Best Campgrounds near Belden, CA

Camping near Belden, California encompasses a range of forest settings within Plumas National Forest, with several established campgrounds situated along lakes and creeks. Silver Lake Campground offers tent and RV camping with water hookups, while Lower Bucks and Whitehorse campgrounds provide more rustic experiences with basic amenities. The area sits at the intersection of the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade ranges, creating diverse landscapes for outdoor recreation. Nearby Bucks Lake Recreation Area features boat-in camping options, and Yellow Creek Campground provides a quieter alternative to the more popular Lake Almanor sites, with exceptional mountain views and access to natural features like the historic Maidu soda springs.

Most campgrounds in the Belden area operate seasonally from late May through September, with many closing after Labor Day. Winter snow makes access difficult or impossible during colder months. Forest Service roads leading to more remote campgrounds can be rough, particularly in spring when snowmelt creates muddy conditions. Campers report varying road conditions, with some sites requiring high-clearance vehicles. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months due to wildfire danger. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most campgrounds, with visitors noting that even signal boosters provide little help in this mountainous terrain.

The camping options near Belden cater to different preferences, from developed sites with amenities to more primitive locations. Lakeside campgrounds like those at Bucks Lake offer water recreation opportunities including fishing, kayaking, and swimming. According to reviews, sites at Soldier Meadows Campground provide spacious, peaceful settings among towering pines, though without running water. RV campers will find some sites with water hookups, though electrical connections are rare in Forest Service campgrounds. Most established sites include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, with firewood sometimes available for purchase. Visitors note that many campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends, especially those with lake access, while midweek camping often provides more solitude.

Best Camping Sites Near Belden, California (265)

    1. Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) — Plumas National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Meadow Valley, CA
    7 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Excellent location for lake and swimming hole access. Kirkwood right down the road provides groceries as needed"

    "It was a beautiful small lake with hiking trails right off of the lake."

    2. Lower Bucks Campground

    3 Reviews
    Belden, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-0555

    $5 / night

    "You may drive to a bathroom.

    Now, surpass those issues, and the bears and rattlesnakes and hoards of meat bees, lol, and this was the most beautiful site I've ever stayed in."

    3. Whitehorse Campground - Bucks Lake Recreation Area

    4 Reviews
    Meadow Valley, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-0555

    $31 / night

    "Walking trails connect to the campground! What a delight and right near Bucks Lake

    It is bear country, and the campsite was visited by a bear at night."

    "Clean campground, great fishing, and nice trail around lake. Kids love camping here. Bathrooms are kept clean and stocked 2-3x a day."

    4. Sundew Campground

    3 Reviews
    Meadow Valley, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 927-7878

    $32 / night

    "Bucks lake is our family’s favorite. Lake is big enough for boating and fishing and never seems to be overcrowded."

    5. Rocky Point Campground - Lake Almanor

    7 Reviews
    Chester, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 284-1785

    "The spaces are large, sunny and shaded with lovely trees and all within walking  distance from the lake.  Staff is friendly and helpful and the park is always clean. "

    "Our visit to Lake Almanor was amazing. My Dad brought his sail boat and the wind was perfect for sailing. The campgrounds are spacious and the restrooms are clean."

    6. Cool Springs Campground

    3 Reviews
    Twain, CA
    11 miles
    +1 (916) 386-5164

    $17 / night

    "This campground is a hidden gem on Butt Lake. There are first come first serve sites and also sites to be reserved. It has a few walk in sites and mostly drive in."

    "We were fortunate to discover Butt Lake near Lake Almanor.  Only one small burn area far from the campgrounds.  Friday was opening day for Cool Springs campground. "

    7. Spanish Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Twain, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-0555

    $35 - $80 / night

    "I would stay here a couple nights again, because the creek is beautiful, and the valley seems remote, while still being close to a moderately large highway, and Quincy, for restocking."

    "Only downside is it is near a railroad. Be aware that google maps will take you through private property so you need to look at the map to avoid that!"

    8. Yellow Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Belden, CA
    9 miles
    +1 (530) 284-1785

    "Most people flock to the nearby Lake Almanor or Butt Valley campgrounds, so Yellow Creek Campground is a nice place to go to escape bigger and busier spots."

    9. Haskins Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    Meadow Valley, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (916) 386-5164

    "It's close to the lake and market. We love to get ice cream before dinner :) Only negative - not all of the spaces have bear boxes and we had a nice visitor one morning."

    "It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake."

    10. Plumas National Forest Hallsted Campground

    1 Review
    Twain, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-0555

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Its a short walk down to the river. The river is warm and slow right there and it has crawfish. My boys caught a handful and had a great time!"

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Showing results 1-10 of 265 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Belden, CA

559 Reviews of 265 Belden Campgrounds



Guide to Belden

Camping near Belden, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just relaxing by the water, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy fishing in the nearby lakes and rivers. One visitor at Bidwell Canyon Campground mentioned, "Out of all of the campgrounds around Lake Oroville... it's clean, it has cell service plus wifi if you need it, pets are ok, 2 to 3 boat launches, spots to fish."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "We hiked up to Jamison Lake, which was a good 3 miles each way starting from the campground."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip in the lakes. A camper at Summit Lake North noted, "The lake is great for swimming."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms. One reviewer at Potato Patch Campground said, "Campground has clean vault toilets and ample drinking water."
  • Quiet atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Battle Creek Campground mentioned, "It was very quiet but you can occasionally hear cars from the highway."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often rave about the helpfulness of the campground hosts. A reviewer at Rocky Point Campground said, "The staff is friendly and the campground is well taken care of."

What you should know:

  • Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty cell coverage in many areas. A camper at Summit Lake South noted, "No cell phone coverage!!"
  • First-come, first-served sites: Some campgrounds operate on a first-come basis, so arrive early. A visitor at Battle Creek Campground shared, "We came on Fri 7/28 at 6pm and there were still sites available."
  • No hookups at some sites: If you're camping in an RV, check for sites with hookups. A reviewer at Potato Patch Campground mentioned, "Dry camping, no hookups."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. A camper at Little Bear RV Park said, "This clean, quiet, and very family friendly campground offers a mixture of full and partial hookup sites."
  • Plan for activities: Bring games and outdoor gear to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground noted, "There are bathrooms and water. A creek goes through the middle and is great in the summer for a nice cool down."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A reviewer at Bidwell Canyon Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms were top notch clean!"

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits in the designated spots. A camper at North Shore Campground said, "If your rig is over 30 ft you will have a more difficult time getting into spaces."
  • Look for amenities: Choose campgrounds with the facilities you need. A reviewer at Volcanic Country Camping & RV noted, "This place had a hot shower and toilet!"
  • Be mindful of generator hours: Some campgrounds have specific hours for generator use. A visitor at Summit Lake North mentioned, "Generator hours are a bit odd."

Camping near Belden, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, you’re sure to have a memorable experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Belden, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Belden, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 265 campgrounds and RV parks near Belden, CA and 23 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Belden, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Belden, CA is Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) — Plumas National Forest with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Belden, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Belden, CA.

What parks are near Belden, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Belden, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.