Camping sites near Alturas, California are situated at elevations ranging from 4,400 to 7,000 feet in the northeastern corner of the state, where the Great Basin Desert transitions into forest landscapes. Summer temperatures average 85°F during the day but can drop below 45°F at night even in July. Most Forest Service campgrounds in this region follow a dispersed camping model with basic amenities and limited cell service.
What to do
Obsidian collection nearby: A popular activity near Plum Valley Campground requires obtaining a permit. "Make sure if you are wanting to collect you get a free permit in town before heading out," notes one camper who visited the area.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers chances to observe various species in their natural habitat. At Big Sage Campground, visitors previously reported seeing wild horses, though recent visitors note: "We were hard pressed to find them. Based on the other review we expected to see wild horses and didn't see any or evidence of them either."
Fishing options: Several reservoirs and streams provide fishing opportunities throughout the camping season. At Stough Reservoir Campground, the small pond setting offers a peaceful backdrop for anglers, while one visitor at Lower Rush Creek mentions that "The creek is small, and access is somewhat hard to get to since it has steep sides on a lot of it."
What campers like
Solitude and quiet: Many campers value the lack of crowds at these remote locations. At Lower Rush Creek Campground, visitors report minimal company: "We came on a Friday afternoon in mid July and had the whole place to ourselves. By that night we had one neighbor."
Creek sounds: The natural soundtrack of moving water enhances several camping locations. At Lower Rush Creek Campground, visitors appreciate the "lovely creek passing through" the campground, creating a peaceful atmosphere for overnight stays.
Shady campsites: Tree cover provides relief from summer heat across many campgrounds in the area. One visitor to Cal Pines noted: "I really enjoyed my time setting up a hammock and enjoying the scenery. There was plenty of shade and a nice breeze in the afternoon that I looked forward to."
What you should know
Road conditions vary: Access to primitive camping areas can be challenging depending on your vehicle. For Plum Valley Campground, a visitor observed: "The road can be a little rough to the campground with some deep ruts. We were able to pull our 19 foot camper up the road and into the campground not sure if we would try with anything larger."
Seasonal restrictions: Weather conditions limit access to many camping areas during winter and early spring. At Stough Reservoir, one May visitor reported: "We tried to get to this campground but were blocked by too much snow in the road."
Limited facilities: Most Forest Service campgrounds offer basic amenities only. At Big Sage Campground, visitors found "There are allegedly 12 sites here, we were hard pressed to find them. The main area is graveled with 3 sites, the area to the north is dirt and we saw 4 sites."
Tips for camping with families
Tick awareness: Take precautions when spending time near creeks and grassy areas. A visitor to Lower Rush Creek noted: "There are quite a few ticks that like the grass near the waters edge. We were careful and still ended up pulling a few off that night, so use caution."
Temperature preparation: Pack warm clothing even for summer visits. A camper at Lower Rush Creek mentioned: "It was chilly even in June," highlighting the significant temperature drops common in this high desert region.
Campsite selection for privacy: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options for families seeking quiet. At Cedar Pass Campground, "The creek runs right through the campground and some of the sites are just right on the water. The sound of the creek drowns out most of the noise from the road."
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most Forest Service campgrounds accommodate smaller RVs only. A recent visitor to Lower Rush Creek observed: "Site #5 fit our 22 foot travel trailer and truck really well. The loop around is tight, but you could probably get through with a 24 or 25 foot trailer if you were careful. I wouldn't try anything bigger than that though."
Full hookup options in town: For RVers needing services, Alturas offers several options. Sully's RV Park provides full hookup sites with additional amenities: "This is not a high-end RV park. It is small (only 5 FHU sites)...but the RV sites are level, showers/bathrooms are clean, they have good laundry facilities, the Wi-Fi works well, and the place is quiet."
Overnighting convenience: Several campgrounds work well for single-night stops while traveling through the area. One visitor to Stough Reservoir Campground wrote: "Camped here in June 2020 and got the single prime spot across the little pond with its own pit toilet. Snowed when we were there in June. No hookups but there's water around the campsites and picnic tables and fire pits."
