Summit Lake South

SUMMIT LAKE SOUTH

Part of Lassen Volcanic National Park

Overview

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.

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.

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.

Important Notices

  • Be bear aware; food and scented products must be stored in the bear lockers provided at each campsite
  • Pets are not allowed on park trails and must be on a 6-ft. leash
  • There are no electricity, water or sewer hook-ups
  • An entrance fee of $30 per vehicle is required. We highly recommend visitors purchase the park's digital 1-7 day entrance fee or the parks annual pass throught recreation.gov prior to visiting park.  

  • Campers must have a valid entrance permit/pass before camping
  • 50 percent discount on camping fees applies only to lifetime pass holders and senior annual pass holders
  • Don't Move Firewood: Help protect our forests! Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by obtaining firewood at or near your destination and burning it on-site. Moving firewood is illegal in some states. Visit dontmovefirewood.org to learn more.
  • Campsites are limited to 3 tents, 6 people, and 2 vehicles (including RV) per site.

  • Please have a printed copy of your reservation with you.

Available Activities

  • SWIMMING SITE - Swimming
  • DAY USE AREA - Amphitheater
  • VISITOR CENTER - Comfort Station
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • HISTORIC & CULTURAL SITE - Museum

Directions

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.

Contact Information

Phone: 530 595-6121

LASSEN VOLCANIC NP P.O.BOX 100
MINERAL, CA 96063

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

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