Camping options near Belden, California range from riverside campsites to high-elevation forests with varying access to amenities. The area sits within Plumas National Forest where elevations typically range from 2,000 to 7,000 feet, creating distinct temperature zones that affect camping seasons. Nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer months, with frost possible at higher elevations into June.
What to do
Fishing in mountain lakes: Bucks Lake Recreation Area offers fishing opportunities with trout being the primary catch. "Clean campground, great fishing, and nice trail around lake. Kids love camping here," notes a camper at Whitehorse Campground.
River swimming: The Feather River provides swimming spots throughout the region. At South Yuba Campground, "This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools... The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers. Perfect snow melt means August is the prime time."
Hiking local trails: Many campgrounds connect to trail systems. "There is a path down to the Yuba River, where you can get in the water or float on a tube. The best part about this campground is the river," reports a visitor to Loganville Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Deer are common throughout the area. "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!" shares a camper at Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs.
What campers like
Natural swimming areas: Rivers provide relief during hot summer days. "We were able to ride bike in the park and on the road that was safe with little to no traffic. Several grass areas for guest minus pets," notes a visitor at Little Bear RV Park.
Fishing access: Multiple lakes and rivers offer fishing opportunities. "The weather was perfect in early October! It was not busy, there was one other occupied campsite not too close to where we were. Beautiful trees and clean sites. Close to Sierra city where you can grab a snack!" reports a Loganville visitor.
Privacy at certain campgrounds: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "We spent the weekend here and camp host were great. Bathrooms were clean. Only downside was no dump or fresh water and it's a 30+ minute drive to town," explains a Whitehorse Campground camper.
Regional exploration: The Plumas National Forest area offers numerous day trip opportunities. "If the first place you think of when you hear 'the Sierra Nevada mountains' is Tahoe or Yosemite, I would strongly encourage you to explore points north of Truckee/Tahoe in the Plumas National Forest," recommends a Little Bear RV Park visitor.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Coverage varies significantly throughout the region. "No cell signal here - speed test is from starlink. Note google & garmin routing from Nevada City takes a bridge with a 4 Ton weight restriction," warns a camper at South Yuba Campground.
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds operate only during summer and early fall. "This campground is a very quiet spot after Labor Day, it is small, only 10 sites total and it is only open until September 30, which I don't understand since there is no snow here until November," notes a visitor at Grizzly Creek Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Bears are active in the region. "It is bear country, and the campsite was visited by a bear at night. Just one night, when the night before the dumpsters were emptied. All the garbage goes into bear proof dumpsters. Don't leave it out in cans," advises a Whitehorse Campground visitor.
Limited supplies: Some campgrounds are distant from towns. "Biggest downfall of this area is the hour long drive with a trailer down the wash board road. Other than that everything was great. Fishing was good. Clean camp," explains a Whitehorse Campground camper.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly swimming: Look for campgrounds near gentle water features. "It was not busy, there was one other occupied campsite not too close to where we were. It has water, bathrooms and a bear box. Beautiful trees and clean sites," shares a Loganville visitor.
Activity options: Some campgrounds offer recreation programs. "Kid friendly with activities and play areas. Pet park for off leash play! Clean and friendly staff!" notes a visitor at Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park.
Spacious sites: Certain campgrounds offer room for children to play. "We had a great time with family, everyone was friendly and helpful. Many activities to do in the area and being close to the river was great," shares a Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park camper.
Seasonal timing: Plan family trips according to weather patterns. "We spent 5 nights here and while I love the more 'famous' Sierra attractions, I have to say: I didn't miss the crowds. Plumas is what Tahoe was like in the 1950's," advises a Little Bear RV Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Parking assistance: Some rv campgrounds near Belden, California offer help with site placement. "They escort you to your site and guide you(definitely a marriage saver!) to ensure you get parked safely in your perfectly hand raked graveled spot," notes a camper at Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park.
Site selection: Choose a location based on amenities needed. "Great location and overall a great RV park. The staff was super friendly and helpful. The park is immaculately maintained. The sites are level and the scenery is breathtaking," shares a visitor at Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park.
Level parking: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier setup. "Clean and cute, rv sites are level and spacious," reports a visitor to Movin' West RV Park.
Proximity to town: Some RV parks offer walking access to nearby communities. "It was a great RV park to stay at in Graeagle, California. The town is only 1 mile from the RV park and you can easily walk there," notes a Movin' West RV Park camper.
