The best camping in Lake Almanor

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Spanning 52 square miles, Lake Almanor is one of the largest man-made lakes in California. A popular destination for boating, paddling, swimming, and water sports, the lake is home to several public boat launches and marinas that make lake access easy. Anglers are also drawn to the excellent fishing, while several trails offer land-based fun and the area serves as a gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Lassen National Forest surrounds the lake, offering a number of developed and dispersed campgrounds, while additional options can be found around the lakeshore in the form of private campgrounds, RV parks, and campgrounds run by PG&E.

98% (2.5K) • 2,562 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds in Lake Almanor

Mill Creek Resort

1. Mill Creek Resort

97%
(1475)
Mineral, CA · 35 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome! We’re Jillian and Joe, along with our sidekicks Sonora, Ayla and Rosalyn the brains and the brawn behind Mill Creek Resort. Since 2017, we have been pouring every ounce of our love and energy into this landmark 1930’s resort. We take great pride in honoring it's rich history while creating a space for the next generation of mountain adventurers. Nestled in 12 acres of cedars and towering pines on the south side of Lassen Volcanic National Park, we offer 9 cabins open year-round, along with 20 campsites, some featuring glamping tents and 8 RV spots, two featuring a vintage 70's trailer and 2015 modern RV. We hope your path leads you here to experience all that Lassen has to offer. Miles of trails, pristine waters, dark skies, and wildlife abound, all awaiting to be discovered. Find your Wild, be kind, and leave no trace.
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Toilets
Full hookups
Bigfoot Lodging Vacation Rentals

2. Bigfoot Lodging Vacation Rentals

95%
(194)
Shingletown, CA · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bigfoot Lodging, a peaceful campground nestled in the woods with majestic tall pine and cedar trees close to Lassen Volcanic National Park. There's also a lake, a year round creek with fish and a small waterfall on the property where you can relax in the natural and peaceful wooded setting . Quiet and beautiful place to enjoy with your friends and family. Amazing attractions near by like Subway Lava Tube Cave, Burney Falls, Shasta Lake and Caverns, Whiskeytown Lake and all amazing lakes and hiking trails up on Lassen. About 15 miles from the North entrance of Lassen National Volcanic Park.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Maple Creek Ranch

3. Maple Creek Ranch

99%
(577)
Cohasset, CA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
In 2024 the Park Fire has brought some changes to our surroundings, but we’re thrilled to share that our camp sites, pond area, and homes were miraculously untouched! 🌲✨ Here’s what you can expect during your stay: - Mud Creek Canyon: While this area was most affected by the fire, it remains a good spot for hiking and exploring. - The Pond: It’s looking beautiful, and we have completed restoring the stream that feeds it. Enjoy the serene environment as nature continues to flourish. - Ongoing Restoration: We’re committed to rejuvenating the land and ensuring your experience remains as wonderful as ever. ================= The Maple Creek Ranch and Tree Farm has been family owned and operated since 1934. The patriarch of the family, whose family had moved here from Denmark, had a great love of the forest and trains. The property was one of the first certified tree farms in California with the goal of nurturing a healthy forest. In the 1960’s, a mile of railroad tracks was laid and the whistle of a small, steam engine train could be heard throughout the community. Local residents and kids were treated to free train rides and special events for many years. There is a natural spring with a small creek that supplies the ponds with fresh water year around. There is also a small canyon on the property with a larger stream called Mud Creek. The land is rich in Indian history and there a artifacts and other signs on the Indians presence. The Cohasset area is relatively unknown. 15 miles from our property is Deer Creek and the Lasson National Forest is about a 2 hour drive north. While staying with us you can pitch your tent on our private 500 acres. We have 2 primitive camping spots on our property. Each spot has a picnic table and fire pit. There is a flush toilet shared for both camp sites. * During freezing weather the toilets may be closed so they don’t freeze! Please check before booking *The spots are spread out to ensure privacy. Our property is surrounded by the forest and is loaded with deer, squirrels, turkeys and other forest animals. We have numerous walking trails, a fresh water pond for fishing and swimming. Please notify us if you have an RV. Site 1 is best for RV's. Site 2 can accommodate smaller RV's.
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Plumas National Forest

