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65 campgrounds and RV Parks near Chester, CA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
65 campgrounds
3504 campsites
132 RVs available for delivery
From $15/night
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Best campgrounds near Chester, CA
North Shore Campground
Chester, CA (2 miles away)
$$$$$
(120 sites)
+9
Last Chance Creek - PGE
Chester, CA (3 miles away)
(12 sites)
Big Cove Resort
Westwood, CA (6 miles away)
PG and E Butt Lake Area Ponderosa Flat Campground
California (9 miles away)
$$$$$
(63 sites)
Lake Cove Resort and Marina
Westwood, CA (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(48 sites)
+4
Cool Springs Campground
California (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(30 sites)
Lake Almanor RV and Mobile Park
California (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(12 sites)
Lassen West RV Village
Westwood, CA (12 miles away)
$$$$$
(40 sites)
+8
Mill Creek Resort
California (16 miles away)
$$$$$
(25 sites)
+8
Summit Lake North - Lassen Volcanic National Park
California (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(46 sites)
Butte Lake - Lassen Volcanic National Park
California (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(101 sites)
Volcano Country Camping and RV
California (19 miles away)
$$$$$
(29 sites)
+3
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Tables Showers Laundry Toilets Dump station Internet Grills Fishing Firewood
Camping near Chester, California
Chester sits on the north shore of Lake Almanor in Plumas County, at roughly 4,500 feet of elevation where the Cascade and northern Sierra Nevada ranges meet. The town serves as the closest full-service base for the southern entrance to Lassen Volcanic National Park, with the park boundary a short drive to the northwest. Lake Almanor itself is one of the largest reservoirs in California, with 52 miles of shoreline, a surface area near 28,000 acres, and a maximum depth around 90 feet. The basin draws RV travelers for trout and salmon fishing, boating, paddling, and access to the surrounding Lassen National Forest and Caribou Wilderness.
Campgrounds in the area split across three operators: Lassen National Forest sites, Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) sites tied to the hydroelectric system on Lake Almanor and Butt Valley Reservoir, and private RV resorts. Options range from in-town lakefront parks like North Shore Campground and Big Cove Resort to quieter PG&E sites at Last Chance Creek - PGE, PG and E Butt Lake Area Ponderosa Flat Campground on Butt Valley Reservoir, and nearby Cool Springs Campground.
Things to do near Chester
Lake Almanor is the centerpiece: boating, swimming, water skiing, paddleboarding, and fishing for trout, salmon, bass, and catfish. The Lake Almanor Recreation Trail runs roughly along the west shore through forest, with views of Dyer Mountain and Lassen Peak. Lassen Volcanic National Park, a short drive from town, offers hydrothermal features, alpine lakes, and trails to Lassen Peak, Bumpass Hell, and Kings Creek Falls. Butt Valley Reservoir, near PG and E Butt Lake Area Ponderosa Flat Campground and Cool Springs Campground, has a 5 mph speed limit suited to canoeing, kayaking, and sailing. Anglers also use nearby Yellow Creek for catch-and-release fly fishing. Day-use picnic areas line the south shore of Lake Almanor.
Camping spots and RV parks near Chester, CA
When to visit Chester
- spring
March - May
59° / 30°F 70 mmSnowmelt; campgrounds reopen around Memorial Day weekend
- summer
June - August
81° / 45°F 15 mmWarm and dry; peak bookings, sites fill weeks ahead
- fall
September - November
63° / 32°F 60 mmCool nights; early snow possible by late October
- winter
December - February
41° / 23°F 150 mmHeavy snow; most campgrounds and forest roads closed
Chester has a long, cold, snowy winter and a short, dry, warm summer. Most Forest Service and PG&E campgrounds around Lake Almanor and Butt Valley Reservoir operate roughly from Memorial Day weekend through October, with exact opening dates set each spring based on snowpack, road conditions, and storm damage. PG&E sites at Butt Valley Reservoir, including PG and E Butt Lake Area Ponderosa Flat Campground and Cool Springs Campground, typically run May through October. Last Chance Creek - PGE has been closed indefinitely due to fire damage, so confirm status with PG&E before planning a trip around it.
