Place · 0 mi away
Overview
This is the north entrance hub for campers: a well‑stocked general store with grab‑and‑go food, hot coffee, basic groceries, camping supplies, gifts, and the practical stuff that keeps a trip humming. It sits at the Manzanita Lake Campground entrance—steps from the cabins and a short walk to the lake—so it’s the natural place to fuel up, clean up, and get oriented before hikes or paddles.
What You’ll Find
- Food and basics: ready‑to‑go meals, hot/cold sandwiches, snacks, hot/cold drinks, and ice cream.
- Camping supplies and firewood, plus a small gift/guide selection.
- Fuel: seasonal unleaded gasoline on site (one pump; outages do happen).
- Facilities: seasonal coin‑op/pay showers and laundry at the store complex; RV dump station on the road between Loomis Plaza and the store in summer.
- Rentals: seasonal non‑motorized watercraft rentals (kayaks/SUPs/canoes) for Manzanita Lake, typically with limited daytime hours and weather‑dependent.
Season and Hours
The whole operation is seasonal—generally mid‑May through mid‑October—with hours that shift as staffing and snow conditions allow. Expect daytime hours (often around 8–5) in shoulder periods and longer on peak summer days. Always confirm locally on arrival.
Why Stop Here
If you forgot something, want a hot coffee before the lake loop, need a shower after dusty trails, or want to rent a kayak without leaving the park, this is your one‑stop. It’s also one of the only places for fuel anywhere near the north entrance.
Good to Know
- There’s no Wi‑Fi in the Manzanita Lake area and cell service is spotty. The park’s main visitor center has the best chance for Wi‑Fi if you need it.
- Showers are pay‑to‑use and can get busy in the evening; hit them outside peak hours for the best experience.
- Gas is seasonal and sometimes down; nearby towns like Shingletown and Old Station have services when the pump is out.
Nearby
You’re a short hop from Manzanita Lake for paddling and easy lakeside strolls, and close to Loomis Museum and trailheads in the northwest corner of the park.
Best Time to Visit
- Morning: smoothest coffee/snack run, easiest parking, and calmer water if you’re renting a kayak or SUP.
- Midday: usually lighter shower traffic compared to the post‑dinner rush.
- Peak summer weekends get busy—swing by earlier in the day for fuel, rentals, and supplies.
Pros
- Seasonal fuel on site at the campground entrance
- Pay showers and laundry right next door
- Kayak/SUP rentals for Manzanita Lake
Cons
- Seasonal operation; hours and opening dates vary with conditions
- Single pump and occasional fuel outages—top off before you arrive
- Evening shower rush and water can be lukewarm per recent reports
Tips
- Fuel up before entering the park in case the single pump is down.
- Showers get crowded after dinner—go mid‑day or early morning.
- Rent boats early on calm mornings; hours are limited and weather‑dependent.
- Download offline maps; there’s no Wi‑Fi here and cell service is limited.
- The RV dump station sits between Loomis Plaza and the store in summer.