4. Plumas National Forest

95%
(68)
National forest in California · 821 sites
Hike, cross-country ski, or even drive into the deep wilderness of this Sierra Nevada forest.
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Toilets
Campfires
Lassen National Forest

5. Lassen National Forest

96%
(68)
National forest in California · 412 sites
Crossroads of California offers year-round recreation in volcanic, alpine, and wilderness terrain.
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Coppercreek Camp

6. Coppercreek Camp

99%
(122)
Greenville, CA · 14 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land: Coppercreek Camp is your mountain escape with fresh air and dark night skies perfect for star gazing. Come stay in a cabin or pitch a tent with friends and family and enjoy endless miles of hiking, biking, and riding trails. Coppercreek Camp is located in Plumas County 10 minutes from Lake Almanor, the Feather River, and Round Valley Lake. We are an hour from Lassen National Park.  Picnic by our ponds, play in our sandpit volleyball court, relax in a hammock, watch your kids put on a show at our amphitheater, and watch the sunset over Keddie Peak. The frogs and crickets will sing you to sleep. Ask us how to access our trails and other ponds. Our bunk cabins are rustic with electricity, windows and locking doors, and each cabin has different bed accommodations. Please bring all of your own bedding and sleeping bags. Some of the cabins have heat/AC. We have tent sites available with picnic tables and can accommodate dry-camping RVs. We are still working on installing RV hook-ups. May through October there is a bath and shower house with hot water and flush toilets. Propane fire pits are available for rent. We have an ice machine on in the summer months located by our Main Lodge. The winters are cold and snowy, spring and fall are ideal with warm sunny days and cool, crisp nights, and the summer has warm evenings and hot days. There is plenty of shade with large pine, cedar and oak trees and open sunny space in the meadow. Coppercreek Camp is your perfect mountain getaway for the whole family! Please note: The Dixie fire burned our town of Greenville in August 2021. There is ongoing repair work in the local area, a lot of burned forest, but still many beautiful sites to see. Much of our property burned, but we are rebuilding and have beautiful green trees with plenty of shade. All of our pictures on HipCamp are post-fire and up-to-date. Please come and support our special town as we rebuild! The town of Greenville is located about 5 minutes from our property and offers a grocery store, Dollar General, gas station with mini mart, and wonderful food trucks. Grab the best quesadillas and drinks from the Way Baby or delicious coffee and breakfast from The Valley Grind.
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TURNER BEACH AT LAKE ALMANOR

7. TURNER BEACH AT LAKE ALMANOR

99%
(75)
Westwood, CA · 1 site · Tent, RV
Turner Beach At Lake Almanor is a privately owned vacant lakefront lot. The property is wide enough to accommodate 3 RV's/camp trailers end to end, ensuring no blocked views of the lake. You will be camping along Lake Almanor's East Shore on your own private campground instead of "combat camping" in the public campgrounds nearby. Additionally, the property can accommodate numerous smaller vans and tents. We have 2 mooring buoys and a large dock. (Dock may no longer be in the water after September) There is a sani-hut potty which is cleaned weekly. The property is located between the lake and the highway, so there will be road noise. Some guests have been bothered by the traffic and some have not. We have 1 SUP board, 3 kayaks, and a canoe as well as a 5-person pedal boat that can be borrowed while renting our beach. Doing so will be at your own risk and you are required to wear personal floatation devices (lifejackets). Lifejackets are not provided, so you will need to bring your own. We ask that you please respect our toys and take care not to damage them or lose any parts/pieces. ALL RENTERS MUST TAKE THEIR OWN TRASH WITH THEM WHEN THEY DEPART No Fireworks, No firearms, No drugs allowed. Off LEASH dogs are allowed and we have a 10 x 10 x 6 kennel onsite. Campers are responsible for minding their pet's safety, politeness, and picking up their poo-poo's. Marshmallow roasting/cooking fires must be kept small and are only allowed in the provided fire ring. There is firewood onsite. The early mornings are tranquil, and the sunsets are STUNNING! We hope you enjoy your stay! **Please understand, if you private message us asking to pay us directly to avoid the HIPCAMP fees, the answer will be NO! This is the platform we have chosen for our beach rental and we are not willing to skirt around it. Thank you for your understanding. :) **Please Note: There is a large fire alarm located across the hwy. On the first Tues of each month, the alarm is tested at approx 1pm. Its very loud and lasts about 60 seconds. **Bear alert! Some guests have mentioned having their garbage visited by bears. Please keep that in mind, secure your garbage and watch kids/pets, esp after dark! PROPERTY ADDRESS: 4879 HWY 147 THANK YOU FOR LOOKING!
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Toilets
Picnic table
Golden Pine Campground, Paxton, Ca