July and August deliver the most reliable warm, dry weather and the heaviest demand, with reservations filling weeks in advance. Late May, June, and September are quieter and better for wildlife viewing and uncrowded trails in Lassen Volcanic National Park. October brings cold nights, possible early snow, and reduced services. From November through April, expect deep snow, road closures, and most campgrounds shut.
How to book a campground near Chester
Lassen National Forest campgrounds around Lake Almanor are reserved through Recreation.gov, typically on a six-month rolling window that opens at 7 a.m. Pacific Time. PG&E campgrounds, including PG and E Butt Lake Area Ponderosa Flat Campground and Cool Springs Campground, are booked through PG&E's own reservation system at recreation.pge.com. PG&E reservations require a two-night minimum, and except for group campgrounds, every PG&E campground reserves a portion of sites for first-come, first-served use. PG&E's reservation season opens in spring each year. Private parks such as North Shore Campground and Big Cove Resort book directly through the operator. For peak summer weekends and holidays, book lakefront and hookup sites several weeks to a few months ahead.
What to expect on the ground
Most public campgrounds in the area sit in ponderosa and sugar pine forest between roughly 4,150 and 4,500 feet, with vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and potable water at developed sites. Full hookups are limited to private parks such as North Shore Campground and Big Cove Resort. PG&E sites including PG and E Butt Lake Area Ponderosa Flat Campground and Cool Springs Campground generally do not offer water, electric, or sewer at the site. Cell service is patchy outside Chester and along Highway 36. Bears are active, so food storage rules are enforced. Mosquitoes peak in early summer near meadows and shoreline. Roads to PG&E sites at Butt Valley Reservoir include gravel sections and occasional storm or landslide closures, so check current road status before towing a large rig in.
Own an RV? Earn up to $31,284/year.
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Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Chester, CA
How much does it cost to rent an RV in Chester, CA?
RV rental in Chester is surprisingly affordable, especially compared to coastal California destinations. Most travel trailers around Lake Almanor go for $90 to $175 per night, campervan rentals in Chester typically run $125 to $200 per night, and larger Class A or Class C motorhome rentals in Chester average $200 to $325 per night. Because Chester is a small mountain town rather than a major metro, you'll often score better value here than in Sacramento or the Bay Area. Pro tip for a cheap RV rental in Chester: book a midweek trip in June or early September. You'll dodge the July 4th and summer holiday surge while still enjoying warm 70 to 80 degree days on the lake.
visitplumascounty.com/lake-almanor/Do I need a special license to rent an RV in Chester, California?
Good news: a regular driver's license is all you need to rent an RV in Chester for nearly every rig on RVezy. California's standard Class C license covers any motorhome 40 feet or less and trailers under 10,000 pounds Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR), which includes the vast majority of campervans, travel trailers, and Class C motorhomes on the platform. You'll also need to be at least 25 years old, and RVezy verifies your ID through the platform during booking. Most first-time renters are surprised how simple the process is. Visiting from abroad? Bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your home license and you're road-ready for your Lake Almanor adventure.
dmv.ca.gov/portal/handbook/california-driver-handbook/driver-license-classes/What protection is included when I rent an RV in Chester?
Every RV rental in Chester comes with a built-in protection plan and 24/7 roadside assistance, so you can head out on Highway 36 toward Lassen Volcanic National Park with peace of mind. You choose your preferred RVezy renter protection plan during booking, and it covers most damage to the vehicle up to the plan's limits. While it isn't traditional auto insurance, it gives renters meaningful financial protection if something unexpected happens, like a rock chip on the way to Manzanita Lake or a minor bump in a campground. Pair that with RVezy's customer support team available before, during, and after your trip, and you have real backup wherever your Lake Almanor RV trip takes you.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailWhat if I need to cancel my Chester RV rental?
