Manzanita Lake Camping Cabins FAQs
We’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions to help you plan your stay at the Manzanita Lake Cabins. If there’s anything else you’d like to know, please feel free to send us an email.
What is a Camping Cabin?
Staying in a Camping Cabin is like camping, but with no tent to set up. The Cabins are wooden and are available in three styles: One Room, Two Room or Bunkhouse.
The Cabins can be locked and have privacy curtains on the windows. The Cabins are heated (propane), but there is no electricity or running water in the cabins. Bringing additional flashlights is a good idea.
All the Cabins are furnished with platform beds and storage shelves. Outside each Cabin is a picnic table, a fire ring (with BBQ grate), and bear-proof food storage locker.
Additional features of the One Room Cabins and Two Room Cabins include a table with chairs and mirror inside the Cabins, and a pair of chairs outside on the porch. The Two Room Cabin also includes a futon in addition to the platform beds.
What amenities are available to guests?
Two vault-style toilets are located in the Cabin Loop. At the Manzanita Lake Camper Service Store are flush toilets, showers, and coin operated laundry (open 24 hours a day).
Public phones are also located at the Store. The phones do require a phone card (available for purchase in the Store).
Regular gasoline is available behind the Store, 24 hours a day. Credit cards accepted.
Download our Map & Guest Information (PDF) for reference.
What is a platform bed?
A Platform Bed platform bed is a firm, three-inch mattress on a bed frame or platform. They come as double, single or bunk beds. The beds are quite firm, so if you prefer something soft, we recommend you bring an air mattress or pad to place atop the platform bed’s mattress to add cushioning. No bedding is included. Bring sleeping bags or bedding. Guests taller than 5′ 10″ are advised that walls at the foot and head of the double beds in two-room cabins prevent feet from extending over the bed. However, a futon in these cabins provides leg room for taller guests.
What’s an Amenity Package?
Camper’s Amenity Packages, available for an additional fee, provide you with some extra equipment and supplies to make your stay even easier. Check out our Amenity Packages here, and let us know if you’d like to reserve on for your stay.
How far away is the nearest restaurant?
There are very few eating establishments outside of the park. The Manzanita Lake Camper Store sells groceries and carries a selection of freshly made sandwiches, hot snack food, beverages, beer and wine, ice,firewood, and soft serve ice cream. 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-mah-nee Visitor Center near the southwest entrance (an hour’s drive).
Can food be stored inside the cabins?
No. All food must be stored in bear-proof food storage boxes located outside 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, and toiletries. Bring a light backpack to carry water, snacks and camera.
It can get cold at Manzanita Lake (even snow in June!). Bring appropriate sleeping gear (cold weather sleeping bags, heavy blankets) to stay warm.
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 secured with 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 on the National Park Service website. 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 or get suggestions from a park ranger. Favorite locations to visit in the national park include: Manzanita Lake, the Devastated Area, Kings Creek Falls, 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). Hat Creek, north of the national park, is famous for its fly fishing. Find more information here.
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 park entrance from Redding. Manzanita Lake, the Camper Store and Camping Cabins are about ¾ mile inside the entrance. Click here for a map.