Merrill Campground

Open

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.…

Front Desk Closure today, May 11 at Eagle Lake Ranger District Office

All Visitor Services will be closed at the Eagle Lake Ranger District Office May 11, 2026. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, May 12th.For questions about recreation sites and other visitor services, please contact our Susanville office. For all product permits and other forest product purchases,…

Front Desk Closure today, May 11 at Almanor Ranger District Office

All Visitor Services will be closed at the Almanor Ranger District Office May 11, 2026. Normal hours will resume on Tuesday, May 12th.For questions about recreation sites and other visitor services, please contact our Susanville office. For all product permits and other forest product purchases,…

Hat Creek RD - Temporary Office Closure for all Visitor Services

All Visitor Services will be closed at the Hat Creek Ranger District Office from April 25, 2026, through May 10, 2026. Normal hours will resume on Monday, May 11th.For questions about recreation sites and other visitor services, please contact our Susanville office. Acting District Ranger: Linda…

Forest Road Closure Order

The Boundary of the Forest Road Closure begins at the Antelope Campground and proceeds as follows:1. Starting at Antelope Campground on Ponderosa Way,2. then continues South along Ponderosa Way to the intersection of 27N08 and 27N21 roads at “The Narrows”,3. then continues Southwest from “The…

SAFETY ALERT - South Antelope Bridge out, Do Not Cross

Damage to the underside of South Antelope Bridge on Ponderosa Way was discovered by Forest Service Road Crews. Engineering staff are currently assessing the damage. At this time the bridge is unsafe to cross, and a barricade has been placed on both sides. We will update here when more information…

Lassen National Forest Camping Restrictions

Forest Order limits the number of days and individuals camping on the Lassen National Forest. This Order prohibits camping for a period longer than 14 days in any developed campground, and 14 days not to exceed an aggregate of 30 days in any undeveloped location during a calendar year. It also…

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.

Lake Almanor Area Camping Restriction

Forest Order limits camping in the Lake Almanor Overnight Use Closure Area.

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

Merrill
Merrill

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