Echo Lake Campground
4.2125 reviewsEcho Lake Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
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
Echo Lake Campground charges $28 per night for tent-only nonelectric sites during peak season (May 15 - September 2, 2025 and similar date ranges in other years). This fee does not include discounts or additional charges.
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About this campground
Perched high in the Lassen National Forest, Echo Lake Campground offers adventurous souls a pristine dispersed camping experience where the mountain air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly overhead. This intimate campground welcomes groups of up to 8 people per site, providing a perfect basecamp for those seeking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's raw beauty. Here, simplicity reigns supreme – bring your tent, your sense of wonder, and prepare for an authentic wilderness experience near the crystalline waters of Echo Lake.
Echo Lake Campground primarily offers tent camping sites. It is not reservable, and sites are dispersed with basic amenities.
ElevationAt a breathtaking 10,600 feet above sea level, Echo Lake Campground sits among the clouds in California's high country. This remarkable elevation places you in a rare alpine environment where the air is thin and pure, the weather can shift dramatically, and every sunrise feels like witnessing creation itself. The high altitude demands respect and preparation, but rewards visitors with cooler temperatures, stunning vistas, and an escape from the heat of lower elevations.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to a symphony of rustling pines and the gentle lapping of Echo Lake's pristine waters against its shores. The campground is cradled in a dense forest of towering conifers that provide natural shelter and frame spectacular mountain vistas at every turn. Morning mist often dances across the lake's mirror-like surface, while afternoon sun filters through the canopy, creating a photographer's paradise. The surrounding peaks stand as silent sentinels, their granite faces telling stories millions of years in the making, while wildflower meadows burst with color during the brief mountain summer.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the authoritative or user-provided data.
Sites SizeTent sites feature 10x10 pads, which may pose challenges for larger tents. One user stated, 'We squeezed our 10x14 onto #7 and #6 would have been good if we needed a second site.'
Sites PrivacySites are described as small and close together, providing limited privacy. User reviews note, 'The sites are small and very close together.'
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesTent sites with larger pads, such as #6 and #7, are recommended for larger groups or tents. Sites closer to the lake may offer better views and access.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Echo Lake Campground has a maximum stay limit of 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Amaximum of 8 guests are allowed per campsite at Echo Lake Campground.
Groups
The campground does not provide designated group sites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutEcho Lake Campground has closely spaced campsites with basic amenities. Most sites include a fire ring with a grill attachment and a picnic table.
Walk-in AvailabilityEcho Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning all sites are walk-up only.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made for this campground, as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. For other campgrounds, cancellation fees include a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night’s fee if canceled late.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Echo Lake Campground offers hiking opportunities and scenic views but limited structured recreational activities. User reviews suggest its proximity to hiking trails and Mt. Evans is a highlight.
Hiking
Hiking trails near the campground provide access to Mt. Evans and other scenic areas. One user mentioned, 'The hiking trail up to the top of Mt. Evans is in the parking lot of the campground.'Climbing
Climbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.Winter Activities
The campground is recognized as a popular spot for snowshoeing during winter. User reviews highlight its suitability for winter recreation, particularly in providing access to Mt. Evans.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed when fire restrictions are not in place. Fire rings with grill attachments are provided at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsSome user reviews report bees as a morning nuisance. Vault toilets are available but can be less maintained. Wildlife, including bears, may be present, requiring proper food storage.
Weather forecast
50
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Light drizzle
Precipitation: 0.4%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 98%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Very Light Rain - (0.40% chance)
Slight drizzle possible
Light drizzle
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
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 - September 2, 2025, and similar dates in future years.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection facilities are available, but user reviews note trash scattered around the campground that could have been cleaned up more effectively.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is close to Echo Lake, making it ideal for visitors interested in hiking, fishing, or enjoying lakeside views.
Common complaintsCommon complaints include small campsites, closely spaced sites, and noisy traffic during the night. Trash issues and less-than-optimal campsite privacy are also highlighted in user reviews.
HostReviews indicate that the camp host is helpful and accessible, making rounds every few hours to ensure visitor satisfaction.
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
4.2
25 reviews
Echo Lake Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present a mixed picture, with some appreciating the scenic beauty and proximity to Mt. Evans, while others highlight issues such as small sites, noise, and maintenance shortcomings.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciated the scenic location, proximity to hiking trails, and the overall cleanliness of the campground. 'Clean tent sites' and 'beautiful views' were frequently mentioned.
Based on 25 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints centered around the small and closely spaced campsites, poor maintenance of restroom facilities, and traffic noise. One user noted, 'The traffic noise at all hours of the night was too...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend bringing essentials for hiking Mt. Evans and caution about the small tent pads. Highlighted the need for advance planning due to high demand, especially for walk-in sites.
Based on 25 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter reviews focus on snowshoeing opportunities and scenic hikes, while summer reviews emphasize tent camping experiences and the proximity to Echo Lake.
Based on 25 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The campground was very clean and the host made rounds every few hours.' - Jodi McKean
2. 'The toilets are a bit messy and stink a bit.' - Sam Brz
3. 'Tent sites are nice, and the bear-proof...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific mentions include sites #7 and #6 being close together and suitable for larger tents. 'We squeezed our 10x14 onto #7 and #6 would have been good if we needed a second site.'
Based on 25 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025