Almanor Campground
Almanor Campground is a large family-friendly facility for individuals and large groups alike. It provides direct access to beautiful Lake Almanor and a variety of recreational opportunities in the area.
Natural Features: The campground sits on the west shore of Lake Almanor at an elevation of 4,540 feet. A scenic mixed conifer forest covers the area. Parts of the campground are shaded, while other sections have grassy meadows that often contain wildflowers.
Recreation: The 28,000-acre lake provides ample boating, swimming, water skiing and sailing opportunities. A boat ramp can be found in the north campground. The adjacent beach is mostly rocky, but contains some sand. Fishing in the lake or nearby streams, is a popular activity. Anglers will find a variety of trout, bass, salmon and catfish, among other species. The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail can be accessed from within the campground. The trail winds through the forest, providing spectacular views of the lake, nearby Dyer Mountain and Lassen Peak. The trail stretches approximately 11 miles along the west shore of the lake. It is a non-motorized trail, open to all non-motorized activity.
Facilities: The campground offers numerous single-family campsites, as well as a group site. Campsites are available for tent and RV camping, however, no hookups are provided. Many sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Limited parking is available at the campground.
Nearby Attractions: The campground is located 12 miles outside of the town of Chester, California.
Fish Your National Forests: This site can be accessed by Passenger Car; Fish available include: Salmon, Trout, Bass, Catfish; Types of fishing available include: Wade, Shore, Motorized boat, Float tube, Fly, Spin, Bait; Boat Launch available
At a Glance
Current Conditions: | Almanor South Closed 9/22/2023. Almanor North closed 10/17/2023. |
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Operational Hours: | Almanor South is generally open late-May through Labor Day. Almanor North is generally open from late-May through early October. |
Reservations: | Reservations can be made by visiting Recreation.gov. Reservations can be made up to 4 days in advance and can be made up to 6 months in advance for standard sites and 12 months in advance for group sites. |
Fees: | Fees range from $15 - 18 for standard sites and $36 - 100 for group sites. See details at Recreation.gov |
Open Season: | Memorial Day - Labor Day |
Usage: | Heavy |
Busiest Season: | Summer |
Restrictions: | Include: campfires in fire rings only, all animals must be on a managed six (6) foot leash, quiet hours from 10pm to 6 am, no fireworks, must occupy site first night, and every night thereafter. Additional fees will be collected for extra vehicles at the campground. Off-road vehicle use is prohibited within the campground |
Closest Towns: | Chester, CA |
Water: | Drinking water available |
Restroom: | Vault Toilets and Flush Restrooms |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
Information Center: | Almanor Ranger District |
General Information
Accessibility:Accessible Vault Toilets
Directions:
GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
40.21694, -121.16778
40°13'1"N, 121°10'4"W
From Chester, take Highway 36 west to Highway 89 South. Turn left on Highway 89 and continue about 6 miles, to Almanor Drive West (not to be confused with Almanor West development and Almanor West Drive). Turn left on Almanor Drive West (directly across from the Almanor Group Camp and rest area) and continue approximately 1 mile to Almanor South Campground.
For the Almanor Group camp. From Chester, take Highway 89 South. Turn left on Highway 89 and continue about 6 miles to Almanor Drive west (not to be confused with Almanor West development and Almanor West Drive). Turn right into Almanor Group Camp and rest area ( across from Almanor West Drive).
Activities
Campground Camping
Group Camping
Lake and Pond Fishing
Fish for rainbow and brown trout, smallmouth bass, Chinook and coho salmon, channel catfish, and brown bullhead in Lake Almanor and nearby creeks and rivers.
Permit required?: | Y |
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Day Hiking
Stroll along the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail, accessible from the campground and meandering 9.5 miles along the shoreline.
Viewing Scenery
Boating - Motorized
The boat ramp at the Almanor North Campground is a newly constructed facility with flush toilets and ample parking.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Launch your canoe or kayak from the boat launch or along the lake shore.
Swimming
A swimming beach is available for day use at Almanor North Campground.