john B.
Scout
ScoutInn Town Campground
Clean, well managed and great location. Can walk to historic downtown.
Tent Camping near Berry Creek, CA
Search destinations
Add dates
Tent campsites around Berry Creek, California provide primitive camping experiences in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Several options exist within Plumas National Forest, including Rogers Cow Camp, which offers basic tent sites year-round. Golden Trout Campground, located along a creek, features hand pump water and vault toilets, though it remains closed until 2023 due to fire damage according to visitor reports.
Most tent campgrounds in the Berry Creek area have minimal amenities. Picnic tables and toilets are common at established sites, but drinking water is limited to specific locations like Golden Trout Campground. Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with many areas requiring campfire permits obtained from forest service offices. Higher elevation sites often have bear boxes for food storage, as bear activity has been reported throughout the region. A visitor commented, "There was evidence of bears around our site but we didn't have any issues." Access roads to many primitive tent areas require high clearance vehicles, particularly after winter precipitation or during early spring runoff.
The tent camping experience near Berry Creek offers opportunities for solitude and nature immersion. Shaded sites under pine and oak canopies provide relief from summer heat, while proximity to creeks allows for fishing and cooling off. Many tent campsites serve as gateways to hiking trails and wilderness areas. During peak summer months, mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water sources. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, campers particularly value the quieter, more remote tent sites: "This campground had riding trails that could bring you to Sly Creek and secret camping sites." Fall and spring typically offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds for primitive tent camping, though seasonal closures may limit options during winter months.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Berry Creek (61)
1. Golden Trout Campground
"This campground had riding trails that could bring you to Sly Creek and secret camping sites that a quad or 4 wheel drive could find. It's closed until 2023 due to the fires."
2. Bloomer Knoll — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
3. Foreman Creek — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
4. Bloomer Group — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Check Availabilityfrom $135 / night
5. Bloomer Point — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
6. Feather River Canyon Recreation Area
7. Rogers Cow Camp
8. Fiddle Creek
"Tent only. You park and walk to you camping which is with other camps right by. It's not too bad and if you get a group you can get your own little slice of the campground to yourself. "
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 / night
9. Carlton Flat Campground
"After your hike you can sit on the picnic table enjoy your lunch and watch the woodpeckers and birds fly pass you. This place does get crowded during the summer and during hunting season."
10. Madrone Cove Boat-in Campground
Check AvailabilityCampground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 / night
Drive Time
- 55 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 30 min from Sacramento, CA
- 2 hrs 26 min from Reno, NV
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Berry Creek, CA
29 Photos of 61 Berry Creek Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Berry Creek, CA
496 Reviews of 61 Berry Creek Campgrounds
Juliana J.
RangerGrouse Ridge Campground
Beautiful spot - diverse camping options
Well worth the drive - definitely suggest AWD if you choose to go all the way up to the hiking point. Stunning views as you continue to climb up. Good amount of people present, but I snagged an awesome and secluded spot. I had I believe a bar of service. My site was clean. Bear scat present and I heard other campers bang pots around me, indicating there was definitely potential to run into a black bear. Rock fire pit was present. I believe there were spots with picnic tables and grills and maybe a bathroom a bit farther down, but I chose seclusion over everything.
- BBryan G.
TravelerLodgepole Campground
Expensive
This site does not recognize any state or federal pass the rate starts for 40 a day then they charge per person and per pet grand total for a one night stay with hookups 62$ for one RV one person one dog . 
Ray D.RangerThousand Trails Lake of the Springs
Lake of the Springs
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.
- MMrs. S.Traveler
Indian Valley
Gorgeous campground
Incredible campground! All campers were super respectful of the quiet hours and the campground hosts were great. They work very hard to keep the campground clean. The river isn’t super easy to access but there’s a rope to help you down to the river access spot. The section of the river throughout the campground is claimed so no panning. We loved our stay and can’t wait to go back.
- JJeff H.Ranger
Dingerville USA
Looks great and friendly
I didn't stay here but I went to buy a camper shell. All the management were very friendly and cheerful. They went it off their way to be helpful. As we left we saw some people passing and the place looked well kept.
Byron S.
GuideIndependence Hill Dispersed
Big dirt pad, dirt bowl.
A freshly worked dirt lot. Like a freshly plowed field. Tractor tire tracks make walking difficult. There is no signage at all. I'm not sure I'm not on private property. May be the sketchiest road I've ever driven. I intended to stay a week. Instead, I got here at sunset, I'm leaving at first light. Somehow, it has mosquitoes.
