Merrill Campground
Open for the 2026 season as of May 15. The campground operates May through October. Of the 172 sites, 125 are reservable through Recreation.gov and 45 are first-come, first-served walk-in sites.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Lake Almanor Recreational Trail Restriction
Forest Order limits the use of motor vehicles as well as saddle animals, pack animals, and draft animals, on the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail.
About
Merrill Campground is a unique Forest Service facility on the south shore of Eagle Lake, California's third largest natural lake at 22,000 acres. Completely rebuilt in the early 2000s, it functions as a modern RV park within the national forest system. The campground offers 172 sites across three tiers: 57 full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer; 64 partial hookup sites with water and 50/30/20-amp electric service; and 51 standard sites without hookups. All camping spurs are at least 45 feet long, with most stretching 55-75 feet in a double-wide configuration. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. The campground features flush toilets, potable water points, grey water dumps, and limited WiFi. Firewood is available for purchase. An RV dump station is located just outside the campground entrance. The Eagle Lake Marina, 2.5 miles away, provides gas, propane, supplies, showers, laundry, and boat rentals. Eagle Lake is renowned for its Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout, a California Heritage Trout species. The 5.2-mile paved trail connects all five campgrounds, three day-use areas, and the marina along the south shore. Swimming, kayaking, water skiing, and all motorized boating activities are permitted with no two-cycle engine restrictions.
Directions
From Susanville, California, take Highway 36 west for 2 miles to County Road A-1. Turn north and continue 14 miles to the Eagle Lake Recreation Area. Continue past Gallatin Road and follow signs to Merrill Campground on County Road A-1.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | Yes |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | Yes |
| Sewer Hookups | Yes |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 - $80 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 178ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 178ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 257-4188 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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