Are you planning a tent camping trip to Alturas? We've got you covered. Finding a place to camp in California with your tent has never been easier. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Alturas campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Great getaway property on top of California Pines. Just up the hill from Brown’s Pond and around the corner from Rainbow Pond. You can enjoy a nice camping area in the mountains during the summer. As a forester, I personally love being among the trees, especially the incense cedar and ponderosa pine as the afternoon breeze comes in 🍃🌲
$30 / night
The Campground at Cave Lake is little used and the perfect place for a week-end or week long getaway.
Divine springs campground has 5 metal fire ring/bbq pits and tables. A small stream runs through the site, and is fenced off from livestock.
Dog Lake Campground is located approximately 55 minutes west of Lakeview, Oregon. The campground is a serene destination for those seeking to fish and relax in a lakeside setting. It offers 15 campsites and four vault toilets. Each campsite has a picnic table and campfire ring. Dog Lake Boat Ramp and Day Use Area is across from the campground. Non-motorized boats and boats with electric motors are allowed at Dog Lake. There is a large parking area with adequate trailer turnaround, and one vault toilet. In addition to the boat ramp, you’ll find a fishing dock. Dog Lake attracts a multitude of birds including pelicans, geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. Birdwatching and fishing are the main recreational pursuits at Dog Lake. Another bonus is its close proximity to Drews Reservoir and Drews Creek. Dog Lake’s water level fluctuates depending on snow melt. It attracts a multitude of birds including pelicans, geese, ducks, and other waterfowl. Birdwatching and fishing are the main recreational pursuits at Dog Lake. Another bonus is its close proximity to Drews Reservoir and Drews Creek. Alert : There is no potable water. Visitors need to pack plenty of water.
Deep Creek campground is located in the South Warner Mountains, one hour 25 minutes southeast of Lakeview, Oregon. This site offers rustic camping in a ponderosa pine, cottonwood, and aspen setting. Colorful wildflowers are abundant in spring and early summer. It is a popular camp in the fall for hunters. Amenities include four campsites along the creek, each with picnic tables and fire grates, and one vault toilet. There are fishing, wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities. There is no potable water. Visitors need to pack plenty of water.
The Dismal Creek Forest Camp has been decommissioned.
Located 40 minutes southeast of Lakeview, Oregon, Twin Springs campground offers three peaceful campsites at 6,300 feet elevation. Twin Springs gurgles up in the center of the forest camp amid tall ponderosa pine, white fir, and aspen trees. There is a lush riparian understory along the creek and bright wildflowers in the late spring and summer. Amenities at Twin Springs include picnic tables and fire grates, and one vault toilet. Visitors can enjoy bird watching, wildlife viewing (deer are common) and hiking on the Crane Mountain National Recreation Trail, located two miles west and accessed near Rogger Meadow. There is no potable water. Visitors need to pack plenty of water.
Traveler
Enjoyed the tent site and it had a nice shower.
Scout
This campsite is nestled in the forest away from the highway. It has cabins, RV, and tent camping available. There is a new playground for children. When you stay, a free shower is included. The bathrooms are regular flushing toilets with showers in the room and outlets if you need to blowdry your hair. The attendant on the grounds is very nice and friendly. We arrived late (9pm) and she was able to assist us with getting settled. There is a small shop next to the office. You can also book your lot reservation online. I'll include a picture of the map of the area. For those tent camping, bring a tarp for your tent to sit on. It's a dirt, rock, and pine needles area. In the morning, you'll hear song birds.
RangerGood campsite nestled in the trees. Approximately 10 tent sites, 20 RV, and 15 cabins. RV are full hookup. Showers, laundry and friendly staff. Easy, close drive to Lava Beds National park
Scout
This sweet little place beside a creek in Surprise Valleyis just right for low-key tent camping and they have a place for a small van or RV too. Composting toilet, dipping in the creek, and a cool little town (restaurant there is open Thurs-Sun). It's on a farm, technically, but they are mostly taking time off farming. Dark skies and no worries.
Guide
Not far from Cederville on 299 towards Alturas you can find a DNR campground at Stough Reservoir. The road is 2+ miles of dirt - gravel to the CG.
The campground is sparse and lacks flushing toilets, pit toilet is available. Check the area sign for fire restrictions or warnings of large animals in the area. Keep your food locked up or hanging in a tree.
Traveler
This sight is great for boon-docking campers; it has maintained camp sights, picnic tables, and a few fire rings. A short walk from the camp sights there is a vault toilet that’s maintained during the dryer months. Great fishing, stargazing, and kayaking. But be prepared for no cell service at the campground, however about 2 miles south on the main road will provide 2 bars of service for those with Verizon. Also pack lots of food, water, and fuel as the closest gas is in Alturas and or Standish Litchfield “45 miles north or to the south on hwy 395.” I wouldn’t recommend swimming in the lake as the lake has been know to have very small leaches sad for swimming but great for fishing. Don’t forget to check your local fire restrictions and obtain a fire permit before heading out.
