MERRILL CAMPGROUND
302
Total Campsites
Campground
—
Reservable Sites
Mostly first-come
—
Accessible
ADA-compliant sites
—
Organization
Managing agency
Overview
About MERRILL CAMPGROUND
Overview Merrill Campground is located in the Eagle Lake Recreation Area of the Lassen National Forest. This recreation area has five campgrounds, three designated day use areas and a marina on the south shore of Eagle Lake. All of these recreation facilities are connected by a 5.2 mile paved hiking/bike trail. The Osprey Overlook, another day use area in the recreation area, can be hiked or driven to for a scenic view of the southern end of Eagle Lake and the surrounding forest basin. The Lassen National Forest offers a variety of lakes, streams and wilderness areas for recreational opportunities. The forest offers miles of trails that are used for hiking, mountain biking, off-highway vehicle riding and in the winter months, snowmobiling. Recreation Fishing for the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout, a California Heritage Trout, is the primary recreational activity on Eagle Lake, but the 3rd largest natural lake in California (22,000 acres), provides for plenty of room for swimming, kayaking, skiing and all other boating activities by motor or sail. There are no 2-cycle restrictions for outboard boat motors or PWCs. Facilities Fishing for the Eagle Lake Rainbow Trout, a California Heritage Trout, is the primary recreational activity on Eagle Lake, but the 3rd largest natural lake in California (22,000 acres), provides for plenty of room for swimming, kayaking, skiing and all other boating activities by motor or sail. There are no 2-cycle restrictions for outboard boat motors or PWCs. Natural Features Eagle Lake is located where the Sierras meet the Cascades at the southwestern end of the lake, and the Modoc Plateau of the Great Basin at the northeastern end. This unique location offers diverse landscapes, geology, wildlife and vegetation. Merrill Campground is located in a mature conifer forest of pines and firs on the southern shoreline of Eagle Lake, at an elevation of 5,100 feet. Nearby Attractions The Lassen National Forest has many other recreational opportunities and the Lassen Volcanic National Park is an easy day’s drive to and from Eagle Lake Recreational Area.
- 302 total campsites listed.
- Primarily first-come camping based on current listing data.
- Most common site type: unknown (302).
- Map coordinates are available for trip planning.
Our Take
What makes MERRILL CAMPGROUND special
Nestled within the Eagle Lake Recreation Area of Lassen National Forest, Merrill Campground offers 302 sites set among fragrant ponderosa and Jeffrey pine at an elevation where the air is crisp and the stars are astonishing. Eagle Lake itself is the second-largest natural lake in California and one of the state's best-kept fishing secrets, renowned for its unique Eagle Lake trout found nowhere else on Earth. The campground anchors a recreation complex that includes five campgrounds, three day-use areas, and a full-service marina, making it a natural basecamp for everything from trophy fishing to wildlife photography. Osprey circle overhead, mule deer graze at dusk, and the surrounding volcanic landscape of the southern Cascades provides dramatic hiking terrain. Sites are well-spaced among the pines, offering a genuine sense of privacy, with options ranging from tent pads to full RV hookups. The season typically runs from mid-May through October, though snow can linger at this elevation into early June. Summer weekends fill fast, so reservations made several months ahead are wise. For those seeking quieter days, September brings warm afternoons, cooler nights, and thinner crowds while the trout fishing remains outstanding. Nearby Lassen Volcanic National Park adds another dimension to any visit.
Campsite Inventory
302 sites to choose from
Unknown
0
Reservable
0
Accessible
Amenities & Details
Everything you need to know
Accessibility
Yes
Campfire Allowed
Yes
Site capacity
Double, Single
Check-in time
1:00 PM
Check-out time
12:00 PM
Driveway entry
Back-In, Pull-Through
Driveway Grade
Moderate, Slight
Driveway length (ft)
172, 178, 40, 43
Driveway surface
Gravel, Paved
Electricity Hookup
50 amp
Fire Pit
Yes
Full Hookup
50
GRILLS
Yes
Grills/Fire Ring
Yes
Location Rating
Good, Prime
Max guests
16, 8
Max vehicle length (ft)
172, 178, 40, 43
Minimum guests
Yes
Reservations & Contact
Plan your stay
Phone
lcfcougar@aol.com
Getting There
From Susanville, California, take Highway 36 west for 2 miles to County Road A-1. Turn north and continue 14 miles to the Eagle Lake Recreation Area. Continue past Gallatin Road, the first highway you will come to in the lake basin, and follow the signs to Merrill Campground. Located on County Road A-1.
FAQ
Common questions
Everything you need to know before your trip to MERRILL CAMPGROUND.
How do reservations work for MERRILL CAMPGROUND?
Reservation availability for MERRILL CAMPGROUND can vary by season and campsite type. Check the contact and access section before booking.
What campsite types are available at MERRILL CAMPGROUND?
MERRILL CAMPGROUND currently lists Unknown (302).
Where is MERRILL CAMPGROUND located?
See this page for location details and directions.
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