Booking is low-risk: RVezy sets the cancellation policy, not the host, so you get the same fair terms whether you book a campervan or a Class A motorhome. After booking there is a grace-period window during which a full refund is available, and beyond that your refund depends on how far out you are from the trip start date. If a host cancels on you, RVezy issues a refund or travel credit so your plans aren't left in limbo. Pro tip: if you are unsure about dates, message the host before booking to confirm availability, then lock in your Lake Almanor dates with confidence.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360037736674-Understanding-the-cancellation-policy-for-guestsCan I bring my dog on a Chester RV trip?
Absolutely, Lake Almanor is one of the most dog-friendly RV destinations in Northern California. Filter for a pet-friendly RV rental in Chester on RVezy to see hosts who welcome four-legged co-pilots. Once you are here, dogs are welcome on the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail (a paved multi-use path along the west shore), at most Lassen National Forest campgrounds including Almanor Campground, and at the Olsen Barn Meadow trails right in Chester. Note that pets are not allowed on trails inside Lassen Volcanic National Park, so plan a dog-sitter or a national forest hike that day. Pack a long leash, fresh water, and a tick check routine, your pup will thank you.
nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/pets.htmCan the RV be delivered to my campsite near Chester?
Yes, RV delivery in Chester is one of the easiest ways to start your trip, especially if it's your first time renting an RV. Many hosts will drive the RV directly to popular spots like North Shore Campground on Highway 36, Almanor Campground on the west shore, or even a private cabin rental, then set it up, level it, connect hookups, and walk you through every system. That means no towing, no backing into a tight site, and no figuring out the awning on your own. Filter for Delivery on RVezy when browsing listings. Pro tip: delivery fees usually scale with distance, so booking an RV based in Chester or nearby Westwood keeps costs lower than hauling one in from Reno or Redding.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/lassen/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=11406&actid=29How far can I drive on a Chester RV rental, and what about mileage limits?
Most Chester hosts include a daily mileage allowance (commonly 100 to 150 miles per day), and some listings offer RV rental with unlimited mileage, which is ideal if you're planning a bigger loop. From Chester you're perfectly placed for a Northern California RV road trip: Lassen Volcanic National Park's southwest entrance is just 30 miles away, Burney Falls is about 75 miles north, Lake Tahoe is roughly 130 miles south, and Mount Shasta sits 130 miles northwest. Crater Lake in Oregon is a doable 250-mile push. Use the listing's mileage filter to match your route, and message the host if you want to add extra miles up front, often cheaper than overage fees later.
nps.gov/lavo/planyourvisit/directions.htmWhere should I stay with my RV near Chester?
You're spoiled for choice when it comes to RV camping in Chester and around Lake Almanor. Top picks include North Shore Campground on Highway 36 with full-hookup lakefront sites and a marina, Almanor Campground (a U.S. Forest Service site on the west shore with 100+ sites and dump station), Plumas Pines Resort RV Park on the lake with 63 full-hookup sites, and Leisure RV Park right in downtown Chester for easy access to dining. For a national park experience, Manzanita Lake Campground inside Lassen Volcanic National Park accommodates RVs up to 40 feet (no hookups, but stunning views of Lassen Peak). Pro tip: book lakefront sites 4 to 6 months ahead for July and August weekends.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/lassen/recarea/?recid=11406When is the best time to visit Chester in an RV?
The sweet spot for a Chester RV trip is mid-June through mid-September, when daytime highs run 75 to 85 degrees and Lake Almanor is warm enough for swimming and boating. July is the warmest month with average highs around 81 degrees and cool 50-degree nights, perfect sleeping weather. Shoulder seasons offer their own magic: late September brings golden aspen along Highway 36 and quieter campgrounds, while late May offers wildflowers and Lassen's snowmelt waterfalls at peak flow. Winters here are genuinely cold (lows in the 20s, heavy snow, and Lassen's main park road closed), so most RV rentals in Chester operate May through October. Pro tip: book the week after Labor Day for summer warmth at off-peak prices.
weather.gov/mtr/I've never driven an RV before. Is renting in Chester a good first-timer experience?
