Lassen Volcanic National Park Wilderness Permits
Lassen Volcanic National Park, located in northeastern California, is part of the National Park Service, within the Department of the Interior. The over 100,000- acre park is situated 130 miles north of Sacramento at the southern end of the Cascade Mountain Range. Established in 1916, Lassen Volcanic is the fifteenth national park established by Congress, making it one of the oldest in the nation. Come see the steaming fumaroles, meadows freckled with wildflowers, clear mountain lakes, and numerous volcanoes. Lassen Volcanic offers opportunities to discover the wonder and mysteries of volcanoes for visitors willing to explore the undiscovered.
At Lassen snow arrives early and stays late. Jagged features are made smooth by deep blankets of snow, yet far below the surface, a fire still burns. Eroded volcanic remnants, U-shaped valleys, and roaring steam vents illustrate Earth’s endless cycle of creation and destruction. Woven into this dramatic landscape are timeless stories of survival, renewal, and discovery.
The summer season (July through September) is short, but affords to greatest access and selection of activities. The park is usually snow-covered in the winter months; road access is limited and nearly all activities involve snow. Learn about visiting in each season.
Permit & Season Information
This permit allows the permit holder and their group to overnight camp within the designated wilderness areas of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Reservations can be made online, year-round, 90-days before trip start date on a rolling basis. Reservations open daily at 10:00 am Eastern Standard Time. Making separate reservations for each night is not necessary. One permit/reservation per trip.
Your reservation confirmation email will serve as your permit. You are NOT required to pick up a physical permit in person.
Need to Know
- Trip planning information can be found Here
- Winter Camping: Camping is prohibited within a 1/2 mile of any park road open to vehicular traffic. In the winter the main park road is closed to vehicles, which means you are allowed to set up backcountry camping on or near the park road when it is closed and snow-covered. Pick the zone closest to where you will be camping along the road. All other camping closures remain in effect year around.Zone and Closure map
- Closures: The following areas are closed to camping: Camping is not permitted (see closed areas on map below) *Within ½ mile of or within sight of roads open to vehicular traffic, developed areas, or campgrounds;
*Within ¼ mile of all hydrothermal thermal areas
*Within ¼ mile in all directions of: - Cliff, Crags, Crumbaugh, Little Willow, and Echo Lakes.
- Cascade Springs
- Lassen Peak
- Trail from Summit Lake to Echo Lake
- Kings Creek Falls, Kings Creek Meadow (upper and lower)
- Mt. Harkness summit
- Painted Dunes
- Cinder Cone
- Permit is required for camping in the wilderness area. Digital or physical copies are accepted.
- Entrance pass (physical or digital copy) is required for all park visitors.
- Search and Rescue - File a trip plan with a friend or relative before leaving. If you do not return on schedule, that person is responsible for notifying 911.
- Fires are prohibited!
- Trash must be packed out. Do not bury, burn, or dispose of it in toilets.
- Human Waste - Use toilets where provided. Where there are no facilities, pack out human waste or bury it in a hole at least 6” deep. Pack out toilet paper with your trash. Do not throw trash or wipes in toilets.
- Water: Camp must be 100' from any body of water.
- Trail: Camp must be 100' from any trail.
- Bear resistant food storage containers approved by the NPS are required (except between Dec 1-April 15).
- Weather: Be prepared for intense sun, rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, lightning and snow. Check forecast before departing and be prepared for changes in weather.
- Pets are not permitted at wilderness campsites, trails, lakes or anywhere within Lassen Volcanic National Park Wildernesss.
- Fishing: California State and additional Lassen Volcanic National Park fishing regulations apply.
- Wildlife: Do not feed or harass any wildlife.
- Preservation: Plants, animals, mushrooms, rocks, mineral and artifacts are protected in the park. Removal prohibited.
- Weapons: Possession of firearms in the park is permitted in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Discharge of a firearm prohibited.
- Do not construct “improvements” such as windbreaks, log bridges, log chairs, etc.
Fee Policy
Administration fee: There is a $6.00 non-refundable administration fee.
Recreation fee: There is a $5.00 per person per trip recreation fee required (15 years and under free).
An entrance fee of $30 per vehicle is required to enter the park. We highly recommend visitors purchase the park's digital 1-7 day entrance fee or the parks annual pass throught recreation.gov prior to visiting park.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy: The permit holder may cancel their permit at any point prior to permit issuance/printing. Only the $5 per person recreation fee is refundable.
Change Policy: Once created, the permit holder may modify their permit. If the permit holder would like to change their start date, they will be required to cancel their existing reservation and book a new reservation.
Contact Information
Mailing Address
PO Box 100 Mineral CA 96063
Phone Number
530-595-4480