Legend
Howards Gulch Campground • Modoc National Forest • $12
Northern California • Basin & Range Birding Trail 15 Northeastern location
Just past a hundred miles of farmfield coming from the North we enter the Modoc National Forest, and turn left against our GPS’ wishes into Howard’s Gulch Campground (Forest Service). Pay attention to the signs. It's analog but it's right. It’s a small, primitive camp in Northern California with 12 sites. Two which are walk in only and none which are for large RV’s. The fee is $12 which is significantly more than the next campground down the road which is free, but the consistency of the Forest Service sites makes it worth it.
The trees are tall and red, and according to a conveniently placed sign, coniferous. There are also signs indicating common birds of the area and their habitats, along with a 1.5 mile trail built by the U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and the California Department of Corrections. The trail has been dedicated “for your hiking pleasure…” This campground is also part of the Basin & Range Birding Trail system of Northern California and Southern Oregon.
Like all forest service campgrounds there is a fire pit and a picnic table in each site. Most of the sites are spaced relatively privately, but since you’re in the middle of nowhere you’ll probably be sharing the camp with one, maybe two other campers. In addition, some sites have a stand alone charcoal grilling set-ups.
Trails like this one lead right from camp. Bring your binoculars.
There are plenty of water taps. At least five, but since it isn’t potable there isn’t really much benefit. Since the water is being “treated with chemicals” I wouldn’t even recommend boiling it for use leaving it for the dousing of fires, but the camp is under no-burn restrictions. Rightfully so, considering the summer California has had so far.
Toilets are standard vaults, but there are three of them for 12 sites. Two of which are recent new builds. Being low in the gulch you’re surrounded by walls on three sides to the outer side of the camp loop. The inner loop still backs up to a cliff wall for an unusually located tall mound...and OHMYGOD MY WIFE JUST CHOPPED HER THUMB! SHIT! SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!
...
The reason to camp here is…you’re on your way somewhere else most likely. Coming from Oregon to Yosemite or Tahoe or vice versa. But if you do you won’t be disappointed and if you like birds you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The nearest town is at least 20+ miles if you need anything so come prepared. My Wife's thumb is fine by the way. Despite a serious scare at the time. She field dressed it like a boss using our first aid kit (which we've since upgraded). She'll have a reminder scar, but her badass level went up like a million points. I give Howard’s Gulch 3 Tent Stakes of Awesomeness for being a solid campground with nice sites and trails leaving right from camp but not much else going on. Also, there is no indication of who Howard is. I certainly didn't meet him.
Pro-Tip #1: Prepare for summer heat. You aren’t at elevation here.
Pro-Tip #2: Bring binoculars.
Pro-Tip #3: Bring water and anything else you might need. No place near by to get anything.
TravelerIts ideal if you’re coming from California and headed to Oregon. A couple hours away from Crater Lake.
Legend
This was a very open campground, very little privacy allotted for each site. There were some tree cover and grass. The lake was not very swimmable as it was dry, so we went to a nearby creek and enjoyed that.
It was pretty awesome to be on the state lines of Oregon and California, able to be two places at once. The town of New Pine Creek spans both states and has lots of fun places to visit and see.
Guide
A small quiet campground near, but not on Drews creek. Only space for about 4 maybe 5 RVs. All sites great for tents. There are no services - no water, no electric, no dump. It does have two very nice and clean modern pit toilets. We had no cell service.
Guide
There are spots to park your RV and hook up to water and electric. It is a gravel parking lot. There are designated tent spots in the dirt next to the gravel parking lot.
There is a nice heated restroom with flush toilets. Showers are available, however they are $3.
The area was very windy and noisy.
GuideGuide
My husband and I took a quick trip to North Eastern California for some rock hounding. We came upon this campground toward the end of the evening. It's a dry camp ground with pit toilets. The best part was that there were not designated camp sites - find a fire ring, and camp away. Our nearest neighbor was well over 200 yards away. It was a great spot and perfect for 4th of July weekend. We will definitely be returning to this location!
RangerConfused? This lake must be seasonal because we could not find it while traveling around this campsite. There is a small marshy area and grass as if the lake is there at other times of the year. The campsites have very little privacy, but there are bathrooms, amenities, nice day-use area, pet exercise area, etc. This park is on the border of California near Lakeview… so while I did not necessary think it was worth the drive to go see this campground, the nearby town is a great little American escape for groceries, a great little Saturday Farmers Market, a nice cup of coffee, or just to explore.
