About ALMANOR
Overview Almanor Campground is a large family-friendly facility for individuals and large groups alike. It provides direct access to beautiful Lake Almanor and a variety of recreational opportunities in the area.Recreation The 28,000-acre lake provides ample boating, swimming, water skiing and sailing opportunities. A boat ramp can be found next to the north campground. The adjacent beach is mostly rocky, but contains some sand. Fishing in the lake or nearby streams, is a popular activity. Anglers will find a variety of trout, bass, salmon and catfish, among other species.The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail can be accessed from within the campground. The trail winds through the forest, providing spectacular views of the lake, nearby Dyer Mountain and Lassen Peak. The trail stretches approximately 11 miles along the west shore of the lake. It is a non-motorized trail, open to all non-motorized activity. Facilities The campground offers numerous single-family campsites, as well as a group site. Campsites are available for tent and RV camping, however, no hookups are provided. Many sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Limited parking is available at the campground. An amphitheater is located on-site.Natural Features The campground sits on the west shore of Lake Almanor at an elevation of 4,540 feet. A scenic mixed conifer forest covers the area. Parts of the campground are shaded, while other sections have grassy meadows that often contain wildflowers. Nearby Attractions The campground is located 12 miles outside of the town of Chester, California.
How to Get There
From Chester, take Highway 36 west to Highway 89 South. Turn left on Highway 89 and continue south about 6 miles, to Almanor Drive West (not to be confused with Almanor West development and Almanor West Drive). Turn left on Almanor Drive West (directly across from the Almanor Group Camp and rest area) and continue approximately 1 mile to Almanor South Campground. For the Almanor Group camp.From Chester, take Highway 89 South. Turn left on Highway 89 and continue about 6 miles to Almanor Drive west (not to be confused with Almanor West development and Almanor West Drive). Turn right into Almanor Group Camp and rest area ( across from Almanor West Drive).
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to ALMANOR
Heading to ALMANOR? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for ALMANOR?
No central reservation system listed for ALMANOR. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232246) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to ALMANOR?
From Chester, take Highway 36 west to Highway 89 South. Turn left on Highway 89 and continue south about 6 miles, to Almanor Drive West (not to be confused with Almanor West development and Almanor West Drive). Turn left on Almanor Drive West (directly across from the Almanor Group Camp and rest area) and continue approximately 1 mile to Almanor South Campground. For the Almanor Group camp.From Ch…
How do I contact ALMANOR?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-258-2141.
References & Official Resources
