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)."