8. Golden Pine Campground, Paxton, Ca

98%
(25)
Paxton, CA · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Campground has 3 all weather enclosed coverings, plus two raised wood platforms for tents, 12x12. Kitchen area with bar stools countertop, barbeque, and griddle. Two bathrooms, two cold water showers, picnic tables outside of each camping area overlooking the Feather River.
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JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

9. JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

100%
(13)
Janesville, CA · 1 site · Tent, RV
JD Hemphill Ranch is fourth generation cattle and hay ranch on the edge of the Great Basin. We have great views of both the Sierra and the Skedaddle Mountains. We offer a quiet campsite minutes from Highway 395 on a tranquil county road named after the family. Biking and walking is easy and can be done without fear of traffic. We are close to bike trails and the Bizz Johnson Rails to Trails project is just 17 minutes away in Susanville.
Pets
Picnic table
Lassen Volcanic National Park

10. Lassen Volcanic National Park

97%
(100)
National park in California · 336 sites
Find solitude and adventure in a surreal landscape of lakes, forests, and volcanic terrain.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Plumas Eureka State Park

11. Plumas Eureka State Park

100%
(9)
State park in California · 62 sites
Experience California history at an authentic, historic mining area.
Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

12. Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

92%
(13)
State park in California · 257 sites
Camp on or around this man-made lake popular for water recreation and outstanding fishing.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Tahoe National Forest

13. Tahoe National Forest

92%
(264)
National forest in California · 1382 sites
Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.
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Campfires
Butterfly Valley Yurt

14. Butterfly Valley Yurt

99%
(171)
Quincy, CA · 1 site
Beautiful mountain property with Doug fir, sugar pine, oak, white fir, incense cedar, Ponderosa pine, alders, willow. Butterfly Valley is within walking distance of Butterfly Valley Botanical Area, a protected area with many native carnivorous plants. Two minute drive to Butterfly Beach on Spanish Creek, one of the best swimming holes in Plumas County. Right in the heart of the scenic Feather River and Lost Sierra, home of world-renowned hiking, biking, fishing, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, white water rafting and more. This is truly a special property! Quincy is a thriving mountain community of 5,000 residents, the county seat of Plumas County, home of Feather River College and High Sierra Music Festival, restaurants, and a microbrewery.
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Our Escape

15. Our Escape

97%
(53)
Clio, CA · 1 site
There is only one spot available at our property to reserve as we leave our trailer up there for most of the summer. The good news is you will have the place all to yourselves unless we happen to be there which is not very often and we will let you know if we overlap. This spot has a 30 amp RV plug and a sewer connection. There is no water or trash service so please bring your own water and practice pack in/pack out practices. This spot is for RV's only with a full restroom as we don't have restroom facilities onsite. This is a very quiet spot but does have a few neighbors within earshot so if you are planning on a party spot or having loud music this is not the spot for you. There is a large smoker/BBQ that is not maintained but is available for your use if you want, we have used it several times and it works great. There is also a firepit to use when fire season permits. We are only 4 miles from Graeagle, which is a great little town to explore and eat some ice cream in the park. There are many great lakes to explore in the immediate area including Lake Davis, Gold Lake, Upper Salmon Lake, and of course upper and lower sardine which are my favorites.
Electrical hookup
Sewer hookup
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Meadow View (Tent provided)