Tim S.TravelerGreenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake
Satisfactory
We stayed in mid September 26. There was only one family camping the first few days we were there and then we had the entire campground to ourselves. Location was beautiful and it was extremely quiet with exception to the wildlife. Lots of deer, geese, ducks and squirrels. Possible one bear sure to a dumpster dive with shredded garbage on our last day. We were in a 28' RV. Rv camping is a no frill experience. No hook-ups but water spigot at each site. RVs have to parallel park at the top of the hill area. They campers have the difficulty of finding a level spot because most of the tent camping is on a slope. Flush toilets are available. Spotty cell service on Verizon's visible service but we were still able to stream entertainment on our phone's hotspot. Overall, we loved it stay due to the scenery and the obvious peacefulness due to an empty campground. Our 3 night stay midweek with no hook-ups was just over $200.00 which is to me absolutely outrageous but we needed a place to stay on short notice. Aside from the cost, we had an absolutely wonderful peaceful experience watching the wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Cynthia E.ScoutPonderosa Flat Campground
Horrible Experience
We paid for 5 nights, and left after four. The first day we were immediately approached by the host who rudely lectured about us leaving a phone number off of the pay envelope. The envelope had no designated spot for a phone number. She then handed us a list off rules: No dogs of leash, no generator off the blacktop, no outdoor showers, no chainsaw, and on and on. We were the only ones who kept our dog on a leash. She sold us two bundles of pine firewood the first night then proceeded to tell us the next day the water would be off and we couldn’t have a campfire. Friday night comes around and starting at 11 pm a woman is screaming and our tent is lit up by spotlights. She continues her drunken screams until 12:30 which we figure out she is calling a dog. The spotlights stayed on until 2am. The host lives way above the campground and there is no possible way she can hear the goings on at night. We also have no way of contacting her. Saturday morning we are told the water will be off and this time we are not allowed to use our stove or lanterns. We were forced to cut our trip short because we had no way to cook our meals or have adequate lighting once it got dark. I initially planned to stop payment on the check I wrote but felt that wouldn’t be right because we had a few good days. I contacted them and was told we were not forced to leave left on our own so we wouldn’t be getting a refund. The host was very overbearing she even knocked on our neighbors camper door accusing him of leaving the toilet seat up in the outhouse. Our vacation was ruined
Guide to Berry Creek
Tent camping near Berry Creek, California centers around Plumas National Forest at elevations between 2,800 and 4,500 feet. Camping areas in this region feature mixed conifer forests with black oak and manzanita understory. Roads to most sites remain snow-covered and inaccessible from December through March, with peak camping season running May through September when daytime temperatures average 75-85°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The North Fork Feather River near Fiddle Creek offers excellent trout fishing from April through October. "People pan for gold and some walk up the road to Jackson Hole to float down. About 5 mins up, pass a few houses on your right," notes camper Amber Q.
Wildlife viewing: Carlton Flat Campground provides excellent bird watching in a quieter setting. "Awesome place for bird watching, hanging up your hammock and enjoying nature. Wonderful views of the mountains and sunset. Also best place for a long hike," reports Jessica P.
Water recreation: Boat-in camping at Lake Oroville State Recreation Area offers a unique tent camping experience with sites only accessible by water. Summer water levels determine site availability, with early reservations recommended for holiday weekends when temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.
What campers like
Riverside camping: Fiddle Creek campsites offer proximity to water for cooling off during summer heat. "The river is cold and refreshing. People pan for gold and some walk up the road to Jackson Hole to float down," reports a camper who appreciates the refreshing water access.
Seclusion options: Tent campers seeking privacy should consider Rogers Cow Camp or Madrone Cove Boat-in Campground. The latter requires launch from either Dark Day boat launch or Emerald Cove Marina boat ramp, creating natural separation from other campers.
Natural features: Oak and pine canopies provide natural shade at most Berry Creek area campgrounds, particularly important during summer months. "After your hike you can sit on the picnic table enjoy your lunch and watch the woodpeckers and birds fly pass you," notes a Carlton Flat visitor.
What you should know
Bear precautions: Several campgrounds have installed bear boxes in recent years due to increased bear activity during drought periods. A Fiddle Creek camper reports, "Bear boxes have been put in, in the last 4 years or so. During the bad drought the bears were losing for food."
Mosquito preparation: Standing water near creek-side camping creates significant mosquito populations, particularly during late spring and early summer. Campers consistently mention insect pressure as a drawback. "Another negative is the abundance of mosquitoes, which I guess you have to expect when you're near a river but still not pleasant," notes L from Fiddle Creek.
Road conditions: Most tent sites in the Berry Creek region require navigating unpaved forest service roads. After winter or spring storms, high-clearance vehicles become necessary for accessing remote sites. Recent fire damage has affected access to certain areas, with ongoing closures.
Fire restrictions: Golden Trout Campground and surrounding areas enforce strict seasonal fire restrictions. "The rangers do come through to make sure you don't have a camp fire down there," reports Elaina S. Check with Plumas National Forest offices for current permits and restrictions before your trip.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose established campgrounds with toilets for easier family camping. Elaina S. notes that Golden Trout Campground has "hand pump water and a vault toilet," making it more suitable for families with young children.
Activity planning: Bloomer Group at Lake Oroville offers hiking trails suitable for various ages. Multiple short trails under 2 miles connect campsites to swimming areas, ideal for families with children under 10.
Safety considerations: Plan arrival during daylight hours as most campgrounds lack lighting. Prepare children for limited or non-existent cell service throughout the region. "No cell service.... which I love," mentions a Fiddle Creek camper, but this requires additional safety planning for families.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds near Berry Creek accommodate only smaller RVs and trailers under 25 feet due to narrow access roads and limited turning radius at sites. Larger rigs should consider Bloomer Point or Bloomer Knoll which can accommodate moderate-sized RVs.
Hookup availability: No campgrounds in the immediate Berry Creek area offer hookups. Prepare for dry camping with adequate water storage and power alternatives. The nearest dump station is located at Bidwell Canyon Campground, approximately 30 minutes from most Berry Creek camping areas.
Noise considerations: Road proximity affects some campgrounds. At Fiddle Creek, one camper notes its "close proximity to Hwy 49 (maybe 75 feet away) makes for more headlights and traffic noise than I'm used to when camping (especially since the majority of traffic is from loud trucks that zoom by at 50-60 mph)."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Berry Creek, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Berry Creek, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Berry Creek, CA is Golden Trout Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Berry Creek, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Berry Creek, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 61 tent camping locations near Berry Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring