The Village at Highlands Ranch
This place is glamping at its best! Ample sites, close to the NP, laundry, two restaurants on site, gift shop, etc
Plumas Pines Resort near Belden offers luxury glamping accommodations with both canvas and cabin options for a refined outdoor experience. The property includes electric hookups, well-maintained bathrooms, picnic tables, and cozy fire pits that blend comfort with nature. Sites feature private decks overlooking Lake Almanor, offering a premium vantage point for both sunset viewing and morning coffee. Collins Lake Recreation Area, located further south, provides upscale glamping tents with electricity, water, and sewer connections for those seeking higher-end amenities. Both locations maintain easy access to lake activities while providing substantially more comfort than traditional camping. One guest shared, "This place is amazing for trailer camping. The sites are close to each other, but every site has a small balcony you can back up next too."
Lake activities dominate the glamping experience with boat rentals available directly from Plumas Pines Resort's marina, where staff provide personalized assistance for both experienced and novice visitors. The surrounding Feather River region offers abundant fishing opportunities, with several glamping sites situated directly on prime fishing waters. Hiking trails through Lassen National Forest connect many glamping locations, allowing guests to venture from their comfortable accommodations into wilderness areas without sacrificing amenities upon return. Winter visitors can access nearby ski areas while returning to heated glamping structures each evening. A recent visitor mentioned, "The marina and rental folks were super friendly, helpful and accommodating. We rented a boat for fishing, and the guys slowly explained and guided us." Most glamping sites require reservations during peak summer months from May through October.
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $31 / night
"Boat ramp is at the North campground, but if you just have a paddleboard or kayak, you can just walk to the water by just waking down the road and launch at the edge of the lake. "
"Nice distance between most sites."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 - $100 / night
"Great staff, easy to get to and find your spot, and convenient spots with decks and hookups. The neighbors were also awesome, and helped us with questions and guidance."
"The sites are close to each other, but every site has a small balcony you can back up next too. Majors Outpost boat rentals are also here and they are Super Friendly."
from $54 - $150 / night
"Very pretty views of the valley from the campground, and having hiking trails start from the campground was really nice. Only complaints are very close neighbors and little shade."
"This campground is about 4 miles off highway 36. Horseshoe pits are right across from camp host. Was very quiet"
"Ample sites, close to the NP, laundry, two restaurants on site, gift shop, etc"
"The people were friendly and the bathroom was super clean. I would stay here for tent camping too."
"*pros: great little market, very nice staff, clean, great views *cons: rocky watch your step, especially at the beach and a long the shore."
"We’ve been to Collins Lake a few times and we love it! Lots of different camping spots and the lake is stocked with fish. Ice cream at the store is a must."
"There is swimming and fishing within walking distance. There were also plant of spots available."
"The beauty of a lovely camp like this is the interlude of serenity you experience, away from the busyness of our daily routines, rules, and limitations. It is a beautiful, clean camp."
"Grew up camping here as a child and have so many great memories of Eagle Lake. Unfortunately things have changed quite a bit due to the shift in climate in the area."
"Right on Eagle Lake in Lassen National Forest, this campground has a mix of electric and non electric sites with views of the lake. Clean bathrooms with mirrors, flush toilets but no showers."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 - $80 / night
This place is glamping at its best! Ample sites, close to the NP, laundry, two restaurants on site, gift shop, etc
It’s pretty empty this time of year. Was informed it will close for the season next week. Camp sites are oddly marked. Lots of trees to navigate around. But spacious. Tent and RV Camp spots as well as cabins. Internet is the fastest I’ve seen at a park 40mb download. There is road noise at night so pick a spot in the back. Showers and bathrooms are very clean.
I used this RV park while roadtripping in a van. The people were friendly and the bathroom was super clean. I would stay here for tent camping too.
Generally if I'm getting a cabin and paying extra for it I would like it to have electric. They did have propane heat though which is nice. That aside, the location is great. $5 for shower access for the duration. Close walk to the lake. Lots of wildlife.
Very nice 1970 style park most spots only has water and electricity. Section X is full hook ups and close to all amenities. Lots of deers and gray squirrels playing about the park. Nice beach area with rental boats. Restrooms and laundry areas in good shape. This is a nice area to camp.
