Merrill Campground Introduce
For local users in Northern California and those traveling through the Susanville area who are searching within the "camping near me" category, Merrill Campground, located at County Road A-1, Susanville, CA 96130, USA, offers a highly regarded camping experience near the picturesque Eagle Lake. With positive reviews highlighting its beauty, spacious sites, and access to recreational activities, Merrill Campground is a noteworthy option for your next outdoor adventure. You can reach them for inquiries at (530) 825-3212 or their mobile number +1 530-825-3212.
One reviewer's experience provides a unique perspective on the campground, as they arrived unexpectedly early due to evacuations from another campground in Lassen National Park during the Dixie fire. Despite the circumstances, they found Merrill Campground to be a "wonderful campground (with full hookups)." This suggests that Merrill Campground offers essential amenities that can provide comfort and convenience, especially for RV campers. The reviewer also noted the unfortunate issue of their air conditioning not working for one day, but this seems to be an isolated incident and does not detract from their overall positive impression.
The sentiment that "If the area wasn't so remote we would love to camp here for a couple of weeks every year" speaks volumes about the appeal of Merrill Campground and its surroundings. The perceived remoteness might be a drawback for some seeking more immediate access to urban amenities, but it likely contributes to the campground's tranquility and natural beauty, making it an ideal escape for those seeking a peaceful retreat. The reviewer further praised it as "the best federal campground I have ever had the privilege of enjoying," a significant accolade that underscores its quality and the positive experiences it offers.
Practical information regarding campsite selection is also provided. The campground is divided into two sections upon entry: the left half operates on a "first-come first-serve" basis, offering flexibility for spontaneous trips. The right side is reservable, with sites grouped based on utility availability. Notably, the campsites closest to Eagle Lake do not have hookups, catering to tent campers or those who prefer a more primitive experience. Conversely, the sites furthest from the lake offer "full hookups" (water, electricity, and sewer), making them ideal for RVs and those desiring maximum convenience. The reviewer even took the initiative to photograph all the reservable sites around noon to illustrate the shade conditions, a thoughtful gesture that can greatly assist future campers in choosing the most suitable site based on their preferences for shade or sun exposure (for solar panel use).
A significant feature of Merrill Campground, highly recommended by the reviewer, is the "great paved bike trail along the lake going thru this campground." This amenity provides an excellent opportunity for leisurely cycling, enjoying scenic views of Eagle Lake, and getting some exercise. Bringing bicycles is strongly encouraged for those who enjoy this activity, as the paved trail offers a safe and enjoyable way to explore the area.
Another enthusiastic review echoes the positive sentiments, describing Merrill Campground as "Fantastic" with "Beautiful surroundings and lots of things to do." The proximity to "Eagle Lake is beautiful" is again highlighted, along with the "really nice paved trail that runs alongside the lake that leaves right from the campgrounds." This reinforces the appeal of the lake and the accessibility of the bike trail directly from the campsites.
In terms of facilities, the reviewer noted that they are "clean, but lacking shower facilities." This is an important piece of information for potential campers to be aware of, as they will need to plan accordingly for their hygiene needs. Despite the absence of showers, the reviewer found the campground to be "Clean and well kept," indicating that the other facilities, such as restrooms, are maintained to a good standard.
The campsites themselves are described as "very large and spread out, so you are not right on top of your neighbors." This is a significant advantage for those who value privacy and a sense of space while camping. The generous size of the sites contributes to a more relaxed and enjoyable experience, allowing campers to spread out their gear and enjoy their surroundings without feeling crowded.
Environmentally, Merrill Campground benefits from its location near Eagle Lake in the Susanville area of Northern California. Eagle Lake is known for its natural beauty, offering opportunities for boating, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding area likely features forests and scenic landscapes typical of the region. The paved bike trail along the lake further enhances the opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying the natural environment.
As a federal campground, Merrill Campground is likely managed by a government agency, such as the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) or the Forest Service. Reservations for the designated reservable sites can typically be made through online platforms like Recreation.gov or by contacting the campground directly. The first-come first-serve sites offer an option for those who prefer not to make reservations or are making last-minute plans.
There is no specific promotional information mentioned in the reviews. Federal campgrounds generally focus on providing affordable access to natural resources rather than offering extensive promotions. However, the positive reviews themselves serve as strong endorsements. Local users searching for "camping near me" near a beautiful lake with spacious sites, full hookups (at some sites), and recreational amenities like a paved bike trail will find Merrill Campground to be a highly attractive option. The absence of shower facilities is a key factor to consider when planning your stay.
In conclusion, Merrill Campground offers a fantastic camping experience near Eagle Lake in Susanville, California. Its beautiful surroundings, large and well-spaced campsites, and access to a paved bike trail along the lake make it ideal for families, RVers (with full hookup options), and anyone seeking a peaceful retreat in nature. While shower facilities are not available, the clean and well-kept environment, coupled with the availability of both reservable and first-come first-serve sites, provides flexibility for different types of campers. The detailed information about campsite utility availability and shade conditions, along with the enthusiastic reviews, make Merrill Campground a highly recommended "camping near me" destination in the Susanville area. Be sure to check reservation availability for the hookup sites, especially during peak season, and consider bringing your bicycles to take full advantage of the scenic lakeside trail.
