Manzanita Lake

We really like the Manzanita Campground. The sites do not have any hookups, power, etc., it is dry camping, but water is available as well as flush toilet bathrooms. Showers are available near the "store" for a price. There might be fuel available, but likely only regular gas, no diesel. There is a dump station for RVs nearby. Manzanita Lake has a very nice trail that surrounds the lake, they also have rental kayaks for part of the year that are enjoyable. A nearby museum is also within a short walking distance as well as the welcome center. The campground is located at the northernmost part of the park, so to view the park activities, hikes, etc. one needs to drive to many of the sites. There is no public wifi or cell service at Manzanita. During our visit, there weren't any camp hosts or anyone seemingly responsible for checking campsites, although there was trash pickup. Manzanita Campground used to have one loop that was first come first served, but apparently now everyone must get a reservation. The reservation process online is easy enough, but once you arrive at the campground it is confusing. Every campsite had an orange reserved sign on it, but no other information, so one didn't know if the particular site was reserved for them or what and without a camp host or ranger it was more than awkward. Recently there were a large number of trees cut down in the campsite and there are a lot of bare stumps. What the reason was is anyone's guess. Lassen has a lot of interesting sites to see and it is a wonderful park. Unfortunately, a large part of the park burned in a forest fire recently, but restoration of sections seems to be underway. It is too bad there wasn't a real Ranger from the Forest Service who was there to help people.

Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sites had a good amount of buffer space between them. Beautiful forest setting.

Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sites had a good amount of buffer space between them. Beautiful forest setting.

Clean bathrooms with flush toilets. Sites had a good amount of buffer space between them. Beautiful forest setting.

Our campsite, D4, was fantastic, probably one of the best. It was right next to the entrance to D loop and the bathroom & dishwashing sink, as well as water faucet and trash cans. D4 was spacious and provided lovely shade as well as sun. The campground was nice and quiet. The camp store has a decent supply, but a bit over priced for things like camp stove propane and shower access ($5 for the code for each gender for 24 hours; not coin operated any more). The walk around Manzanita Lake was beautiful and not a large undertaking. Fishing and wading from the shore isn't great, though, because of the squishy substrate and rocks, logs. The visitor museum is right nearby, with its associated gift shop. Unfortunately there were few ranger programs available, so call ahead if you're hoping for one or more. We visited Butte Lake campground also, and it is nice but quite farther away from most things. Summit Lake campground is midway in terms of access to supplies and conveniences.

Excellent campground. Will definitely return. Restroom options galore. Large bear boxes. Laundry room = amazing bonus.
Hot showers for $5 a day! Nice walking trail around the lake with great views.

Lassen is always a good place for a dark night sky.

Our campsite, D4, was fantastic, probably one of the best. It was right next to the entrance to D loop and the bathroom & dishwashing sink, as well as water faucet and trash cans. D4 was spacious and provided lovely shade as well as sun. The campground was nice and quiet. The camp store has a decent supply, but a bit over priced for things like camp stove propane and shower access ($5 for the code for each gender for 24 hours; not coin operated any more). The walk around Manzanita Lake was beautiful and not a large undertaking. Fishing and wading from the shore isn't great, though, because of the squishy substrate and rocks, logs. The visitor museum is right nearby, with its associated gift shop. Unfortunately there were few ranger programs available, so call ahead if you're hoping for one or more. We visited Butte Lake campground also, and it is nice but quite farther away from most things. Summit Lake campground is midway in terms of access to supplies and conveniences.

Excellent campground. Will definitely return. Restroom options galore. Large bear boxes. Laundry room = amazing bonus.
Hot showers for $5 a day! Nice walking trail around the lake with great views.

Lassen is always a good place for a dark night sky.