SAFETY HAZARDS: So many trees cut down with branches and debris left over and not picked up by the contractor or the USFS that could cause injury or death. Imagine tripping or falling in a hole and being punctured by pointy branches. I am sure this was not inspected after the contractor left or prior to departure.
HEALTH: Womens bathroom was open on Saturday 12 Sep 26, but then it was locked on Sunday 13 Sep 26. Water spigots were also turned off outside. The RV dump station down the street was also closed too. Not sure what happening here as it is not the end of the season yet.
SITES: Images online are not current/out-of-date, don't trust it. Many sites including mine had a lot of trees and now it has 1 or 2, with many stumps and debris left behind. Many sites have zero trees now. Our 20ft campervan barely fit on the asphalt pad and many were only about 10-15 feet long and then others were over 50. I guess you take a chance on what is real and what is not.
SIDEBAR: Over at the North campground, I saw cleanup crews with chainsaws doing work within 10-15 feet of a family who was camping and eating breakfast at the table. I would think this would be a not only a noise issue but also flying debris issue. I guess the USFS does not care about safety of the paying public.
OVERALL: I understand fire prevention, but when you cut down living trees and leave behind the branches and such to dry out, now that is a new fire hazard along with the safety hazard. So sad to see such nice campgrounds being turned into such eyesores and hazards. If you have small children, senior citizens or pets, I would strongly urge you not to make a reservation here. If you just need to a place to park your camper(not tent) then it would be okay as long as you are away during the day as there is very limited shade now. Oh, I forget to say my parents raised me here and they lived here after I went in the Navy and this is an embarrassment to the Almanor Ranger District in Chester.
Right on Eagle Lake in Lassen National Forest, this campground has a mix of electric and non electric sites with views of the lake. Clean bathrooms with mirrors, flush toilets but no showers. If you want a shower, bike, walk or drive down to the marina where they have private rooms for showers. Boating, kayak and paddleboard in addition to fishing (water is high alkaline which makes for big trout). Quiet campground with big sites.
Simply put, I am embarrassed to say that this one was opened with major safety issues. I was even told by a person at the Almanor Ranger Office in Chester that they were forced to open this campground.
Safety issues:
-Trees were fell and slash was left behind without cleanup by contractor.
-Boulders were moved and above mentioned slash was covering the holes left by the moved boulders creating major safety trip/fall hazards. These hazards could cause twisted and/or broken legs and feet and more.
-Fire Hazard: Above mentioned slash was left behind everywhere for it to dry out an become a major fire hazard. Yes, the camp site around the table and fire ring was cleared, but only by about 10-15 feet.
-Limited walking areas: As the slash was left behind, areas for walking or the kids playing was like walking in a minefield. Even on the paved drive path, there is holes and to move out of the way for trucks/campers requires movement onto the above ,mentioned slash that was not cleaned up.
I grew up in this area and after being gone in the military for over 30 years, I came home. This poor campground is a disgrace and I am deeply saddened by the condition the USFS and it's contractor left it in. If I was in charge, I would not have let it open for public use due to the safety issues.
What a shame.
We’ve camped here every year for the past five years. This was the our first trip with our new to us travel trailer. We book six months in advance and always get sites B2 and B3. These sites have a beautiful view of the lake. We get up early and set up our blanket and chairs in our lake spot. The lake is big enough to paddle board and kayak but small enough where you can keep an eye on your kids the entire time.
Zero hook ups whatsoever, but you can use the dump station for free at Manzanita lake on your way up to fill your freshwater and then dump on your way out. Summit Lake North has flush toilets and sinks, I believe Summit Lake South Campground only has vault toilets.
Park Rangers patrol through every once in a while and the bathrooms are cleaned and stocked daily.
There is no cell service but if you drive about five minutes up the hill, you can get some service. It is a short drive to Kings Creek Falls and about a 15 minute drive to bumpass hell.
Highly recommended.
Glamping near Belden, California offers several options within the Plumas National Forest region at elevations ranging from 2,100 to 4,500 feet. The area experiences warm summer days with temperatures typically 75-85°F and cooler nights around 45-55°F. Most luxury camping sites in this area operate seasonally from May through October due to winter snow conditions.
