissing steam vents, and colorful mineral deposits tell the ongoing story of our dynamic planet. Lassen Peak, proudly claiming its title as the southernmost active volcano in the Cascade chain, serves as a constant reminder that this landscape remains very much alive, shaped by the same forces that created it millions of years ago.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible sites are available. Bathrooms are equipped with accessible flush and vault toilets. Bear lockers are easy to operate, and paved roads enhance accessibility.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, accommodating tents and RVs. Some sites are spacious while others are close together, limiting privacy.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies greatly between campsites. Outer-loop sites are described as quieter and more secluded, while inner-loop sites have little to no privacy.
Total Campsites234 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite A10 offers deep shade, while site B39 is suitable for trailers under 28 ft. Sites in Loop C tend to be quieter.
Best CampsitesReviews suggest that outer-loop campsites (like C21) offer better privacy and space.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12 PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Campsites are limited to 3 tents, 6 people, and 2 vehicles (including RV) per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground has multiple loops (A, B, C, D), with some loops better suited for tents (Loop D) and others for RVs/trailers (Loop A).
Open and Closed SeasonSeason Opens: May 16, 2025, and closes November 10, 2025 (reservable period ends October 6, 2025).
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its mobile app.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites were previously available but now all reservations require an advance booking.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 fee applies, and late cancellations will also forfeit the first night's use fee. Same-day cancellations are not available, and changes carry a $10 fee if dates differ entirely.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Laundry Facilities
Activities you can enjoy
Manzanita Lake Campground offers diverse recreational activities. These include hiking, fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and interpretive programs. Campers also enjoy stargazing and exploring trails around Manzanita Lake.
Hiking
Hiking trails vary in difficulty, ranging from family-friendly paths around Manzanita Lake to challenging hikes like Bumpass Hell and Lassen Peak. Trails are praised for their accessibility and scenic views.Fishing
Fishing is permitted at Manzanita Lake under a catch-and-release policy. The lake is popular with fly fishermen.Boating
Non-motorized boating is allowed on Manzanita Lake. Kayaks are available for rent near the campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife commonly observed includes deer, ospreys, and bald eagles. The campground also offers opportunities for night sky observation.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs at the Loomis Museum and amphitheater offer cultural and educational insights into the park's volcanic history and ecosystem.Winter Activities
Not specified. The campground closes after November 10th, limiting winter activities.Water Sports
Kayaking and other non-motorized water sports are popular at Manzanita Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must adhere to firewood rules to prevent the spread of pests. Firewood is available for purchase at $15 per bundle.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include bears, limited water points during off-season, and uneven terrain at some campsites.
Weather forecast
80
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 24%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 8.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Closest emergency services are the Loomis Ranger Station and hospital facilities in Redding, CA, approximately 48 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16, 2025 - October 6, 2025
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling bins are available throughout the campground and are regularly emptied. Dishwashing sinks are located near restroom facilities.
Proximity to water featuresWalking distance to Manzanita Lake allows for kayaking, fishing, and a scenic trail loop.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include overcrowding, lack of privacy, poorly maintained bathrooms with no lights, noise past quiet hours, and expensive firewood and showers.
HostMixed reviews on camp hosts; some were helpful, but others were reported missing or unfriendly.
Campground Map
LASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100, MINERAL, CA, 96063, USA
Driving directionsFrom Redding, California drive 48 miles east on State Highway 44. Turn right into Lassen Volcanic National Park and continue one mile south to Manzanita Lake Campground.
Manzanita Lake Campground is located on paved roads and is one mile south of the park entrance. Accessibility is straightforward, but review mentions that some sites are challenging to level trailers and RVs due to inclines.Nearby places
Redding, CA: 48 miles east, approximately 1 hour by car.
Nearby supplies
The campground has a general store for basic supplies, ice, and firewood, but reviews mention limited fresh food availability. Additional supplies can be purchased in Redding, CA.
Camper Reviews
4.2
119 reviews
Manzanita Lake is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present a mixed picture. Positive feedback highlights the campground's cleanliness, amenities, and proximity to scenic sites. Criticisms include poor maintenance, lack of privacy, and inadequate enforcement of noise policies.
Review Summaries
Based on 119 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users praised the clean facilities, availability of showers, and convenient location near Manzanita Lake. Hiking trails and stargazing opportunities are widely appreciated.
Based on 119 reviewsCommon Concerns
Negative reviews focus on crowded sites, noise issues, and unclean bathrooms. Some users reported a lack of camp hosts and maintenance, as well as high prices for firewood and showers.
Based on 119 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring cash for firewood and gas. Reserve sites in advance to secure spots in quieter outer loops. Leveling blocks are essential for trailers and RVs due to uneven terrain.
Based on 119 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest fewer noise complaints and better maintenance during peak summer months. After Labor Day, lack of camp hosts leads to increased noise and rule violations.
Based on 119 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Manzanita Lake Campground is well positioned and nicely maintained." - Leah W. "Showers were nasty and not cleaned the whole week we were there." - Judy H. "The trail around the lake was easy and...
Based on 119 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site B08 is difficult to level for trailers but offers privacy. Site B39 can accommodate large trailers but lacks shade. Tent-only sites in Loop D are quieter and more spacious.
Based on 119 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible bathrooms and paved roads receive positive feedback. However, some users criticize uneven terrain at specific sites.
Based on 119 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and are not permitted on trails. Some users reported campers violating pet policies.
Based on 119 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025