16. Meadow View (Tent provided)

100%
(1)
Portola, CA · 2 sites · RVs, Lodging
This site comes with a large tent on a raised platform overlooking pastureland toward Smith Peak. The tent is a semi-permanent fixture that sleeps two people on a queen-size inflatable mattress. There is also room on the floor for a couple of sleeping bags if you choose to share your space! An outhouse is located just a short walk away and also includes a shower. There is no hot water—just a Wim Hof-inspired cold rinse! Lake Davis is about five miles up the road and offers fishing, paddleboarding, and a seven-mile trail to explore. The Lakes Basin Recreation Area is a short 40-minute drive away, where you’ll find multiple hiking trails and many lakes to explore. Portola has hosted the Lost Sierra Gravel Grinder bike race, and Graeagle, California, is just 10 miles west. There, you can enjoy boutique shopping and some of the best coffee around at the Outpost, located next to Mill Pond.
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The 395 Ranch, Seclusion & Views!

17. The 395 Ranch, Seclusion & Views!

100%
(4)
Doyle, CA · 4 sites · Tents, RVs
This property lies at the base of the Sierra Mountains, approximately 9 miles north of Doyle, CA on the west side of US Route 395. Access to the ranch road is from US Route 395. Its elevation starts at 3800 feet and rises higher than 5,000 feet. The lower half is rolling high chaparral and the upper half is steep with forest land that was burned in the 2021 Dixie Fire. There are still plenty of live trees left. This ranch lies in Deer Hunting Zone X6b. Lassen National Forest is on the west boundary of this ranch, with a gate that allows access to the national forest. The 395 Ranch boasts incredible views for nearly 75 miles. The ground is primarily decomposed granite so mud never becomes a problem. Wind can be strong when weather systems approach. The campsites are very basic with no toilet facilities (at this time) but water is available for cooking and washing dishes. An outdoor enclosed shower is available as well. At this time (summer) the water is naturally warm from the pipe’s exposure to the sun and hot water from a flash heater will be available in the near future. Tents can be erected almost anywhere on the property, but campfires are strictly prohibited until the rainy/cold season. Water and an electric hookup is available next to the barn for RVs and travel trailers at an additional cost. Sewer service is not available. There is also an older but nice three-bedroom, one bath home that is also available for short term rentals. It is heated during the winter by two wood burning stoves and cooled comfortably during the summer with a swamp cooler. The rent for this house is based on the season, ranging from $169-$229 nightly plus extra fees for pets or more than three people. Visitors of the past have found hiking, looking for artifacts and rocks to be fun activities. It’s also been an amazing place for stargazing and using telescopes. Others simply enjoyed relaxing and enjoying the peace, quiet and views. High quality campfire wood is available for $12.00 a bundle.
Pets
Potable water
Full hookups
The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

18. The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

99%
(41)
Beckwourth, CA · 1 site
Unique and peaceful Lost Sierra retreat within feet of Big Grizzly Creek. Nestled among towering trees and serene natural surroundings, The Retreat at Big Grizzly Creek is a tranquil haven located within feet of a gently flowing creek. As you enter the campsite, the refreshing sound of water trickling over smooth rocks immediately captures your attention, creating a symphony of nature's melodies. The Retreat is located within minutes of the small railroad town of Portola, CA, 5 minutes from the boat launch at Lake Davis, and a couple of minutes from the public golf course, Grizzly Ranch. The property the campsite is on is over 3 acres with the creek being the western border. The property has numerous overlooks of the creek and surrounding fauna with a short hike. Currently, I am building a trail and a sitting area over the most perfect view atop a rock outcropping, perfect for sipping coffee in the morning or beer. No judgment here! We have big plans for this little piece of the earth we own and are excited to share it with you.
Pets
Toilets
Potable water
Lost Sierra Cabin & Camp Escape

19. Lost Sierra Cabin & Camp Escape

100%
(1)
Meadow Valley, CA · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
You can camp in the sun or shade of the towering Ponderosa Pines, depending on the weather, or stay in our historic guest cabin if it's rain or snow season! Access to abundant public lands in all directions (hiking, backcountry / xc skiing, mountain biking, nature study, swimming holes, and so much more). Hang out on the patio, around the fire ring, at the picnic table, or in a couple of well-placed hammocks and chill! Well water is excellent. Bathroom facilities: a very cool throwback outhouse. No hot water. Power and modest wifi available. Flat parking and plenty of it.
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Potable water
Little House in the Big Woods