Chester is one of the friendliest places in California for first time renting an RV. Highway 36 is a wide, well-maintained two-lane road with light traffic outside summer weekends, the speed limits around the lake are relaxed (35 to 55 mph), and most campgrounds have generous pull-through sites. Your host will give you a full walkthrough at pickup, covering propane, the water pump, dump procedures, and slide-outs, and you can message them anytime during your trip. If big-rig driving still feels intimidating, choose a smaller travel trailer or campervan rental in Chester, or book delivery so the host handles all the setup. By dinner on night one, you'll feel like a pro.
dot.ca.gov/travelWhat happens if something goes wrong with the RV during my trip?
You are never on your own. Every RV rental in Chester includes 24/7 roadside assistance as part of the RVezy protection plan, so help is one call away whether you have a flat tire on Highway 89 near Lassen, a dead battery at Almanor Campground, or run out of propane mid-trip. Your host is also a direct message away through the RVezy app and usually responds quickly, since they know their rig better than anyone. For anything bigger, RVezy's customer support team is available before, during, and after your trip. Pro tip: save the roadside assistance number in your phone before you leave, and snap a photo of the RV's VIN and license plate so you have it handy if needed.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/34008759079835-RVezy-renter-protection-plans-in-detailCan I take a Chester RV rental on a road trip to other states or into Canada?
Interstate travel is generally welcome on a Chester RV rental, opening up an incredible RV road trip from Chester. Popular routes include north to Crater Lake, Oregon (250 miles), east to Reno and Lake Tahoe (130 miles), or a Pacific Northwest loop through Mount Shasta and the Redwoods. Cross-border travel into Canada may be allowed depending on the specific host and their insurance, so message the listing owner before booking to confirm. Travel into Mexico is not permitted on any RVezy rental, as insurance coverage does not extend there. Pro tip: a one-way trip is sometimes possible too, just ask the host directly from the listing page before booking.
cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-goHow much should I budget for fuel on a Chester RV trip?
Fuel is usually the biggest variable in your budget, so plan smart. Campervans average 18 to 22 miles per gallon (MPG), Class C motorhomes get 8 to 12 MPG, and Class A motorhomes run 6 to 10 MPG. California gas prices tend to sit above the national average, and in Chester specifically you'll find two stations on Main Street, but they can run 30 to 50 cents higher per gallon than Susanville (50 miles east) or Red Bluff (75 miles southwest). Pro tip: fill up in Red Bluff or Susanville on your way in, and limit driving to short Lake Almanor loops once you arrive. Most visitors only burn 5 to 10 gallons during their entire stay.
eia.gov/petroleum/gasdiesel/How far in advance should I book a campground near Chester?
For July and August weekends around Lake Almanor, book your campground 4 to 6 months ahead. Lassen Volcanic National Park campgrounds (Manzanita Lake, Summit Lake North and South, Butte Lake) open reservations on Recreation.gov on a 6-month rolling window and fill within hours for prime summer dates. U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in Lassen National Forest, like Almanor, Domingo Springs, and Warner Creek, also book through Recreation.gov. Private spots like North Shore Campground and Plumas Pines Resort take reservations directly through their websites and tend to book up by spring. Pro tip: midweek nights in late June or early September still have great availability even a few weeks out, perfect for a spontaneous Chester RV trip.
recreation.gov/gateways/2803What are driving conditions like around Chester?
Driving an RV around Chester is refreshingly low-stress. Highway 36 (the main east-west route) is paved, two lanes wide, and rolls gently through pine forest with sweeping lake views, no white-knuckle mountain switchbacks. Highway 89 north toward Lassen climbs to about 6,700 feet at Summit Lake, so plan for slower speeds and use lower gears on descents. Watch for deer at dawn and dusk, occasional logging trucks, and bicyclists on the Lake Almanor Recreation Trail crossings. From mid-November through April, expect snow and chain controls on Highways 36, 89, and 44; check Caltrans QuickMap before any cool-season trip. Summer driving is genuinely easy, even for newer RVers.
quickmap.dot.ca.gov/What amenities should I expect at campgrounds around Chester?