Guide
Pros: Totally isolated (during the week). Stunning views of surrounding mountains and forest with a crystal clear lake (Cave Lake) for swimming and fishing. Sites equipped with fire pits and picnic tables. Pit toilets. Camped directly next to lake. Stargazing was absolutely breathtaking. One of our very favorite sites just over the Oregon-California border.
Cons: No water. Difficult climb/drive without good tires or 4WD (very steep, high grade road that is mostly dirt and large rocks).
Tips: 4WD/AWD is a must. And drive slowly (see above). We popped a tire in our SUV on the way up, but totally worth it.
LegendThis campground is HIGH up in the mountains (over 5,000 feet) so remember sunscreen, water, and the fact that it’s going to get plenty cold at night regardless of the season. There is a lot of BLM boondocking activity in this area so it’s nice to have an actual campground.
There are seven sites in total and according to signage you can stay for a maximum of 14 days. This is plenty even when you take into consideration the vast number of hiking trails and off circuit lakes to explore. It’s a beautiful corner of California and highly underrated.
RVs can fit in these spots but the maximum length is about 24 feet. Vault toilets. No camp host and no cell service.
Guide
Needed a place while heading north. Easy to find. Inexpensive free shower and had access to do laundry. Worked well for our camper van.
Close to the wild refuge. Walked the 3 mile loop before heading out of town. Super close
Casino is also within a few miles. Penny slots
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! Camp Freedom has a prime location for those who enjoy the outdoors, check out the list of nearby activities to do during your stay! Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!
TravelerWe have visited Big Sage a number of times and it used to be a nice little campground set on the shores of Big Sage Reservoir. We have caught largemouth bass and crappie in the reservoir by the campground and we have launched our small boat and fished the upper reaches. Sadly, in the last few years feral horses have shown up and they are tearing up the campground and they are aggressive. There is horse manure everywhere.
Traveler
This was a neat campground right on a little creek. Too bad the USFS closed it.
LegendSweet little free USFS campground that is open (previous review and Google maps list this as permanently closed). Campground is free and first come first serve. It’s very basic- there are picnic benches and fire pits at each site, as well as several pit toilets throughout the campground, but otherwise there are no services. There’s no host and no trash service and the sites aren’t even marked or numbered.
The Verizon phone had basically no service, just some sporadic in and out, but practically unusable. The cell booster didn’t help. The ATT phone has some service, not great, but usable for texting and light browsing.
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 (except for the big trucks), so you have the perfect scenario of easy access from the road but not much road noise. There were no other campers when we stayed here on a Saturday in mid May. One person was here to walk her dogs for a bit but otherwise we had the whole place to ourselves. There was still some snow on the ground and it looks like there’s a second entrance to the east but that road was blocked by snow. The website says that the vehicle limit is 17ft, but I’m not sure why. We had plenty of room for our 26ft class c. I could see large class As or 5th wheels having trouble navigating the narrow forest roads.
RangerCamped 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. Excellent little campground with maybe a dozen or so sites. Clean & well maintained. Beautiful Warner Mountains all around.
If you keep going up the forest road there are dispersed camping spots at higher elevation with great views but roads only suitable for small rigs. There’s both a BLM and USFS office in nearby Cedarville for info plus hot springs in Surprise Valley and lots of good rockhounding in nearby Warner mountains on the west side towards Lakeview. Would camp here again.
RangerI swung thru this camp on a previous ride, and remembered it fondly. (dunno why I didn't review it then).
Up a decent gravel road, only about a mile in. A beautiful, small reservoir with about 10 sites. I got the primo site across the water, solo spot with my own pit toilet. No cell service solitude with the high-passing jets as my only company. Still a few patches of snow on the ground (5/2) and 26 degree morning.
LegendNot much to report here, other than be aware of snow in May. We tried to get to this campground but were blocked by too much snow in the road. Other than the snow the road was in good condition and easy to drive in our class c. The website lists the status for this campground as “area not cleared,” so presumably if you have a vehicle that can get through the snow, then you’re ok to go camp here.
Also as of Spring 2023 there will be a $15/night fee, so no longer free. Zero cell service here.
Scout
This was a great place at the top of the mountain. Rainbow pond was a great place to walk to from the campground. 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.
Traveler
Nice clean campground. The road to the campground is fine it’s once you turn into the campground you need to be careful. Has 2 Separate Men & Women outhouse. Didn’t see any trash cans. Stream & Obsidian Mine nearby.
GuideLove staying here. Lots to do nearby mostly obsidian collection and fishing. Make sure if you are wanting to collect you get a free permit in town before heading out. 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. Campground is in the shade which is great in the summer and has a creek running through.
Tent camping near Alturas, California, offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities.
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According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Alturas, CA is Cal Pines with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
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