20. Little House in the Big Woods

100%
(11)
Forest Ranch, CA · 1 site
The cabin shares the property with our home but a large portion of the yard is maintained solely for the use of cabin guests. The space feels private with no obligation to interact with the main house residents. Enjoy cooking on the BBQ or sitting by the firepit while taking in the woodland scenery. The area features a plethora of nearby hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, and swimming. Or enjoy the simplicity of reading a book, sitting by the fire, and letting the forest share its splendor with you. This house is also only about an hour drive to beautiful Lake Almanor and the amazing gem of Lassen National Park. It is very easy to go up for a day to go boating, fishing, a hike to the hot springs and hydrothermal areas, or have a picnic. The drive between here and there is on well maintained roads and the scenery is absolutely stunning. While Chico may look a bit far away on the map, the highway gets you there in 20 short minutes. This university town is well known for its mixture of vibrance, the arts, and small town rural living. The area boasts truly amazing restaurants, bars, shopping and modern amenities. Our property is very close to access points for the famous Upper Bidwell park. We will share a guidebook full of our personal recommendations of things to do in the area.
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Wifi

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Lake Almanor camping guide

Where to go

North Shore

Chester, the largest town in the region, can be found on the north shore of Lake Almanor. Camping options include private campgrounds and RV parks, the PG&E-run Last Chance Campground and forest service Warner Creek, Domingo Springs, and High Bridge campgrounds. Lassen Volcanic National Park is less than 30 miles away, and convenient overnight options include the Warner Valley and Juniper Lake campgrounds. Or find plenty of backcountry options in Lassen National Forest’s Caribou Wilderness nearby.

East Shore

The Lake Almanor Peninsula, which nearly bisects the lake, can be found on the east shore of the lake. Several small communities and residential developments can be found along the shoreline, including Almanor, Hamilton Branch, Bailey Creek, and Foxwood. Several private campgrounds and RV resorts offer overnight options in lakeside and forested settings. Further east inland, find the Mountain Meadows Reservoir, popular with hunters and birdwatchers.

South Shore

Aside from the small community of Canyon Dam, which offers private RV resorts and a boat launch, most of the south shore is undeveloped land or part of the Lassen National Forest. Further south is the Plumas National Forest, which operates several campgrounds near the south shore. PG&E also manages several campgrounds, including Rock Point Campground and Camp Conery. Further south, find the Butt Valley Reservoir and several PG&E-run campgrounds, including the Ponderosa Flat and Cool Springs campgrounds.

West Shore

The west shore is home to the small communities of Lake Almanor West, Almanor, and Prattville, which offer a range of lodging and amenities, including a golf course. A portion of the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway also winds past Lake Almanor’s west shore. Camping options include several private RV resorts, PG&E-run campgrounds, like Rocky Point, and campgrounds within Lassen National Forest, including Almanor, Soldier Meadows, and Hole-in-the-Ground campgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lake Almanor is a popular destination for boating, paddling, swimming, and water sports. Anglers are also drawn to the excellent fishing, while several trails offer land-based fun. The area serves as a gateway to Lassen Volcanic National Park.

Camping options near Lake Almanor include developed and dispersed campgrounds in Lassen National Forest, private campgrounds, RV parks, and campgrounds run by PG&E. You can also explore different options for camping near Lake Almanor on Hipcamp.

The south shore of Lake Almanor offers several campgrounds operated by Plumas National Forest, PG&E, and private RV resorts near the small community of Canyon Dam. Further south, find the Butt Valley Reservoir and several PG&E-run campgrounds. You can also explore different options for camping near Lake Almanor on Hipcamp.

Chester, the largest town in the Lake Almanor region, offers private campgrounds, RV parks, the PG&E-run Last Chance Campground, and forest service campgrounds. Lassen Volcanic National Park is less than 30 miles away, and convenient overnight options include the Warner Valley and Juniper Lake campgrounds. Or find plenty of backcountry options in Lassen National Forest’s Caribou Wilderness nearby. You can also explore different options for camping near Lake Almanor on Hipcamp.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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