Roughly in the center of the park along the main road, Summit Lake Campground sits beside a genuinely beautiful alpine lake and offers easy access to both the northern and southern halves of Lassen Volcanic without a long drive to reach the park’s core attractions. Sites are split into North and South loops, with potable water and vault or flush toilets depending on the loop, no hookups, and swimming in the lake is a popular way to cool off after a day of hiking to Bumpass Hell or climbing Lassen Peak. Given its central location and lake access, this is a strong alternative to Manzanita Lake for anyone who wants to be closer to the park’s geothermal highlights rather than the entrance area.