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Summit Lake South Campground (elevation 6,700 ft.) is conveniently located on the main road of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The campground is within walking distance of the small but scenic Summit Lake and eight miles from the 10,457-ft. Lassen Peak, the largest volcano in the park. Hikers will find one of the park's major trails only 1/4-mile away from the campground and many more within a close proximity. Summit Lake South is on the opposite side of the lake from Summit Lake North Campground. Recreation The campground is a hub for hiking and backpacking trails within the park. Campers can access many of the park's 150 miles of hiking trails from the Summit Lake area. The Cluster Lakes loop trail--a major trailhead into the park's interior that bypasses several alpine lakes and is popular among birders--is located a short walk away at the Summit Lake Ranger Station. This is the closest campground to the Lassen Peak Trail and within 10 miles of the hydrothermal area, Bumpass Hell. Educational programs are presented at an amphitheater within the facility. Facilities This facility has vault toilets, drinking water, campfire rings, picnic tables and a more secluded tent-only loop. There are no flush toilets. For more information visit Campgrounds of Lassen Volcanic. Natural Features The national park is known for its volcanic history, as well as its diversity of plants and animals. It contains 300 active volcanic domes and 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 volcano to erupt in the lower 48 of the United States before Mount Saint Helens. Lassen National Park boasts over 700 species of flowering plants and 250 native species including birds, mammals, reptiles and fish. The park is at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, the Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Great Basin, thus providing many unique habitats. ADA Access: N
From Redding, California take State Highway 44 east approximately 48 miles to the Manzanita Lake entrance of the park. The campground is 14 miles south of the entrance on the main park road.
The campsite was very easy to find and the latrines were extremely Clean and smells nice. They provided toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The reservation was a low cost of $22 a night and parking was $25 for the entire time. Only 3 tents and 2 cars allowed per site (extra cars will be parked off your site which was within walking distance). The view to see the stars was the best I've ever seen and at night, you can take a reflecting pond shot of the stars and mountains all at once. Photo credited to Brian Fulda @brianfulda Instagram
Very nice campground near the lake. 2 cars are allowed per campsite and there is also a limited parking for day use if you want to swim in the lake or bring a kayak. Restrooms are clean and with sanitizers.
Beautiful surroundings, went for many walks around the area. Definitely be back. The animals in the campground are persistent, the will go in the firepit, bear locker, on the table, in your car. Be sure to keep things shut and closed.
Quieter than the North campground. Great layout in the D loop, and some for multiple families in all the loops. Toilets are very clean. Short walk to the lake. Good night viewing spots of the Milky Way.b
