Backcountry Camping Regulations

Backcountry camping is allowed year round in the park.

NPS photo

These regulations are derived from CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) and the Superintendent’s Compendium (park-specific determinations per CFR).

Numerous trails impacted by 2021 Dixie Fire

• Backpacking is permitted within the Dixie Footprint with the exclusion of any area marked by CLOSED signs.
• Be prepared for burned area hazards on all trails within the Dixie Fire footprint.
• Learn more about visiting after the Dixie Fire.

 

 

Permit Required

A wilderness permit is required to camp in park's backcountry (outside of park campgrounds). Permits may only be obtained online through recreation.gov.

• Permits may be obtained year-round, up to 90 days before the trip start date.
• Please reserve one permit/reservation per trip (not per night).
• A backcountry permit is in addition to the park entrance fee. Park entrance fees may also be purchased through recreation.gov prior to your visit.
• There is no limit to the number of backcountry permits available each day or for each camping zone location.
• Once you complete your purchase on Recreation.gov, you will receive an email including your permit. You must have a copy of this permit, either saved digitally or printed, on your person during your trip.
• You do not need to check in or out with park staff before or after your trip but be prepared to present your backcountry permit to a ranger upon request.

Length of Stay

Overnight camping in the backcountry is limited to 30 days per calendar year.

Group Size

Backcountry camping groups are limited to 10 people maximum.

Where Can I Go?

There are no designated backcountry campsites within the park, but there are areas closed to backcountry use. Please help reduce recreation-related impacts by selecting a campsite that adheres to park regulations and Leave No Trace principles.

Closed Backcountry Camping Areas:

• Within ½ mile (804 meters) of/within sight of any developed area or park road open to vehicular traffic
• Within 100 feet (30.5 meters) of a flowing stream, river, or body of water
• Within ¼ mile (402 meters) of all hydrothermal areas
• Within ¼ mile (402 meters) of the following:
  • Cascade Springs
  • Cinder Cone / Painted Dunes
  • Cliff Lake
  • Crags Lake
  • Crumbaugh Lake
  • Echo Lake
  • Trail from Summit Lake to Echo Lake
  • Kings Creek Falls
  • Kings Creek Meadow - Upper and Lower
  • Lassen Peak
  • Little Willow lake
  • Mt. Harkness Summit

Winter Camping on Park Road

In the winter, the main park road (Hwy 89) is closed to vehicles. When the road is closed and snow-covered, you are allowed to backcountry camp on or near the road. All other camping closures remain in effect year around.

Off-Trail Travel

Hiking/walking off designated trails is prohibited in the following areas:

• Area adjacent to the Lassen Peak Trail as defined by the wilderness boundary
• Cinder Cone
• All hydrothermal areas

Map of Closed Backcountry Camping Areas

 

NPS map

Alternative Text for Map: This map illustrates the areas listed above that are closed to backcountry camping use. Areas immediately surrounding park roads, developed areas, water sources, and hydrothermal areas are shaded in pale red to indicate they are closed for camping. Areas shaded in light green reveal that much of the park is designated wilderness area.

 

Approved Bear Vault 450 and 500 canisters (pictured) may be available for rent at Lassen Association bookstores in the park.

Bear-proof Containers Required

Any person backcountry camping is required to store food items, items carrying food scents, and toiletries in a bear resistant food storage container that is listed on The Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IBC) Certified products list and allowed for use in the park by the NPS.

• All other food storage systems including hanging are prohibited.
• When requested, any backcountry camper must provide proof that they are in possession of an approved bear resistant food storage container.
• An exception to the above requirements is granted for the winter season beginning December 1^st and ending April 15^th.
• Bear-resistant food canisters may be available for rent in limited quantities at Lassen Association bookstores in the Loomis residence (near northwest park entrance) and Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center (near southwest park entrance).

Fires/Stoves

Only small, liquid or gas fuel stoves are allowed in the backcountry / wilderness. Fires are not allowed in the backcountry / wilderness.

Animals in the Backcountry

Pets

Pets are not allowed in the backcountry.

Stock

Stock use is not allowed overnight in the backcountry. Stock use is only allowed on maintained trails (with some exceptions); they not allowed off trail.

Vehicles / Parking

Vehicles may be left in parking areas overnight for the period of time specified on your wilderness permit. A parking slip must be displayed in your vehicle.

Bikes

Bicycles are not allowed in the backcountry.

Waste & Trash

• Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 100 feet (35 big steps) from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
• Toilet paper and hygiene products used in the backcountry must be packed out for disposal, not buried nor burned.
• Pack out all trash, food, and trash.

Weapons

Weapons (firearms) may only be carried in accordance with a valid California Concealed Weapons Permit. Hunting is prohibited. Learn more about firearms in the park. Bear Spray is considered a weapon and is NOT PERMITTED in the park.

Help Preserve the Wilderness Experience

Reduce ongoing recreation-related impacts like erosion, trail widening, and social trail creation by making choices that limit your footprint.

• Travel on Durable Surfaces such as existing trails, rock, gravel, bare ground, or snow. Do not walk around puddles, snow, or mud on trails.

• Avoid Areas of Overuse. Twin Lakes and Rainbow Lake Loop trails are currently high use areas. Enjoy your quiet and solitude by choosing another trail or destination.

• Travel Outside of High-Use Periods. Whenever possible, schedule your trip to avoid times of high use including summer weekends and holidays.

• Preserve Natural Soundscapes. Take hiking breaks and camp away from other visitors; use headphones to listen to music; and avoid speaking loudly to allow you and others to enjoy natural sounds.

• Use Lighting Sparingly. Lassen Volcanic Wilderness is spectacularly dark. Consider using a red light or limiting your nighttime light use to enjoy the best view of Lassen’s dark night sky.

• Step to the Side. Allow uphill hikers or stock animals to pass.

 

Relevant Information

• 

  Wilderness Permit Required!

  Backcountry Camping

  Plan your backpacking trip, get a wilderness permit, and know where to go when exploring Lassen's wilderness.

• 

  Stock Use Regulations

  More than 100 miles of trails in Lassen Volcanic are open to stock users! What you need to know about exploring Lassen with pack animals.

• 

  Rules & Regs

  Superintendent's Compendium

  All visitors are expected to know and follow park rules and regulations during their visit.

• 

  Lassen is Black Bear Country!

  Bear Safety

  Learn how to avoid or handle bear encounters while at Lassen.

• 

  Camping Regulations

  What you need to know before spending a night in Lassen's campgrounds.