Established Camping

Lightning Tree Campground

Lightning Tree Campground is located in Plumas National Forest, featuring forested terrain with a mix of pine and fir trees. The area experiences temperature highs around 85°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the scenic Lakes Basin Recreation Area and the historic town of Graeagle.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Plumas National Forest

Overview

Lightning Tree Campground (5,800 feet) is one of three family-friendly campgrounds located in the Lake Davis Recreation Area. The lake was formed by damming Grizzly Creek in 1967. The purpose of the lake was to provide water for the town of Portola, improve area fishing and provide recreation opportunities. The 32 miles of shoreline has several boat launch facilities and fishing access points. Lightning Tree Campground is a great place to serve as hub for family fun and recreation. At the end of the day return to this home away from home to relax around the campfire.

Recreation

In addition to camping, the area offers a wide variety of popular water-related activities, including fishing, boating and swimming. Numerous fishing access points are located around the perimeter of the lake and anglers will find rainbow and brown trout, bass and catfish. A boat ramp is located nearby.Mountain biking, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are also available in the area. During winter months, visitors enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Natural Features

Lake Davis is situated in the hills north of the town of Portola in the Plumas National Forest. Smith Peak State Game Refuge to the south and west of the lake is a great place for bird watching, nature viewing, photography and exploring. Large sheep herding ranches used this area before the dam was build. Today, cattle trek across the rangeland meadows. Get a panoramic view of Lake Davis, Sierra Valley and peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges from Smith Peak Fire Lookout.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.

Nearby Attractions

Restaraunts, stores and services are available in Portola, CA Visit the largest railroad museum in the Western United States located in Portola. The old Basque style sheepherder bread oven at Jenkins Point has been restored Visit Smith Peak Fire Lookout

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Location

Lightning Tree Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Reno, travel north on Highway 395 to Highway 70 and turn west to Portola. From Portola, take County Road 126 north for 7 miles, then County Road 112 to the east side of Lake Davis. Continue approximately 5 miles to the campground, which is on the left.

Address

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 7
Blairsden, CA 96103

Coordinates

39.9254556 N
120.5104944 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Sanitary Dump
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • Big Rig Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Lightning Tree Campground?

    Camping at Lightning Tree Campground can cost between $33.97 and $38.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Lightning Tree Campground?

    Lightning Tree Campground allows vehicles up to 45 feet.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Lightning Tree Campground?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is available.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Lightning Tree Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Lightning Tree Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Lightning Tree Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Lightning Tree Campground?

    There are 41 campsites at Lightning Tree Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts