California / Shasta County / Lassen Volcanic National Park / Lassen Volcanic Wilderness

Backcountry Camping In Lassen's Wilderness

Open — Open year-round for backcountry camping with a wilderness permit obtained through Recreation.gov. During winter when the main park road is closed, camping is permitted on or near the road. Some areas remain impacted by the 2021 Dixie Fire with ongoing hazards.

About

Overnight backcountry camping is permitted year-round throughout Lassen Volcanic National Park's designated wilderness areas, which comprise the majority of the park's 100,000+ acres. There are no designated campsites, tent pads, picnic tables, or amenities in the backcountry. A wilderness permit obtained exclusively through Recreation.gov is required for all overnight stays outside of established campgrounds. The permit costs $6 per reservation plus $5 per person, and reservations can be made up to 90 days in advance on a rolling basis. Lassen's backcountry is accessed primarily from four trailheads: Warner Valley, Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Summit Lake. The eastern part of the park contains the largest network of trails. Certain areas are closed to camping, including locations within a half-mile of roads open to vehicles, within a quarter-mile of hydrothermal areas, and within a quarter-mile of specific lakes and features. During winter, when the main park road is closed due to snow, backcountry camping is allowed on or near the road. Backcountry campers must use bear-resistant food containers from April 16 through November 30. Campfires are prohibited; only small liquid or gas fuel stoves are permitted. Groups are limited to 10 people maximum, with a 30-day annual stay limit. The backcountry ranges significantly in elevation, resulting in highly variable weather conditions. Snow can linger on peaks into July and August, and the park may receive up to 40 feet of snow in winter. Some areas remain impacted by the 2021 Dixie Fire, with ongoing hazards like fallen trees and undefined trails.

Directions

Wilderness permits must be obtained online via Recreation.gov prior to your visit. The park has over 75,000 acres of designated wilderness with no designated campsites. Primary backcountry access points include Warner Valley, Butte Lake, Juniper Lake, and Summit Lake trailheads, with the largest trail network in the eastern part of the park.

Nearby Campgrounds