Best Campgrounds near Calpine, CA

The Calpine area in northeastern California provides camping access to the Tahoe National Forest with several established campgrounds set among pine forests and alpine lakes. Sardine Lake Campground, located near Camptonville, offers tent, RV, and cabin options with views of Sierra Buttes. Chapman Creek Campground provides more secluded sites, while Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park accommodates larger rigs with full hookups. The camping landscape stretches from Gold Lake to Webber Lake, with accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to cabins and glamping facilities at locations like East Meadow Campground.

Campgrounds in this mountainous region typically operate seasonally from late May through mid-October due to snow and weather conditions at higher elevations. Most developed sites provide basic amenities including vault toilets and picnic tables, while facilities like Clio's Rivers Edge offer more extensive services including showers, hookups, and dump stations. Road access varies by location, with some campgrounds accessible by standard vehicles and others requiring high-clearance for optimal access. Water availability differs between sites - some offer drinking water while others require visitors to bring their own. A camper noted: "There are a lot of beautiful hiking options in the area, including some moderate-distance hikes to nice alpine lakes."

Camping experiences near Calpine are characterized by mountain scenery, lake access, and forest settings. Visitors frequently mention the quiet atmosphere and natural beauty. "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," wrote one visitor to Clio's Rivers Edge. Several reviewers highlighted the fishing opportunities at lakes throughout the region. Campgrounds near water bodies like Sardine Lake receive particularly positive reviews for their scenic value, though they tend to fill quickly during peak season. More secluded options like Chapman Creek offer greater privacy but fewer amenities. Bear-resistant food storage is provided at most Forest Service campgrounds, reflecting the active wildlife in the area.

Best Camping Sites Near Calpine, California (332)

    1. Sardine Lake

    9 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 - $48 / night

    "We had great time at sardine lake campground. Great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance and lots of other lakes around the area."

    "Campground was situated nicely with perfect trees for our hammocks and bathrooms were tidy."

    2. Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Clio, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2375

    "It’s a cute RV park, it’s clean and close to a little town the bad thing is that every space is so close to each other, you have next to you their services and it’s impossible to access your storage without"

    "Secured large dog area with running creek within walking distance. A number of lower RV spaces within walking pathways to creek. Most were 30 amps and upper level had some 50 amps."

    3. Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

    10 Reviews
    Graeagle, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    "Situated out in the Sierra Buttes in California. This bad boy was shown to me by my father. A place to really escape the busy city life, let alone people."

    "Warning - this site requires a high clearance vehicle with good off road tires. Low profile tires and trucks modified for street use, you WILL destroy your vehicle."

    4. Cottonwood Campground

    7 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    $20 / night

    "Sites near Highway 89 will hear road noise during the day and the occasional vehicle at night."

    "I walked the adjacent trail in the morning, which was very pretty. The pit toilets are old style and smelly, but clean."

    5. Chapman

    4 Reviews
    Sattley, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 / night

    "Some hikes access from the campground and some are short drives from the campground. A little expensive for no service but we are in California."

    "Very nice camping spot, right next to a lake and it is small and secluded. Though next to a road it is still easy to sleep there and nice a secluded to cook and eat."

    6. East Meadow Campground

    7 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-8861

    $24 - $48 / night

    "Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5."

    "So remote and private but everything you need at the campground with water access within walking distance. Sites are great with picnic tables and bathrooms near by."

    7. Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

    4 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 / night

    "Located near the restroom but not to close (if you know what I mean). The site is while in five to 15 mins of several lakes and breathtaking water falls."

    "It is right off a main highway, on a hill, so you do hear trucks accelerating. No RV hookups."

    8. Movin' West RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Blairsden-Graeagle, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2614

    "It was a great RV park to stay at in Graeagle, California. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is great. The town is only 1 mile from the RV park and you can easily walk there."

    "Short walk to town for a morning of mini golf. Even though the park is close to the road, I didn't hear anything. Memorial day weekend George hosted camp-wide dinner of BBQ tri-tip and kielbasa."

    9. Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Graeagle, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2380

    $35 - $250 / night

    "My all Time favorite spot maybe because I grew up in the area and there are lots of wonderful hikes lakes and waterfalls. This park is nice well taken care of lots of redwood trees."

    "Went to Wade's Lake in Plumas NF on July 5th & 6th. Easy to moderate climb; one from the trailhead at Jaimison Mine and the second to get up to Wade's."

    10. Webber Lake Campground

    5 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 587-2267

    $31 / night

    "I have been here several times and enjoy the proximity to the peaceful lake.  I try to locate a site away from the others to totally enjoy the serenity this area can offer."

    "The lake itself is wonderful. The water can be on the cool side but not so much that you don't want to swim in it in August for sure."