Water activities: Lake Almanor fishing. The lake waters provide good fishing opportunities with boat rentals available. "We rented a boat for fishing, and the guys slowly explained and guided us (yes... first time fishing as well)," notes a visitor to Plumas Pines Resort.
Creek exploration: Cool off during summer months. Last Chance Creek Campground provides direct creek access. "Creek runs right by the campground. This campground is about 4 miles off highway 36. Horseshoe pits are right across from camp host. Was very quiet," according to a camper at Last Chance Creek Campground.
Hiking options: Trails connect to Lassen National Forest. Several moderate trails start directly from campgrounds. "Very pretty views of the valley from the campground, and having hiking trails start from the campground was really nice," reports a camper at Black Rock Campground.
Lake paddle sports: Kayaking and paddle boarding. Eagle Lake offers calm water conditions ideal for beginners. "We enjoyed walking the paved Eagle Lake Recreation Trail to both Christie Campground and the marina. Each direction is about a 4 mile out and back," notes a visitor to Merrill Campground.
Spacious sites with lake access: Many campgrounds offer direct water views with space for equipment. "We stayed at site 60A Lake Front View, which had stunning water views and a spacious setup. The site gets a lot of sun in the morning and afternoon, so bring a popup canopy for shade," shares a visitor to Collins Lake Recreation Area.
Clean facilities with basic amenities: Most established campgrounds maintain good standards. "Sites are spacious and include covered picnic bench and fire pit. NO HOOKUPS. Dumpsite 2 miles up the road," notes a camper at Gansner Bar Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Birds and occasional larger wildlife frequent the area. "Amazed to watch a bald eagle grab a fish and fly away," mentions one camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area.
Quiet atmosphere on weekdays: Most campsites offer more solitude midweek. "It definitely gets busy here in the summer but my stay in October was peaceful. Nice distance between most sites," reports a visitor to Almanor Campground.
Seasonal closures affect planning: Many sites close completely during winter months. "North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024. It took some digging on this information as the USFS website is wrong," warns a regular visitor to Almanor.
Mosquitoes can be intense: Lake and creek proximity means insect pressure. "Mosquitoes were out in full force thanks to the proximity to the creek, and the cattle from the ranch next door were mooing all night," shares a camper at Battle Creek Campground.
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds have spotty or no connectivity. Service typically improves at higher elevations or closer to towns.
Reservations essential during summer: Weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day fill quickly. Most sites accept reservations 6 months in advance through recreation.gov.
Shallow swimming areas: Look for designated swim zones with gradual entry. "The lake is appropriately named as we saw bald eagles daily... While we loved our site, it was probably the least shaded of any site there," notes a visitor to Merrill Campground.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer ranger programs. "There is a small ranger station here, and while I didn't go to any they are supposed to have educational programs at the amphitheater," reports a visitor to Summit Lake North — Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Playground alternatives: Natural features often serve as play areas. "Totally awesome lake that's safely swimmable for kiddos that's also available for day-use. Flush toilets(always a plus). Enough to do either at the campground or nearby to keep kiddos busy for several days," shares another Summit Lake North visitor.
Easy access to supplies: Some campgrounds have general stores. "There is a General Store within walking distance and restaurant/bar right on the lake too. I highly advise reservations for dinner on the deck," mentions a visitor to Almanor.
Parking surface variations: Some sites have paved pads while others are dirt/gravel. "Most sites had good shade for both trailers and tents. You have to boil the water, so we brought plenty with us," notes a visitor to Battle Creek Campground.
Limited hookup options: Many sites are dry camping only. "We opted for the loop with water/electric hookups knowing there was easy access to a dump station across from the entrance to the campground," shares a visitor to Merrill Campground.
Navigation challenges: Some access roads have tight turns. "The roads are in terrible condition, trash is strewn throughout, and staff is less than friendly or helpful. Roads are terribly narrow and sites are small and very uneven," warns a visitor to Black Rock Campground.
Site selection matters: Not all sites are created equal. "We camped here TWICE in 2019. First time in mid April and 2nd time on the first weekend of November. Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage. They were both lake front campsites," explains a Collins Lake Recreation Area camper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Belden, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Belden, CA is Gansner Bar Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.
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TheDyrt.com has all 27 glamping camping locations near Belden, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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