California / Lassen County / Lassen National Forest

Merrill Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. Opens May 15 and closes in September or October depending on weather conditions. Reservations available through Recreation.gov.

About

Merrill Campground sits in a mature conifer forest of pines and firs on the southern shoreline of Eagle Lake at 5,100 feet elevation. As the prototypical RV-friendly Forest Service campground, it was completely rebuilt in the early 2000s and now offers 172 sites: 57 full hookup sites (water, electric, sewer), 64 partial hookup sites (water and electric), and 51 standard non-hookup sites. All electric sites provide 50, 30, and two 20 amp outlets. Most camping spurs are double-wide and range from 55-75 feet in length, with a minimum of 45 feet. Each site includes a table and campfire ring with grill. The campground provides modern amenities including flush toilets, potable water points, grey water dumps, limited WiFi, and firewood for purchase. An RV dump station is located just outside the campground. Of the 172 sites, 45 are first-come, first-served walk-in sites (#15-#42 and #57-#75), while 127 are reservable through Recreation.gov. Merrill is part of the Eagle Lake Recreation Area, which features five campgrounds, three day-use areas, and a marina connected by a 5.2-mile paved hiking and biking trail that runs through the campground. Eagle Lake, California's third-largest natural lake at 22,000 acres, is renowned for fishing the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout, a California Heritage Trout. The lake also offers swimming, kayaking, water skiing, and boating with no restrictions on 2-cycle motors or PWCs. The Eagle Lake Marina, located 2.5 miles away, provides gas, propane, supplies, boat rentals, showers, laundry, and a boat launch.

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, the first highway you will come to in the lake basin, and follow the signs to Merrill Campground. Located on County Road A-1.

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