Lassen Volcanic National Park: planning guide
A volcanic landscape in northern California with hot springs, cinder cones, and a plug-dome peak.
Lassen Volcanic National Park is in CA, United States. The nearest town is Chester — roughly 19.4 mi (31.3 km) out, about 45 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: July through mid-September, once the high country is clear of snow. Shoulder season: late June and late September.
High passes and trails hold snow from October into June, and some roads close entirely for the winter.
Afternoon thunderstorms build fast above treeline in summer. Start early and be off exposed ridges by early afternoon.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Chester | 19.4 mi (31.3 km) | 45 min |
| Shingletown | 20.5 mi (32.9 km) | 47 min |
| Burney | 27.7 mi (44.6 km) | 1 hr |
| Westwood | 29.3 mi (47.1 km) | 1 hr 2 min |
| Greenville | 38.2 mi (61.4 km) | 1 hr 18 min |
| Red Bluff | 44.7 mi (71.9 km) | 1 hr 29 min |
| Susanville | 44.9 mi (72.3 km) | 1 hr 29 min |
| Redding | 47.2 mi (76 km) | 1 hr 33 min |
Before you go
Lassen Volcanic National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| Lassen Volcanic National Park Wilderness Permits | One hike or backcountry trip | Permit or lottery |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Butte Lake | Reservable | — |
| Butte Lake Group | Reservable | — |
| Butte Lake Stock Corral | Reservable | — |
| Juniper Lake Group | Reservable | — |
| Juniper Lake Stock Corral | Reservable | — |
| Lost Creek Group | Reservable | — |
| Manzanita Lake | Reservable | — |
| Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins | Reservable | — |
| Manzanita Lake Group | Reservable | — |
| Southwest | Reservable | — |
| Summit Lake North | Reservable | — |
| Summit Lake South | Reservable | — |
Permits
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lassen Volcanic National Park Wilderness Permits | Permit / lottery | — |
Where Lassen Volcanic National Park sits
Official Lassen Volcanic National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Lassen Volcanic National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park sits close enough to Redwood National Park, Crater Lake National Park, and Yosemite National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Redwood National Park | 142 mi (228 km) | 3 hr 48 min |
| Crater Lake National Park | 171 mi (276 km) | 4 hr 30 min |
| Yosemite National Park | 210 mi (338 km) | 5 hr 25 min |
Long trails through this park
Pacific Crest Trail crosses Lassen Volcanic National Park. The published corridor is CA–WA.
- Pacific Crest Trail — official trail site.
Parks close by
- Redwood National Park
Coast redwood forest in far northern California. Tall trees, fog, and state-park stretches mixed into the visit.
- Crater Lake National Park
A deep, clear lake in the collapsed caldera of an old volcano in Oregon. The rim road and overlooks are the usual visit.
- Yosemite National Park
A granite valley and high Sierra country in California. Waterfalls in spring; valley floors get crowded in summer.
- Pinnacles National Park
Volcanic rock spires and talus caves east of the Salinas Valley in California. Condors sometimes soar overhead.
Common questions
Where is Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Lassen Volcanic National Park sits in CA, United States. Chester, about 19.4 mi (31.3 km) away — roughly 45 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Generally July through mid-September, once the high country is clear of snow, with late June and late September quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Lassen Volcanic National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 14 campgrounds at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.