Dawn was beginning to break over Manzanita Lake in Lassen Volcanic National Park, some 240 miles northeast of San Francisco. Along the 1.8-mile trail around the water, butter-colored rabbitbrush ...

Manzanita Lake is a great spot for summer when the weather heats up. The day of our trip saw temperatures in Redding hit 105 degrees, but where we were the mercury hovered comfortably in the mid-70s.

Other state parks with camping cabins are Kartchner Caverns (Benson), Roper Lake (Safford), Dead Horse Ranch (Cottonwood), Lyman Lake (St. Johns) and Alamo Lake (Wenden).

Manzanita Lake Cabins: Lassen Volcanic National Park, Lassen County; reserve at reserve at (877) 444-6777 or www.recreation.gov. Info: www.lassenrecreation.com.

Manzanita Campground features 92 sites, many offered on a first-come basis, each equipped with table, bear box and fire pit. A nearby camp store offers prepared food, groceries and showers.