Glamping in Alleghany, California offers rustic luxury in a region surrounded by Sierra Nevada pine forests at elevations between 3,000-5,000 feet. The area experiences warm summer days with temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F and cool evenings dropping to 45-55°F. Several campgrounds remain open from May through October, though higher elevation sites may have shorter seasons due to snowfall.
What to do
Fishing at nearby lakes: Collins Lake Recreation Area provides stocked fishing opportunities with a well-maintained shoreline. "Great Lake and RV Park. We stayed in spot 110 with a lakefront view," notes a visitor to Collins Lake Recreation Area.
Hiking mountain trails: Access to the Pacific Crest Trail and numerous local paths offers hiking options for all skill levels. A camper at East Meadow Campground shares, "Super place, hosts are friendly & helpful! Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time."
Water recreation: Paddleboarding, swimming, and kayaking are popular at multiple lakes in the region. "We spent the weekend at other parts of Lake Tahoe. To be fair, other camp groups appear to have a perfectly good time despite being eaten alive," reports one visitor to Thousand Trails Snowflower, highlighting both water access and seasonal challenges.
What campers like
Community amenities: Some luxury campgrounds provide common facilities beyond standard camping expectations. A visitor to Inn Town Campground notes, "The common house has a fully stocked kitchen so you can camp without having to bring supplies! The campground is exceptionally clean and meticulously maintained."
Quiet natural settings: Campers appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Our family has been coming here for years. We love it. Nice quiet lake. Good campsites. Good general store and even a little restaurant and ice cream shack," shares a regular at Lake Francis Resort.
Unique accommodations: From canvas tents to yurts, the area offers non-traditional sleeping options. "We have stayed in one of the glamping tents, and have also brought our RV. We even had a heated mattress pad in our glamping tent to keep warm," explains an Inn Town Campground visitor.
What you should know
Seasonal pest considerations: Mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly in early summer. "We were so thrilled to find this clean, family-friendly resort with its own (warm!) little lake in the high sierras. But our group's collective joy was short lived after we were beseeched with mosquitos," warns a camper from Thousand Trails Snowflower.
Fire restrictions: Some locations limit or prohibit wood fires. "They do not allow wood burning fires, but you can use a gas fire ring or rent one from the campground," advises a visitor to Inn Town Campground, demonstrating varied fire policies across the region.
Reservation requirements: Many premium glamping sites book quickly during summer months. According to a camper at Sardine Lake, "Busy on the weekends. Booking advised. Facilities are good."
Tips for camping with families
Lake activities for children: Several campgrounds feature lakes with gradual entries for safer swimming. "Great campground was situated nicely with perfect trees for our hammocks and bathrooms were tidy. Beautiful hiking within minutes of the campground with gorgeous views of the lake and boulders - and even waterfalls!" shares a Sardine Lake camper.
Onsite conveniences: Stores and food services reduce packing needs for family trips. A visitor to Lake Francis Resort reports, "Nice quiet lake. Good campsites. Good general store and even a little restaurant and ice cream shack."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children enjoy seeing native animals in natural settings. "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!" exclaims a visitor to Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many mountain campsites require additional leveling equipment. "RV sites are mostly electric and water only, and many aren't anywhere near level. Nonetheless, I loved the place and will definitely go back," advises an RVer at Thousand Trails Snowflower.
Electrical reliability: Some campgrounds experience power issues during peak season. "There wasn't a single day when some campsite didn't have electrical issues, in fact they turned a lot of their RV sites into Tent Sites because of electrical issues," notes a Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs visitor.
Site selection strategy: Arrive early for premium spots at first-come, first-served locations. "I'm not really a fan of 'first come first serve', it makes it hard when group camping," shares a Lake of the Springs camper.
