Public Campground
1-2 tents
Campo, California
Campground in California.
Photos shown are stock images and may not represent the actual campground.
About Backcountry Camping in Lassen's Wilderness
Overnight trips are allowed in the park’s backcountry year-round. There are no designated or official campsites, and no amenities like tent pads or picnic tables. There are areas closed to camping (see regulations for details). A wilderness permit is required for all overnight stays in the park outside of established campgrounds. Permits may only be obtained prior to your visit online at recreation.gov. In winter, backcountry camping is allowed on /near the main park road when it is closed due t...
Backcountry Camping in Lassen's Wilderness offers an authentic escape into one of Northern California's most spectacular natural landscapes. Located near Dowagiac, this public campground serves as your gateway to the dramatic volcanic terrain, pristine lakes, and old-growth forests that define the Lassen region. With 99 sites spread throughout the area, you'll find plenty of space to stake your claim and settle into a genuine wilderness experience.
The Lassen area is a geologist's dream and a nature lover's paradise. This region showcases some of California's most distinctive geography, featuring volcanic peaks, hydrothermal features, and crystalline alpine lakes that have captivated visitors for generations. The dramatic landscape tells the story of the earth's dynamic forces, with evidence of volcanic activity visible throughout the terrain. Whether you're an experienced backcountry enthusiast or someone seeking to deepen your connection with nature, these surroundings provide an inspiring backdrop for your RV adventure.
What makes camping here particularly special is the opportunity to explore on your own terms. The wilderness surrounding this campground invites hiking, photography, wildlife observation, and quiet reflection. Early mornings might bring encounters with deer and other wildlife as they move through their natural habitat. Evenings offer unforgettable displays of stars unpolluted by light, a reminder of how vast and magnificent our night sky truly is. The changing seasons bring their own character to the landscape, from wildflower blooms in spring to golden aspens in fall.
This campground appeals to a wide range of travelers. Families enjoy the sense of adventure and outdoor education opportunities. Solo travelers and couples find solitude and rejuvenation. Experienced campers appreciate the genuine backcountry setting, while those newer to outdoor recreation discover that this accessible wilderness location provides the perfect introduction to camping. The 4.8-star rating from previous visitors speaks to the quality experience consistently delivered here.
The Dowagiac area provides convenient access to supplies and services while maintaining that cherished sense of being away from it all. You'll appreciate the balance between self-sufficiency and civilization, where you can stock up on necessities before heading into your wilderness retreat.
The Lassen area is a geologist's dream and a nature lover's paradise. This region showcases some of California's most distinctive geography, featuring volcanic peaks, hydrothermal features, and crystalline alpine lakes that have captivated visitors for generations. The dramatic landscape tells the story of the earth's dynamic forces, with evidence of volcanic activity visible throughout the terrain. Whether you're an experienced backcountry enthusiast or someone seeking to deepen your connection with nature, these surroundings provide an inspiring backdrop for your RV adventure.
What makes camping here particularly special is the opportunity to explore on your own terms. The wilderness surrounding this campground invites hiking, photography, wildlife observation, and quiet reflection. Early mornings might bring encounters with deer and other wildlife as they move through their natural habitat. Evenings offer unforgettable displays of stars unpolluted by light, a reminder of how vast and magnificent our night sky truly is. The changing seasons bring their own character to the landscape, from wildflower blooms in spring to golden aspens in fall.
This campground appeals to a wide range of travelers. Families enjoy the sense of adventure and outdoor education opportunities. Solo travelers and couples find solitude and rejuvenation. Experienced campers appreciate the genuine backcountry setting, while those newer to outdoor recreation discover that this accessible wilderness location provides the perfect introduction to camping. The 4.8-star rating from previous visitors speaks to the quality experience consistently delivered here.
The Dowagiac area provides convenient access to supplies and services while maintaining that cherished sense of being away from it all. You'll appreciate the balance between self-sufficiency and civilization, where you can stock up on necessities before heading into your wilderness retreat.
99
Total Sites
4.8
Rating
21
Reviews
Park Details
Total Sites
99
Tips & Tricks
Book Early
Dowagiac is popular during peak season. Reserve 2-4 weeks in advance for weekends and holidays.
Check-in Time
Most parks have check-in after 1:00 PM and check-out by 11:00 AM. Call ahead if you'll arrive late.
Local Weather
California weather can change quickly. Pack layers and check the forecast for Dowagiac.
Explore the Area
Don't miss local attractions near Dowagiac. Ask the camp host for hidden gems and trails.
Backcountry Camping in Lassen's Wilderness Reviews
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Mark Suttie
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Mark Suttie
Spent 3 days an nights here, while hang gliding. During the morning my wife and I would head out exploring on our atv's, then head up to some near by mountains to jump off, and fly towards Lakeview. This is an awesome campground, with a creek running right through it. This is one of our new favorites.
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martin b
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by martin b
Nice campground. New pit toilets. New picnic tables and fire pits at each site. About 10 sites. Wooded campsites. No fee! Occasional open range ows wander through, no big deal. Gravel forest roads on both sides of the campground. A few early morning logging trucks pass by. We spotted a black bear about 5 miles past the camp and a gray wolf about 2 miles past camp. Both animals were gone in a split... Nice campground. New pit toilets. New picnic tables and fire pits at each site. About 10 sites. Wooded campsites. No fee! Occasional open range ows wander through, no big deal. Gravel forest roads on both sides of the campground. A few early morning logging trucks pass by. We spotted a black bear about 5 miles past the camp and a gray wolf about 2 miles past camp. Both animals were gone in a split second. They didn't want to be around people. Great area!
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Scott Gordon
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Scott Gordon
This is a spacious campground in a quiet, remote location. Lessen creek runs through the campground. There is a herd of cattle open grazing nearby that bellow every now & then. The creek is host of the Goose Creek Redband Trout and has features in place that help to protect the trouts habitat.
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Lynn Aldridge
Mar 18, 2026
4.0
Google Review by Lynn Aldridge
It's not my cup of tea for an extended stay, but for an overnight it is good. The surroundings are pleasant. There is relatively heavy tree cover but a few bits of sun and a tiny creek. The road in is graded and easy to drive. The road is readily visible from many of the sites. It wasn't super busy on a Sunday afternoon/evening. There is (September 2025) an active logging operation in the vicinity... It's not my cup of tea for an extended stay, but for an overnight it is good. The surroundings are pleasant. There is relatively heavy tree cover but a few bits of sun and a tiny creek. The road in is graded and easy to drive. The road is readily visible from many of the sites. It wasn't super busy on a Sunday afternoon/evening. There is (September 2025) an active logging operation in the vicinity and I ran into traffic on my way out Monday morning, so weekdays may be busier.
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Scott Whittington
Mar 18, 2026
5.0
Google Review by Scott Whittington
Warner mountains are amazing. Definitely a beautiful location off the beaten path. For the people looking to take the road less traveled. Ohh, beautiful Flora for the botany minded person and great rocks for the geology type person. **CAUTION** Watch out for the free range calves with circling diease. Literally running in circles and foaming at the mouth. Or, maybe that was just the mushrooms.... Warner mountains are amazing. Definitely a beautiful location off the beaten path. For the people looking to take the road less traveled. Ohh, beautiful Flora for the botany minded person and great rocks for the geology type person. **CAUTION** Watch out for the free range calves with circling diease. Literally running in circles and foaming at the mouth. Or, maybe that was just the mushrooms. Either way come check it out and have a good time.
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