Cave Campground

California's Best Camping

Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA
Manzanita Lake, Lassen Volcanic National Park, CA

Cave Campground

Lassen Volcanic National Forest


Cave Campground

Cave Campground is in the Lassen National Forest north of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The campground has a prettier setting than Hat Creek Campground, 2 miles to the south. Cave Campground is across the highway from the access road to Subway Cave, a 1/3-mile long lava tube that makes an interesting adventure. Bring a flashlight.

All 46 of the campsites at Cave Campground are first-come, first served. Campsites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents.

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Cave Campground Basics
Cave Campground Location: Hwy. 89, 14 miles north of Lassen Volcanic National Park
Elevation: 4,330 feet
Nearby Cities: Redding - 62 miles, 1:06
Number of Sites: 46
Camping Season: Site 1-16 are open year-round, others April through mid-October. (no water in winter months)
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 ($5 per night for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by Laseen National Forest
Hat Creek Ranger District: (530) 336-5521

Reservations
No Reservations Available: All campsites at Cave Campground are first-come, first-served.
Camping Limit: 14 nights
Max. RV/Trailer Length: 30 feet
Wheelchair accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: $16 per night ($10 for winter camping)
Check-in, check-out: 3:00 PM, 2:00 PM

Cave Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, tap water
Campground: restrooms with flush toilets (vault toilets in off-season)
Showers and Laundry: no showers, laundry available in nearby Old Station
Dump station: in Old Station
Nearby Facilities: Basic supplies in Old Station, Old Station Visitor Center, more in Burney, 24 miles north
Attractions near Cave Campground:
  • Walk a portion of the famous Pacific Crest Trail and the Splatter Cones Trail.
  • Fish along Hat Creek.
  • Discover the wonders of Subway Cave.
  • Spend days in Lassen Volcanic National Park.
  • Drive to McArthur-Burney Fall State Park.




General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.



Hat Creek Campground, Lassen National Forest

Cave Campground


Lassen Volcanic National Park
Attractions and Activities

Campers at Cave Campground are near Subway Cave as well as only a short drive from Lassen Volcanic National Park.

  • Venture into Subway Cave, located just north of the park. The cave is less than a half-mile long and reveals the underground world of a lava tube. Don't forget your flashlight.
  • Make an Auto Tour of the park, stopping at sites such as Sulfur Works, Bumpass Hell Overlook, Devastated Area, and Chaos Crags.
  • Hike 5 miles up to the summit of Lassen Peak.
  • Participate in Ranger-led Programs at the park, including nature walks, campfire programs, Starry Night ranger-led programs, astronomy programs, Lassen Dark Sky Festival August 2-3, 2019, and snowshoe hikes.
  • Tour Loomis Museum, which features historic photos of Lassen's last eruption.
  • Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center has wonderful exhibits about the park's volcanic activity. The Center includes both a cafe and a gift shop.

Key Cave Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times. Dogs are not allowed in the cave or on National Park trails.
  2. Off-road Vehicles may not be operated in the campground
  3. Avoid spreading pests by purchasing firewood locally.

    Check Lassen National Forest - Cave Campground for any campground updates.