Join Dick in Lassen Volcanic National Park

Dick Jordan has been to Lassen Volcanic National Park four times since 1972. But not being a "sleep in the dirt" camper, he (and his wife) prefer to sleep inside rather than under the stars.

But unlike many National Parks in the Western U.S., Lassen has never had much in the way of in-park lodging facilities. The Manzanita Lake Lodge where Dick stayed on that first trip was razed long ago, leaving Drakesbad Guest Ranch as the only "indoor" place to stay within the park.

In the past, getting a reservation at Drakesbad was problematic at best. For years, multi-generational family groups made it their traditional summer vacation destination. So if you snoozed and didn't call early in the year, you lost: It was booked solid.
But time changes everything, including the way families travel. As Dick learned when he received an invitation last week from the park concessionaire to stay at Drakesbad this summer, even at this late date, the odds of being able to book a stay there for this year, especially after mid-August when kids are heading back to school, is better than it has ever been.
Daily and weekly rates are available. All meals are included. Shoulder season is less expensive. For each paying adult, one child under 12 stays and eats free! (Discounted rates are offered to "Young Adults" ages 13-17.)
While Manzanita Lake Lodge is no more, 20 basic cabins (no electricity, running water, or "facilities") opened in 2011. They're popular and are booked up fast, but there are two "first come, first served" units available each day, and even a few openings for cabin reservations on some days this year.

Cabins rent from $59-$84 per night. "Amenity Packages" that provide all of the sleeping and cooking gear you'll need, and even a steak dinner for two, are also offered.
And if you want to camp, odds are good that you'll be able to find a campsite at Manzanita Lake or elsewhere in the park, perhaps even without advance reservations.
Lassen is a terrific day-hikers park. It's about 4-5 hour's drive (without stops) from the Bay Area.
(Click here to go directly to the park concessionaires online booking system).
Read more about the park and how to book a stay in this post on Dick's Tales Told From The Road travel Website. (Photos courtesy of Lassen Volcanic National Park Flickr photostream.)
(Want to hike in Lassen with Dick? He'll be at Manzanita Lake on the evening of July 28, then at Drakebad from the evening of July 29 until he heads home on August 2nd.)