Summit Lake South

the problem I had was many reserved camp sites stood vacant for multiple days of the reserved period, and I couldn't find another spot for 2 more nights and had to leave the area before I wanted. Why weren't the reserved spots that were not occupied, given to the first come first serve patrons?

the problem I had was many reserved camp sites stood vacant for multiple days of the reserved period, and I couldn't find another spot for 2 more nights and had to leave the area before I wanted. Why weren't the reserved spots that were not occupied, given to the first come first serve patrons?

This is a phenomenal campground. Sites are pretty typical but camping amongst the massive pine trees is awesome. Summit lake is crystal clear and fun to hang around while watching sunrise/sunset.

This is a phenomenal campground. Sites are pretty typical but camping amongst the massive pine trees is awesome. Summit lake is crystal clear and fun to hang around while watching sunrise/sunset.

The campground is centrally located in the park, which makes it easy to get to all the "attractions" along the main road. Our site was E18 in the tents only loop.
Pros: Our site was nicely shaded, though in driving through the campground I'd say that was more of an exception than the rule - many sites seemed to be in open sun without much shade. The toilets were clean and well-kept, there was a water faucett close to our site.
Cons: The parking space for our site was rather narrow (between a tree and a tree stump) that made backing in a little bit of a chore. Although the site was quite big, the picnic table was surprisingly close to that of the site next to us.
The lake was a very short walk from our site, with a nice easy flat trail going around the lake (and passing through the Summit Lake North campground on the way).
All in all, a very pleasant camping experience.

The campground is centrally located in the park, which makes it easy to get to all the "attractions" along the main road. Our site was E18 in the tents only loop.
Pros: Our site was nicely shaded, though in driving through the campground I'd say that was more of an exception than the rule - many sites seemed to be in open sun without much shade. The toilets were clean and well-kept, there was a water faucett close to our site.
Cons: The parking space for our site was rather narrow (between a tree and a tree stump) that made backing in a little bit of a chore. Although the site was quite big, the picnic table was surprisingly close to that of the site next to us.
The lake was a very short walk from our site, with a nice easy flat trail going around the lake (and passing through the Summit Lake North campground on the way).
All in all, a very pleasant camping experience.

Great camping on the lake, the scenery all around is incredible. 10 minute drive to great hikes like Bumpass Hell and Lassen Peak. There are dear everywhere, guaranteed to see multiple of them, they might even walk right through your campsite. Be aware there are no showers and the toilets don't flush. Great time and spot.

Great camping on the lake, the scenery all around is incredible. 10 minute drive to great hikes like Bumpass Hell and Lassen Peak. There are dear everywhere, guaranteed to see multiple of them, they might even walk right through your campsite. Be aware there are no showers and the toilets don't flush. Great time and spot.

This is probably the best campsite in the campground with its space, shade, and lake view. The main flaw is the proximity to paths used by day use visitors, who don’t always see the paths and walk into your site, and park in your space. The camp hosts were wonderful and constantly patrolled the area to correct the day use visitors. We were lucky enough to watch a bear forage for food across the meadow one day.

Fantastic campground right on the lake. Water spouts were common throughout the campground, the bathrooms were clean, and all the spots had plenty of shade. Incredible experience.