Campground amenities around Chester range from full-hookup luxury to true off-grid. Lakefront private parks like North Shore Campground, Plumas Pines Resort, and Lake Cove Resort offer 30/50-amp electric, water, sewer, hot showers, laundry, and Wi-Fi. U.S. Forest Service campgrounds (Almanor, Domingo Springs, Warner Creek) typically have potable water spigots, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables but no hookups, while Almanor Campground has a dump station on site. Inside Lassen Volcanic National Park, all camping is dry camping with a dump station at Manzanita Lake. For dumping and freshwater between trips, the Chester Chevron and Almanor Campground both offer paid dump access. Pro tip: bring a 25-foot drinking-water hose and a sewer kit, your host may or may not include them.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/lassen/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=11406&actid=29What features come standard in a Chester RV rental?
Most RV rentals in Chester come fully equipped for a comfortable Lake Almanor week. You can expect comfortable beds (queen or king in the master, plus convertible dinettes), a propane or induction kitchen with fridge, microwave, sink, and cookware, a wet or dry bathroom with shower and toilet, roof air conditioning, a propane furnace for chilly mountain nights, and seatbelts for travel passengers. Many also include a TV, awning, outdoor speakers, and a generator for boondocking. Wi-Fi and cell service are spotty around Lake Almanor (Verizon is strongest), so don't count on streaming everywhere. Pro tip: check the listing photos and amenities list closely, and message the host to confirm details like generator hours or pet bedding before you book.
fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-servicesWhat add-ons and pickup options should I look for when I rent an RV in Chester?
Popular add-ons that make a Lake Almanor trip easier include kitchen and linen kits ($25 to $75 per trip), bike racks and kayaks (huge upgrade since the lake is paddle paradise), generators or extra propane, fishing gear, and outdoor chairs and tables. Pickup is flexible: many hosts offer free pickup at their home base in Chester, Westwood, or Lake Almanor West, while others deliver straight to your campground (delivery fees commonly $2 to $4 per mile). Mileage policies vary, so look for listings with 100+ included miles per day if you're planning Lassen day trips. Pro tip: bundle delivery, setup, and a linen kit on your first booking, you'll arrive to a turnkey site and just unpack.
fs.usda.gov/recarea/lassen/recarea/?recid=11406How does the security deposit and payment work on RVezy?
Payment is straightforward and secure through the RVezy platform, never cash or off-platform transfers. You pay your booking total with a credit or debit card when you book, and a refundable security deposit is pre-authorized separately on your card shortly before your trip starts (typically a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the RV class). The deposit is released after the trip, assuming no damage, missing items, or excessive cleaning. To avoid issues on your Chester RV rental, do a thorough walkaround video with your host at pickup and dropoff, and return the RV with fuel, propane, and tanks at the agreed levels. Pro tip: ask your host about the dump station fee at Almanor Campground before heading home.
help.rvezy.com/hc/en-us/articles/360038106214-How-the-security-deposit-worksCan I rent an RV in Chester during winter for a snow trip?
Yes, winter RVing around Chester is a genuine adventure, though availability is more limited. Some hosts keep four-season RVs (with heated holding tanks, enclosed underbellies, and propane furnaces) available November through April for snowshoeing at Lassen Volcanic National Park's southwest entrance, cross-country skiing along Highway 36, or ice fishing on smaller lakes. You'll want a site with shore power since temperatures regularly drop into the teens and 20s overnight, and Chester gets over 125 inches of snow annually. Filter for winter availability or message hosts directly to confirm cold-weather readiness. Pro tip: Lake Almanor stays open year-round and the off-season prices are dramatically lower, often half of summer rates for the same rig.
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