Summit Lake South

About

Summit Lake South Campground occupies a forested setting at 6,700 feet elevation on the south shore of Summit Lake, roughly midway along Lassen Volcanic National Park's 30-mile highway. The 48 tent-only sites are distributed across three loops (C, D, and E), providing a more secluded camping experience than the North campground across the lake. Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring, and bear-resistant food storage locker. The campground serves as a hub for hikers and backpackers exploring the park's 150 miles of trails. The Cluster Lakes loop trail departs from the nearby Summit Lake Ranger Station, offering access to several alpine lakes and excellent birding opportunities. Lassen Peak Trail is eight miles away, and the Bumpass Hell hydrothermal area is within 10 miles. A connecting trail along the lake's east shore links to Summit Lake North Campground. The park sits at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Great Basin, supporting over 700 flowering plant species and 250 native animal species. Lassen Peak is the southernmost active volcano in the Cascades and contains numerous hydrothermal features including mud pots and steam vents.

Directions

From Redding, take State Highway 44 east approximately 48 miles to the Manzanita Lake entrance. The campground is 12 miles south of the entrance on Lassen Peak Highway, or 17.5 miles north of the Southwest Entrance.