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Recent Reviews near Calpine, CA

885 Reviews of 332 Calpine Campgrounds


  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Grouse Ridge Campground

    My Favorite Spot near Truckee

    This is as isolated as it gets. There are a number of pullouts and sites along the road up to Grouse Ridge CG - they're all excellent. Don't expect water or cell reception or toilets. In this area, you're on your own. If the road is muddy, you may not want to take the risk as the mud is slick and getting stuck out here is a true disaster. Even in June, there was still mud, and it even snowed on me which was a thrill to wake up to a white wonderland. Did I mention that you're on your own? Have fun.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Independence Hill Dispersed

    Super quiet, super remote

    If getting away is on your list, then Independance Hill is one place to go. 1 bar Verizon and a small creek (if you continue on up the road). It's really about 2 miles from the village of Iowa Hill, but it is remote. I scared two black bears as I was walking (don't I wish I had that on film...). And yes, that's his footprint on my van door - he was checking out the bag of garbage I had stored on my roof. No services, but there are at least 6 good sites, including a large flat area that can take any size RV. This is my second favorite spot in this area. I'll go again many times :-)

  • H
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground

    Quieter Camp with Nice Trail Adjacent

    A two loop campground in a beautiful area. I stayed here in October of 2024. Aside from the host and a forest crew, I was the only camper. It was quiet and lovely. I walked the adjacent trail in the morning, which was very pretty. The pit toilets are old style and smelly, but clean.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground

    Water, front and tree shaded campsites

    Campsites, along the shores of the reservoir are small and close together. The other sites are larger and have more privacy. All of the sites have shade. Elevation is about 6000 feet. I camped here 9/17/25.

  • D
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Movin' West RV Park

    Very nice place

    Clean and cute, rv sites are level and spacious

  • sThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Tahoe Dispersed Camping

    Great New Spot

    The turn off to the dirt road was 300 ft past where the app said it was. Once we got deeper into the forest my gps wasn’t on the the route depicted on Dyrt, but it’s a fun trail. We went in about a mile in our RAM Promaster converted van then turned around and took a big flat spot closer to the road.

  • Toby T.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area

    Great stop off

    Road is well maintained gravel, no potholes. Sites are nicely spaced, large and maintained. Vault toilets were super clean. Sites have a table and bbq. Got lucky and no loud parties, neighbors were respectful. We arrived just after dark and only stayed 1 night so cant comment on the daytime or weekend vibes.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Laufman Campground

    Nice

    Took in a 19 foot trailer - there were 3 sites we could easily use. The surrounding Forest is gorgeous. No one else here. We stayed 2 nights to hike a nearby peak hike Shallow Grave Trail.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 22, 2025

    Washoe Lake State Park Campground

    Quiet but close to everything

    Stayed here overnight. Could easily stay here for a few days and see all the fun things around Reno, Carson City and Virginia City. Great camp hosts, clean showers, flush toilets, garbage and dump available.


Guide to Calpine

Camping near Calpine, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around the campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the scenic hikes nearby. One reviewer mentioned, "Beautiful hiking within minutes of the campground with gorgeous views of the lake and boulders" at Sardine Lake.
  • Fishing: Sardine Lake is a great spot for fishing. A camper shared, "Just down the road from Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond, which are great for fishing and swimming" at Sardine Lake.
  • Kayaking: Enjoy kayaking on the calm waters. A visitor noted, "I was able to take a long leisurely paddle" at Prosser Family.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. One said, "The view of the lake was beautiful!" at Gold Lake 4x4 Campground.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many appreciate the peaceful environment. A reviewer mentioned, "This is such a beautiful spot to get away" at Prosser Family.
  • Friendly Hosts: Campground hosts often receive praise for their hospitality. One camper remarked, "The hosts are super welcoming and keep everything clean and in order" at Prosser Family.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds lack certain facilities. A visitor at Granite Flat noted, "Bathrooms were mediocre" and "NO showers."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby highways. One camper mentioned, "The highway is really loud at night" at Granite Flat.
  • Wildlife Precautions: Bears are known to roam the area. A reviewer at Logger Campground advised, "Lock up your food, or better yet tie it up in a tree."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for family comfort. A camper at Logger Campground said, "There are also beautiful sunsets here, and nice stargazing."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring along gear for fishing and hiking. One family enjoyed, "Lots of RV sites and fairly busy campground" at Boca Rest Campground.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy during outdoor adventures. A visitor at Donner Memorial State Park mentioned, "The memorial and the museum were very interesting."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Granite Flat said, "No way our 30’ travel trailer would fit in the site."
  • Be Ready for Dust: Some campgrounds have dirt roads that can get muddy. A reviewer at Gold Ranch Casino and RV Resort noted, "Sandy gravel otherwise that turns to mud as they water the trees every night."
  • Plan for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A visitor at Grand Sierra Resort & Casino RV Park mentioned, "Not much privacy or vegetation to speak of."

Camping near Calpine, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in a tent or an RV. With beautiful views, friendly hosts, and plenty of activities, it’s a perfect spot for your next adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Calpine, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Calpine, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 332 campgrounds and RV parks near Calpine, CA and 24 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Calpine, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Calpine, CA is Sardine Lake with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 free dispersed camping spots near Calpine, CA.

What parks are near Calpine, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Calpine, CA that allow camping, notably Plumas National Forest and Martis Creek Lake.