California / Lassen County / Lassen Volcanic National Park

Juniper Lake Group

Closed — Closed for winter. The campground typically operates seasonally from late June or July through September, depending on snowpack and road conditions. Juniper Lake Road closes in fall due to snow and remains closed until spring.

About

Juniper Lake Group Campground is a remote, rustic facility located at 6,800 feet elevation on the eastern shore of Juniper Lake in the southeastern corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The campground offers spectacular views of Lassen Peak, the park's largest volcano at 10,457 feet, and provides access to some of the park's most pristine backcountry. The facility features two reservation-only group sites, each accommodating 10-15 people with three picnic tables, three fire grates, and three metal food lockers. Access requires navigating 13 miles from Chester, with the last 6 miles on narrow, rough, dusty dirt road unsuitable for RVs, trailers, or large vehicles. The campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the park's interior, with trailheads for Horseshoe Lake, Snag Lake, and the Mount Harkness Trail leading to a historic fire tower still in use today. Juniper Lake itself is a popular destination for non-motorized boating, swimming, canoeing, and kayaking. The area sits at the junction of the Cascade Mountains, Sierra Nevada, and Great Basin, creating diverse habitats supporting over 700 flowering plant species and 250 vertebrate species. The park's volcanic features, including 300 active volcanic domes and numerous hydrothermal features, provide a dramatic backdrop to this wilderness camping experience.

Directions

From Red Bluff on I-5, drive east on Highway 36 approximately 70 miles to Chester. Turn left at the fire station immediately after crossing the Feather River Bridge (watch for National Park Service sign). Continue approximately 13 miles following signs to Juniper Lake. The last 6 miles is narrow, rough dirt road not suitable for RVs, trailers, or large motorhomes.

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