Trip · 3-day camping trip
For · Friends and new campers
Vibe · Relaxing and chill
Reservations · Yes, reserve a spot at Manzanita Lake Campground
Drive · 4 hours from SF
Ideal dates · June to October
Pets · Welcome at camp, but not on trails
Lassen Volcanic National Park (LVNP) is an under-rated geological gem. It's never as crowded as Yosemite, and every rock in the park is made from volcanoes. You can find all four types -- shield, composite, cinder cone, and plug dome volcanoes -- within the park, as well as "fumaroles," which are cracks in the Earth’s surface that emit steam and volcanic gases. Pretty rad, right?
Official National Park Website
Latest Park Road and Trail Conditions
Main image credit: Patrick Bosiger
Each campsite comes with a:
Manzanita Lake Campground is decked with restrooms, hot showers, drinking water, a dump station, camp store (that sells ice and firewood), and a laundromat on site. You can reserve a campsite for tents, trailers, and RVs, along with group campsites and rustic camping cabins. Make a reservation ASAP! Campsites do get swooped up between June and September.
Manzanita Lake Campground Map
Nightly Fee: $26
The park is named after Peter Lassen, a Danish-American pioneer, who guided settlers to nearby towns in the 1800's.
The Lassen area used to be a meeting point for four American Indian groups: Atsugewi, Yana, Yahi and Maidu.
Cute, hamster-sized Pikas live in the highest parts of the park, like Lassen Peak. Keep an ear out for their high-pitched squeaks!
A durable and soft flannel shirt that's kid-sized from 6 months to 4T
Clothes
Bezzi's Picks
A cozy sweatshirt for ages 6 months to 4T designed for outdoor exploration.
Clothes
Bezzi's Picks
A sleeping bag designed for kiddos age 2-4 years old
Essential Items
Sleep
A sleeping bag that's designed for toddlers from ages 18-36 months.
Essential Items
Sleep
These are the cushiest sleeping pads we've tried! They come in Extra Wide and Double (for extra cuddles).
Essential Items
Bezzi's Picks
Lean back, and we mean all the way back, in this luxurious camp chair. You'll never want to sit up.
Essential Items
Bezzi's Picks
This colorful tent can fit 4 to 6 people, and is easy to set up and pack out!
Shelters
Bezzi's Picks
Bring a portable toilet to help your toddler stick to their indoor routine.
Self-Care
Self-care
For avid campers, this organizer will keep your kitchen utensils clean and organized.
Kitchen
Kitchen
Enjoy the small town charm and enchanting wilderness in Idyllwild for this beginner camping trip.