About MANZANITA LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND
Overview Manzanita Lake Group Campground is located at the west end of Loop B in Manzanita Lake Campground, the largest campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park. It is within walking distance of scenic Manzanita Lake, a popular fishing and family destination, and offers impressive views of Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park at 10,457 feet.Recreation Manzanita Lake is popular with fly fishermen who enjoy the catch-and-release policy. Non-motorized boating is also permitted and kayak rentals are available nearby. The park boasts more than 150 miles of hiking trails, a variety of which can be accessed from the campground. Many family-friendly hikes are available, as well as those for more experienced hikers.Facilities The group campground is equipped with picnic tables, campfire rings and food storage lockers. Flush toilets, showers and drinking water are provided. A camp host is on-site. This facility is conveniently located one mile south of the northern park entrance, close to the Loomis Museum, Loomis Ranger Station and popular hiking trails. Campfire and educational programs are presented at the museum and amphitheater.Natural Features The campground is situated at an elevation of 5,900 feet, adjacent to Manzanita Lake, surrounded by towering Jeffrey and ponderosa pines. The national park is known for its volcanic history, as well as its diversity of more than 950 species of animals and flowering plants. The park is at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin, thus providing many unique habitats. Lassen contains 300 active volcanic domes, as well as many hydrothermal features, such as mud pots and steam vents. Lassen Peak is the southernmost active volcano in the Cascades, and the second most recent to erupt in the lower 48 states, after Mount St. Helens.
How to Get There
From Redding, California, take State Highway 48 miles east. Turn right into Lassen Volcanic National Park and continue one mile south to Manzanita Lake Campground. Proceed to Loop B and go west to the back side of the loop where the group campsites are located.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 10 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (45°F low → 66°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun 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 MANZANITA LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND
Heading to MANZANITA LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND? 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 MANZANITA LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for MANZANITA LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233372) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to MANZANITA LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND?
From Redding, California, take State Highway 48 miles east. Turn right into Lassen Volcanic National Park and continue one mile south to Manzanita Lake Campground. Proceed to Loop B and go west to the back side of the loop where the group campsites are located.
How do I contact MANZANITA LAKE GROUP CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-595-6121 or email: Michelle_DUlisse@nps.gov.
References & Official Resources