A Forest Service Campground located on Eagle Lake outside Susanville. WE were delighted to find that this campground had hookups! Not common in Forest Service campgrounds.
Merrill Campground on Eagle Lake: Site #32, this site has water & electric with dump station nearby, 181 sites, 5100 feet elevation. June 6th - 11th.
Overall Experience:
Arriving at Merrill Campground
It's always an adventure to head out in the morning, not knowing where we will settle in for the night. Just after Susanville, CA, we turned on to a narrow two lane road that twisted around through the pine forest. As we slowly drove the fourteen miles to the campground, I was sure hoping that this will work out. Well what did we find? This wonderful, well kept campground on a very large lake -- Eagle Lake. And the bonus was that there were hookups available. The last time we had hookups was Death Valley. From the pic, you can see the view we have of the lake from our site.
Westwood, a town near Susanville, claims that Paul Bunyan played a role in their past. Now, try telling that to someone from Minnesota.
Merrill Campground is a popular camping destination on the eastern shore of Eagle Lake. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, it has 181 campsites, including ones suitable for RVs.
The campsites are surrounded by tall pine trees and offer beautiful views of the lake. Amenities at the campground include drinking water, toilets, and picnic tables. It's usually open from late May to early October, so it's best to make reservations in advance.
Activities at Eagle Lake
Eagle Lake is well-known for fishing, especially its trophy-sized rainbow trout. It's also a great spot for boating, swimming, and other water sports. With multiple boat ramps and marinas nearby, getting on the water is easy.
Hiking Trails and Volcanic Wonders
If you're into hiking, there are several trails in the area worth exploring:
- Pine Creek Trail
- Spalding Trail
These trails offer breathtaking views of the mountains and forests surrounding the lake.
For more hiking opportunities and a chance to see unique volcanic features like mud pots and hot springs, head to Lassen Volcanic National Park, which is close by.
Nearby Towns
If you need to stock up on supplies or want to explore beyond the campground, here are two nearby towns:
- Susanville: Approximately 25 miles south of Merrill Campground.
- Alturas: Approximately 50 miles northeast of Merrill Campground.
Both towns have a range of options for dining out, shopping, and attractions such as the Lassen County Fairgrounds in Susanville and the Modoc National Wildlife Refuge in Alturas.
