Merrill Campground

For Californians seeking a premier camping experience that blends modern convenience with peaceful natural surroundings, Merrill Campground in Susanville, CA, stands out as an exceptional choice. Known for its thoughtful design and commitment to tranquility, this federal campground offers a unique approach to outdoor recreation that caters particularly well to RV enthusiasts and those who appreciate quiet, generator-free environments. Whether you're a seasoned camper or looking for a relaxing family getaway, Merrill Campground provides a well-organized and enjoyable base for exploring the beautiful Lassen County area. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Merrill Campground, highlighting its distinct features and why it’s a treasured resource for local Californians.

Merrill Campground implements a "prototypical" and "neat" tiered loop idea, which ingeniously organizes sites based on utility availability. This makes it "easy to keep track as you are looking to make reservations" or if you're seeking a "first come, first served site." Sites with full hook-ups are conveniently located at the top, while non-hook-up sites are at the bottom, closest to the lake. This thoughtful layout extends to the site design itself, with "driveways...in great shape and actually built with RVs in mind," eliminating the frustrations of awkward back-ins or trees blocking access. While not as spacious as some other campgrounds, the sites are "sufficient" and well-maintained.

One of the most significant advantages of Merrill Campground, highly praised by visitors, is its commitment to quiet enjoyment. The strict "no generators allowed" policy ensures a profoundly "much more quiet" atmosphere, allowing campers to truly unwind and enjoy the sounds of nature. Beyond the peaceful ambiance, the campground offers excellent recreational opportunities, including "easy access to the bike path," which leads directly to the Marina for a delightful "popsicles/ice cream" tradition. Despite its "remote" feel, visitors consistently rate it as the "best federal campground," thanks to its wonderful facilities, helpful staff, and beautiful setting. For Californians, Merrill Campground provides a truly exceptional camping experience that blends comfort, quiet, and access to outdoor adventure.

Merrill Campground is conveniently located at County Road A-1, Susanville, CA 96130, USA. This places it within Lassen County in northeastern California, nestled in a region known for its diverse landscapes, including lakes, forests, and volcanic areas. Its proximity to Susanville, a charming gateway town, ensures reasonable accessibility while still offering a sense of being "remote" and away from urban bustle.

For Californians, reaching Merrill Campground typically involves driving on well-maintained state highways. From major Northern California hubs like Redding or Chico, the drive can take approximately 1.5 to 2.5 hours. From the Sacramento metropolitan area, it's a longer but manageable journey, usually around 3.5 to 4 hours, making it a viable destination for extended weekend trips or longer vacations. The campground's address on County Road A-1 suggests direct vehicular access, accommodating all types of vehicles, including large RVs, as the "driveways are in great shape and actually built with RVs in mind."

While one review notes that "the many fires in California caused cancellations of many sites in this campground because campers could not get here from most directions" during a specific fire event, this highlights the importance of checking local conditions, especially during fire season. However, under normal circumstances, the campground is "fairly easily reachable" for those traveling from across California. Its location offers a balance of natural seclusion and practical access, making it a desirable destination for those seeking outdoor recreation in the Lassen area without venturing into truly backcountry territory.

Merrill Campground distinguishes itself with a thoughtful array of services and amenities, particularly catering to RV campers and those who prioritize a quiet environment. The "prototypical" design with tiered loops ensures convenience and clarity for all visitors.

• Tiered Campsite Options: The campground features a unique "tiered loops idea," with sites grouped by utility availability. "Full hook-up sites" (electricity, water, sewer) are located at the top loops, while "non-hook-up sites" are at the bottom, closer to the lake.

• Full Hook-ups: Many sites offer full hook-ups, a significant convenience for RVs, ensuring access to water, electricity, and sewer connections. This makes longer stays more comfortable, even for those relying on solar panels at non-electrical sites.

• Well-Designed Driveways: All "driveways are in great shape and actually built with RVs in mind," eliminating awkward parking situations and making it easy for large vehicles to navigate and park at their sites.

• No Generator Policy: A key service, and a major highlight, is the strict "no generators allowed" policy. This ensures a "much more quiet" atmosphere throughout the campground, enhancing the peaceful experience for all campers.

• Restroom Facilities: While not explicitly detailed in reviews, a federal campground of this caliber typically provides clean restroom facilities, although bringing personal soap is often a good practice.

• Hot Showers: A welcome amenity, particularly for campers seeking comfort, is the availability of "hot water" in the showers, even during off-peak times, as noted by a December visitor.

• Paved Bike Path Access: The campground offers "easy access to the bike path," which runs "along the lake going thru this campground." This is a fantastic amenity for cycling enthusiasts of all ages, allowing for scenic rides to destinations like the Marina.

• On-Site Hosts: The presence of a friendly "host Dave" indicates that there is on-site management to assist campers, provide information, and ensure rules are followed, contributing to a well-run operation.

• Ranger Presence: Interaction with a "local Ranger Amber" suggests a professional U.S. Forest Service or similar agency presence, providing guidance and safety oversight.

