Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins – Frequently Asked Questions
What is a camping cabin?
Staying in a camping cabin is like camping, but with no tent to set up. Camping cabins are one-room,
two-room or bunkhouse styled wooden cabins. The cabins are heated (propane) and include platform
beds, mirror, storage shelves, table and chairs, porch chairs, picnic table, fire ring (with BBQ grate),
battery- powered electric lantern and bear-proof food storage box. The cabins can be locked and have
privacy curtains on windows. There is no electricity or running water in the cabins. Illumination is
provided by one, battery-powered lantern that comes with each cabin.
What is a platform bed?
It is a firm, three-inch mattress on a bed frame or platform. They come as double, single or bunk beds.
The beds are very firm, so if you prefer sleeping on something softer, we recommend bringing an air
mattress or pad to place atop the mattress and thereby adjust firmness, as desired. No bedding is
included. Bring sleeping bags or bedding, or request the camper’s package which includes sleeping
bags. Guests taller than 5’ 10” are advised that walls at the foot and head of the double beds in tworoom cabins prevent feet from extending over the bed. However, a futon in these cabins provides leg
room for taller guests.
What is included in a camper’s package?
For an additional fee, the camper’s package includes:
• Cook Stove
• Additional Lantern
• 3 Pots
• 2 Pans
• Utensils
• Cooler
• 2 Batches of Wood
• 2 Bags of Ice
• S'mores Kit
• Sleeping Bags and pillows
How far away is the nearest restaurant?
There are very few eating establishments outside of the park. A pizza and Mexican restaurant are in
Shingletown, 19 miles west. The Manzanita Lake Camper Store sells groceries and carries a selection of
freshly made sandwiches, hot snack food, beverages, beer and wine, ice and wood, soft serve ice cream,
and its signature Volcano Sundae. The store also carries camping goods, sporting goods, gifts and
clothing Gas pumps are located behind the store. Lassen Café & Gift is located at the Kohm Yah-mahnee Visitor Center near the southwest entrance (an hour’s drive).
To satisfy personal choice, campers are encouraged to bring food with them or buy groceries when
passing through Red Bluff or Redding on their way to Manzanita Lake.
Can food be stored inside the cabins?
No. All food must be stored in bear-proof food storage boxes located outside but adjacent to each
cabin. The bear boxes are large enough to store ice chests.
What should I bring?
We recommend bringing: a flashlight, body soap, shampoo, towels, sleeping bag and toiletries. Bring a
light backpack to carry water, snacks and camera. Dress appropriately for anticipated outdoor alpine
activity and weather. Layered clothing is best for comfort. A fleece jacket, sweater or jacket is
recommended to wear outside at night. Hiking boots or shoes are suggested. For cooking, we
recommend: camp stove, pots, pans, plates, cups, utensils, dish soap, ice chest, paper or cloth towels.
May dogs stay in the cabins overnight?
No, dogs are not allowed inside the cabins. When outside, for their safety and the protection of park
animals, dogs must be attached to a six-foot leash. Animals are not allowed on any park trails but can be
walked on all surfaces that vehicles use. At night, dogs must stay inside a vehicle or be leashed outside.
Dogs may not be left unattended, even if leashed, during the day.
What is there to do at Manzanita Lake?
There are many miles of scenic trails near Manzanita Lake and throughout the national park. Read
about them on this site and at www.nps.gov/lavo. We recommend hiking the gentle trail around
Manzanita Lake. Kayaks can be rented at the Manzanita Lake Camper Store. Catch and release fishing
occurs on Manzanita Lake which is renowned for its large native trout. Inside the Loomis Museum near
Manzanita Lake are exhibits about the eruptions of Lassen Peak. The museum and visitor center are
great places to plan your visit to Lassen Volcanic National Park. Favorite locations to visit in the national
park include: Manzanita Lake, the Devastated Area, Lassen Peak Trail, Bumpass Hell, Sulfur Works, Kohm
Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (southwest entrance), Cinder Cone and Warner Valley (Drakesbad). Outside
the national park are the Subway Caves, lava tubes that can be walked through (Bring flashlights and
warm jackets). Hot Creek, north of the national park, is famous for its fly fishing.
How do I get to Manzanita Lake?
Take 1-5 to Redding, exit at CA 44 heading east toward Lassen Volcanic National Park. It is approximately
one hour to the entrance to the park, from Redding. The lake, Camper Store and Camping Cabins are
about ¾ mile inside the entrance.
www.LassenRecreation.com