Merrill Campground Photos










Merrill Campground Location
Merrill Campground
County Road A-1, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Merrill CampgroundCounty Road A-1
West Eagle Group CampgroundGallatin Rd
Christie Day Use Area CampgroundSusanville
Eagle campgroundGallatin Rd
Eagle Lake477-050 Eagle Lake Rd
Christie CampgroundEagle Lake Rd
Aspen Grove CampgroundGallatin Rd
Pine Ridge CampgroundSusanville
Eagle Lake - Rocky Point EastRocky Point
Eagle Lake - Rocky Point West2550 Riverside Dr
Goumaz Campground/Biz Johnson TrailSusan River
Goumaz CampgroundSusanville
Hobo CampSusanville
Merrill Campground Reviews
A few years ago, we were told to evacuate from our prior campground at Warner Valley in Lassen National Park due to the approaching Dixie fire. We escaped in the early evening before the whole town of Chester was next evacuated (a good thing). We then went directly (4 days early) to our next campground which was Merrill Campground. The many fires in California caused cancellations of many sites in this campground because campers could not get here from most directions.This was a wonderful campground (with full hookups) but sadly the one day we wanted to use the air conditioning it was found to have gone out.If the area wasn't so remote we would love to camp here for a couple of weeks every year. It is the best federal campground I have ever had the privilege of enjoying. As you enter the campground, the left half is first-come first-serve. The right side is reservable and grouped by utility availability. The sites closest to the lake had no hookups. The sites furthest from the lake had full hookups (and so forth).I took pictures of all the reservable sites and am posting them below so you can see what the shade is like around noon at each site.Don't forget bicycles if you have them because there is a great paved bike trail along the lake going thru this campground.I hope the attached photos help you decide which of the great campsites should be reserved and will please you the most. Some are well shaded, and others might be loved by those who want to use solar panels instead of the electrical power sites that are farthest from the lake.
Feb 13, 2025 · Brian HovanderFantastic campground. Beautiful surroundings and lots of things to do. Eagle Lake is beautiful, and there is a really nice paved trail that runs alongside the lake that leaves right from the campgrounds. Facilities are clean, but lacking shower facilities. Sites are very large and spread out, so you are not right on top of your neighbors. Clean and well kept.
Nov 30, 2023 · Richard SGreat campground designed specifically for big RVs. Great mix of dry & hookup sites, as well as a large number of first come/first serve. Large dump across the road. Plenty of sunny sites with great lake views for dry camping with solar. Well managed campground. Roads in from both directions are pretty bumpy from deep road expansion seams. Very dog friendly. Dogs everywhere. Lots of clean restrooms, water spigots, and gray water dumps scattered thru campground.
Jun 07, 2023 · TaraGreat campground. There's a lot of space for the sites. The lake was a lot bigger than I expected. The camp hosts were very nice, and the people working in the store were full of information and fun to talk to.
Sep 07, 2023 · Peggy AustinThis was a very nice place to spend a few day's It has a wide variety things to do Campground was clean spaces for RVs quite large and spaced out The trail connecting the Marine and campgrounds was a nice place to walk or bike
Nov 02, 2023 · Bruce Kocka
More Camping Near Me
West Eagle Group Campground4.0 (8 reviews)Gallatin Rd, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Christie Day Use Area Campground4.0 (19 reviews)Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Eagle campground4.0 (25 reviews)Gallatin Rd, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Eagle Lake4.0 (41 reviews)477-050 Eagle Lake Rd, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Christie Campground4.0 (57 reviews)Eagle Lake Rd, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Aspen Grove Campground4.0 (30 reviews)Gallatin Rd, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Pine Ridge Campground5.0 (1 reviews)Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Eagle Lake - Rocky Point East4.0 (18 reviews)Rocky Point, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Eagle Lake - Rocky Point West0.0 (0 reviews)2550 Riverside Dr, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Goumaz Campground/Biz Johnson Trail5.0 (5 reviews)Susan River, Korver Rd, Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Goumaz Campground4.0 (27 reviews)Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Hobo Camp4.0 (41 reviews)Susanville, CA 96130, USA
Categories
Popular Camping Sites
Campsite #355.0 (3 reviews)
Lakeview Mobile Home Park3.0 (48 reviews)
RV Park4.0 (4 reviews)
Riverside Village3.0 (173 reviews)
Cypress Hills MHP LLC1.0 (3 reviews)
Bella Rose Extended Stay RV Park3.0 (18 reviews)Most Searched Camping Sites
Trending Camping Blog Posts
10 Must-Visit Campgrounds in the Midwest for Your Next Outdoor Adventure
Romantic Camping Spots for Couples: Perfect Getaways in Nature
Ultimate Guide to Off the Grid Camping in Remote Locations
Vanlife in Winter: My Personal Experience Living on the Road
How to Cook Over a Campfire Safely for an Enjoyable Outdoor Experience
From City to Camp: My Journey to Nature and What I Learned 
