While this campground doesn't have many amenities, it is sparsely populated and a beautiful location. The times we have camped here we have been 1 of 8 or so spaces occupied. The individual spaces are large and configured in a way that doesn't put anyone right on top of you. Most of the spaces are level. The spaces in the front loop, away from the creek, better. While we camp in a tent trailer, most of our neighbors were in large travel trailers and they navigated through he campground with ease. The entire campground in under the cover of large pine trees. The campground is at 5000 ft above sea level in the Lassen National Forest, just out side Chester, CA and minutes from Lassen Volcanic National Park. The campground is open from May to October and the National Park is only open when the main road, Hwy 89, is passable. In 2007, this was May but in 2006 it was July. This is an amazing park, but camping in the park is like a refugee camp. By staying outside the National Park, you can enjoy beautiful natural surroundings up close. We camped here in a Tent Trailer.
This park was full with full time residents. Very small park, had a very hard time getting into the drive way and had to go all the way around back to the street to get into our site for the night. I have no idea how they got some of these RV's into the spaces they were in. The staff was very nice. The place was clean. I would stay there again overnight but not for any length of time there just isn't any room. We camped here in a Motorhome.
North Shore Campground and RV Park is very conveniently located just outside of Chester. From what we could tell, it is also the nicest RV park in or near Lake Almanor. It is extremely clean, quiet and well managed. We were given an excellent waterfront site and from what I could see, there were many nice lake view sites available as well. These sites would have been slightly cheaper at $37 per night. While tents are allowed, they are not allowed in RV sites and there is a special designated tent camping area close to the lake. The staff were courteous and efficient. The only drawback that we could see was there were no on site sewer hookups. However, you were allowed to use the dump station at no charge. For those who travel with their family K-9's, there were lots of potty stations throughout the camp. No discounts were advertised for AARP, AAA or Good Sam. If they do offer discounts...they don't discuss or offer this information during the registration process or in their brochures. The only reason we did not give this campground a full ten rating was the expense. Even though we only had two adults in our party and you are allowed up to four per camp site....We were still charged extra at two dollars each for our two very small and well behaved dogs. We would recommend this campground to anyone traveling through California on Hwy 36. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
As noted, water level is quite low, so our "waterfront" site was more of a view. Rigs are packed in like cord-wood. Certainly family oriented, so if you are looking for a quiet, tranquil setting, this may not be the place for you. Staff was friendly enough. Would try someplace else next time we are in the area. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Arrived on opening weekend. Park was quiet and peaceful. We rented Kayaks and explored the shore line. Also went into the cute town of chester and explored the gift shops. Staff were enthusiastic and helpful. Temps got cold at night, so we bundled up and listened to the geese squawking on the lake. Would definitely stay here again if we stay in the area. We camped here in a Truck Camper.
We payed a lot of money for a "premium" waterfront site. It turns out that the lake is very low in October, so the water was about 1/4 mile away. For the amount of money we paid, a sewer hookup would have been nice. Duck hunting season started that week, so it was very loud. The office staff was not overly friendly or helpful. If we travel to the area again, we will likely look somewhere else to stay. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Have stayed here 2 years in a row, in large part because can't find anything better that's above the valley heat. Long list of rules that are draconically enforced is first problem. Pretty place, but very dirty because of unpaved roads/sites & soil-type. Great bath/shower rooms. Lake is low, but no problem for us. Lots of birds (herons, eagles, turkey vultures, pelicans, etc) & some deer. Small camp store, but decent grocery/restaurants in Chester, 2 miles. Easy access to Lassen Park & easy 50-mile drive to Susanville (with a number of nice photo-ops) if you really need a Wal-mart. Very nice golf course 3 miles with many others within 25 or so. We'll probably stay here again in future, but wouldn't hesitate to jump to somewhere else if it could be found. We camped here in a Tent Trailer.
We arrived late in the season so the park was not crowed at all, hunting season had started and the gun noise was a wake up call every morning at first light. Our site was very nice but you should be aware that numerous water front and the better trailer sites are already reserved for the up coming season, seasonal rentals. Also be aware that site map does not accurately reflect the size nor the location of shore power and water hook-ups. Unless you are familiar with your site you may want to ensure you bring plenty of hose and extension cord for shore power. There are no sewer connections, dump station is at the very end of camp grounds so I recommend wheeled tote if stay is more than a day or two. Some sites are terraced and narrow, this will allow your neighbors to look right into your windows. OK, my big complaint, $2 per day per pet, there is no pet area or walk area, they just state to clean up after your pet. naturally. So why the cost? This cost is showing up more and more, possibly just a way to increase income. One last item; many back in sites will place you looking away from the lake and at your neighbors trailer wheels, think about this when making your site reservations. Happy Camping. We camped here in a Fifth Wheel.
Right on the shore of Lake Almanor. We chose the premium site as we could pull straight in and have a view of the lake out our front window. Many sites are rented for the entire season. WiFi available near the front office only. Good fishing and the nearby town is very nice to visit. Many places to visit nearby, including Lassen National Park. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Park is in a beautiful setting -- gorgeous lake and mountain views. Grounds and restrooms very clean and everything well maintained. Staff are friendly and helpful. We had a premium, "lake-front" site, and moored our boats right in front of our RV. Will definitely stay here again. We camped here in a Motorhome.
Review Rating
[ 4 / 10 ]
August 2006
$35
We go camping most weekends throughout the summer months. We understand that workers have to drive through the park throughout the day. However, I felt like we were being harassed by the workers at this park. Again - this is only opinion. But, never have we been hounded to move our car - we actually had notices placed on our car twice in three days. Our spot was not long nor wide enough to fit our car. And the designated parking was across the park. We came with a party who had 5 boat slips altogether - they gave away our boat slips. We were with a very large group of people and on more than one occasion during the day and night we were told to be quiet. Before quiet time. This park is nice - it is nicely located. We enjoy going here. BUT, I don't want to be harassed or watched while I am on vacation. And, they do drive and walk around a lot. I do want to mention that you have to share hook-ups at this sight - which can be inconvenient unless you have extension cords for your water and electricity. We have been there three times this year and have had the same experience each time. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
Review Rating
[ 8 / 10 ]
August 2006
$35
Excellent park. Very Clean, Staff very friendly. Had a nice little store and clean park area. Boat rentals available. Only draw back was no sewer hook-up. $10.00 to have them come with a mobile sewer truck. 35 minutes from Lassen National Park. 2 miles from small town of chester with a Supermarket. Very quiet at night. Would definitely stay here again. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.
We agree with the above review. A nice campground that has a great location and is well kept. We have been coming to this campground for the past 5 years, and have always chosen one of their premium sites closest to the lake. The only negative I can mention, is that the new owners of the campground of only 2 years, are considering changing more of the premium sites into their seasonal sites. And for us that stay for shorter periods, will be condensed into their regular smaller sites. Otherwise a great place. We camped here in a Travel Trailer.