• Verizon Reception: At least "decent Verizon reception" was noted at site #35, which is a practical service for those who need to maintain some connectivity.

Merrill Campground boasts several exceptional features and highlights that make it a standout destination for Californians, especially those prioritizing tranquility and accessibility in their outdoor adventures.

• Exceptional Quiet Atmosphere: The strict "no generators allowed" rule is a major highlight, creating a "much more quiet" and peaceful environment. This allows campers to truly relax and enjoy the natural sounds, a rare commodity in many popular campgrounds.

• RV-Friendly Design: The campground is meticulously "built with RVs in mind," featuring well-maintained "driveways" and a tiered layout that makes finding and accessing sites, including those with "full hook-ups," straightforward and convenient. This thoughtful design sets it apart for RV owners.

• Direct Bike Path Access: "Easy access to the bike path" that runs "along the lake going thru this campground" is a fantastic feature. This paved trail offers scenic rides, making it perfect for families, casual cyclists, and a fun way to reach the Marina for "popsicles/ice cream."

• Flexible Site Reservations: The "tiered loops idea" and clear distinction between "first-come first-serve" and "reservable" sites, grouped by utility availability, simplifies the booking process and offers flexibility for different travel plans.

• Beautiful Lakeside Environment: While specific lake views from every site vary, the campground's proximity to a lake implies opportunities for water-based activities like boating, fishing, and simply enjoying the scenic waterfront.

• Friendly and Helpful Staff: The positive mentions of "host Dave and local Ranger Amber" who are "really nice" highlight the welcoming and supportive atmosphere created by the park personnel, enhancing the overall visitor experience.

• Variety of Shade Options: As evidenced by the detailed photos taken by a reviewer, sites offer varying degrees of shade ("well shaded" vs. those for "solar panels"), allowing campers to choose a spot that best suits their needs for sun exposure or power generation.

• High Standard for Federal Campgrounds: One visitor hailed it as the "best federal campground I have ever had the privilege of enjoying," indicating a consistently high level of maintenance and visitor satisfaction.

For Californians interested in planning a visit to Merrill Campground, direct contact information is available. As a federal campground, it is managed by a federal agency, likely the U.S. Forest Service or the Bureau of Reclamation, given its location near Susanville.

• Address: County Road A-1, Susanville, CA 96130, USA

• Phone: (530) 825-3212

• Mobile Phone: +1 530-825-3212

These phone numbers are likely for the campground office or a managing ranger district that oversees Merrill Campground. It is highly recommended to call ahead for the most current and specific information, including:

• Reservations: While some sites are first-come, first-served, many are reservable. Inquire about the best way to make reservations, which is often through a federal booking system like Recreation.gov.

• Site Availability: Especially for busy periods, calling ahead can confirm if first-come, first-served sites are available.

• Current Conditions: Inquire about any alerts, closures, or fire restrictions, particularly during California's fire season. This is crucial given past fire-related evacuations in the region.

• Facility Status: Confirm details like shower functionality or any specific amenities you plan to rely on.

• Specific Site Details: If you have specific needs (e.g., shade, solar access), the staff might be able to provide further guidance beyond the helpful photos online.

For more comprehensive information, it is always a good practice to search online for the official website of the managing federal agency (e.g., "U.S. Forest Service Susanville," or "Bureau of Reclamation Eagle Lake Field Office") related to Merrill Campground. This online resource will often provide detailed maps, rules, fee information, and up-to-date alerts to ensure a smooth and enjoyable camping experience.

For Californians, Merrill Campground in Susanville stands out as an exceptionally suitable and appealing destination, offering a balanced and high-quality camping experience that caters to a wide range of preferences. It is truly a gem in Northern California, embodying many qualities that locals seek in an outdoor escape.

Firstly, its thoughtful design with "tiered loops" and "driveways... built with RVs in mind," including readily available "full hook-ups," makes it incredibly convenient and stress-free for RV owners, a significant portion of California's camping community. This attention to detail ensures a smooth arrival and comfortable stay, setting it apart from many other campgrounds.

Secondly, and perhaps most importantly for many, the strict "no generators allowed" policy creates a "much more quiet" and peaceful atmosphere. In a state where popular campgrounds can often be bustling, Merrill Campground offers a rare opportunity for genuine tranquility, allowing campers to truly unwind and connect with nature without the constant drone of engines. This commitment to quiet enjoyment is a major draw for those seeking true relaxation.

Furthermore, the accessibility to a "great paved bike trail along the lake" provides excellent recreational opportunities for all ages, fostering active enjoyment and creating cherished family traditions like bike rides to the Marina for ice cream. The presence of friendly "host Dave and local Ranger Amber" ensures a welcoming and well-managed environment, contributing to its reputation as the "best federal campground." Despite its slightly "remote" feel, which enhances its appeal as an escape, it's still conveniently reachable for many Northern Californians. Merrill Campground isn't just a place to park an RV or pitch a tent; it's a meticulously designed, peaceful, and amenity-rich outdoor haven that perfectly caters to the needs of local Californians seeking a superior camping experience.

Merrill Campground

County Road A-1, Susanville, CA 96130, USA