Summit Lake South Campground
40.4904, -121.4246 · Park boundary: National Park Service
Summit Lake South Campground is located on the south side of Summit Lake at about the middle point of the 30-mile park highway. The campground contains loops C, D, and E (tents only). Additional campsites are located in two loops on the north side of the lake in Summit Lake North Campground.
- Every day
- All Day
All dates are subject to change due to weather, road status, or public safety. The dates listed here are the earliest date the campground may open and the latest day the campground may close. These dates and recreation.gov will be updated as much as possible to reflect current projected dates.
- 2026 Operating Dates · Jun 26, 2026 – Sep 7, 2026 · Every day All Day
- Dry Camping Dates · Sep 8, 2026 – Sep 21, 2026 · Every day All Day
- Closed Winter to Late Spring / Early Summer · Sep 25, 2026 – Jun 26, 2027 · Closed
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Single campsite for a maximum of 3 tents, 6 people, and 2 vehicles (including RVs).
Single campsite when water is unavailable. Limited to 3 tents, 6 people, and 2 vehicles (including RVs).
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
The campground is open 6/28/2024 - 9/23/2024. All sites are by reservation only throughout the duration of the operating season. Sites that are reservation only cannot be claimed without a reservation. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance up to the day of arrival. It is best to reserve ahead of arrival, as there is limited to no connectivity in the park.
- Amphitheater
- Yes - seasonal
- Drinking water
- Yes - seasonal
- Food storage lockers
- Yes - seasonal
- Host on site
- Yes - seasonal
- Toilets
- Vault Toilets - seasonal
- Trash & recycling
- Yes - seasonal
- Camp store
- No
- Cell reception
- No
- Dump station
- No
- Firewood for sale
- No
- Ice for sale
- No
- Internet
- No
- Laundry
- No
- Showers
- None
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- RVs
- Not allowed
- Trailers
- Not allowed
- Access roads
- Paved Roads - All vehicles OK
- Classification
- Developed Campground
- Cell service
- No cell service.
There are no ADA sites in Summit Lake Campground. A-1 in Summit Lake North is accessible. All restrooms are wheelchair accessible.
There are no ADA sites in Summit Lake Campground. A-1 in Summit Lake North is accessible.
Do not cut, saw, or break any standing trees, dead or alive for firewood. You may gather dead wood that is down on the ground within 30 feet of the road and less than 4 inches in diameter. Chainsaw use is not permitted. Fires are allowed only in designated fire grates. Do not build rock rings or burn trash in the grate. Never leave fires or hot coals unattended and extinguish them completely before leaving.
Campground host is located approximately 1/2 mile north at the Summit Lake Trailhead.
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
Summit Lake Campground is on Lassen Volcanic National Park Highway, 12 miles south of the Northwest Entrance and 17.5 miles north of Southwest Entrance.
The park receives very little precipitation between July and September. Snow can linger on peaks into July and August, although the campground is usually snow-free by June. Summit Lake South Campground is located at 6,695 feet elevation. High temperatures range from 65°F to 81°F and lows range from 26°F to 36°F.
Summit Lake South Campground is comprised of three stacked loops extending south from a small mountain lake. Vehicle travel is counterclockwise through each loop. A registration station is located at the entrance of the campground at the start of the C-Loop. A restroom is located in the C-Loop and E-Loop and immediately north of the D-Loop. The E-Loop is for tents only. All sites are relatively close together with short parking areas that cannot accommodate RVs or trailers. Pine and fir trees are spread throughout the campground. Campsites on the west backup to the park highway and campsites on the east backup to a meadow.
- Backcountry Camping in Lassen's Wilderness
- Butte Lake Campground101 sites
- Juniper Lake Campground18 sites
- Lost Creek Group Campground8 sites
- Manzanita Lake Campground179 sites
- Southwest Campground - Summer/Fall35 sites
- Southwest Campground - Winter/Spring15 sites
- Summit Lake North Campground46 sites
- Warner Valley Campground17 sites
Drive to Summit Lake South Campground
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