348 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
"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."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $31 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability"Had a great time here - terrific proximity to lake & decent sized camping sites. Nearby Portola, & easy drive from the Reno area."
"Super easy access to the lake from this site where you can paddle board and kayak in peace."
from $38 - $100 / night
Check Availability
RangerVery 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.
GuideThis is a decent spot about 30 minutes from Reno. The road in is okay but sandy and is not recommended during rainy weather. There are several spots from the water tanks on up and four wheel will be able to find many excellent high locations. Overall quiet with the airport noise mostly unnoticed. Good 5G T-Mobile.
GuideArrived at around 5pm on a Tuesday and there were plenty of spots available. Beautiful views. Bathrooms are absolutely spotless!
TravelerIncredible 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.
RangerClose to shopping. Multiple modern clean restroom / shower buildings. 24 hour laundry building. Level concrete pads with picnic table on artificial grass. Easy to take an Uber to/from downtown Reno attractions. A good place to recharge our RV after many nights of dry camping. Would stay again.
GuideStayed at site 11 in September 2026. Always a great Campground, hosts always helpful, facilities always clean. We've stayed here numerous times and haven't found a bad spot yet. Lot of great hiking around, mountain biking, Lake Tahoe 20 minutes away, only sad part is is closing on October 11th.
LegendWonderful campground. Quiet, spacious, clean pit toilets. Large and private sites. Bear boxes provided. Camp host on site.
RangerWe got a full hookup 50 amp back in site next to the trout pond. Sites are level and the park is easy to navigate. Park has laundry, showers and a dump station with water fill. Walking distance to grocery and dining. Access to hike/bike trails. Although close to highway the back of the campground was pretty quiet.
GuideA 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.
Camping options near Calpine, California span diverse terrain in the Sierra Nevada range, with established campgrounds and dispersed sites throughout Tahoe National Forest. The area includes developed sites like Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park and Sardine Lake Campground, offering accommodation for tents, RVs, and cabins. Several locations feature lakeside camping, with Webber Lake and Gold Lake providing water access and scenic mountain backdrops. Most campgrounds are positioned along forest roads with proximity to hiking trails, alpine lakes, and mountain vistas.
Seasonal operations significantly affect camping availability, as most developed sites operate from late May through mid-October due to heavy winter snowfall. Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Facilities vary considerably, with some campgrounds offering amenities like showers and electrical hookups, while others provide only vault toilets and bear boxes. Road conditions can limit access to remote areas, especially during spring snowmelt. As one camper noted about Chapman Campground, "No running water I found. Creek onsite. Dog friendly. $24/night. Grab an envelope on way in, pay station is a bit up the road."
Visitors consistently highlight the natural beauty and tranquil settings available at camping areas throughout the region. Campgrounds near water features receive particularly positive reviews, with several campers mentioning fishing opportunities at lakes and creeks. The Salmon Creek area draws families seeking accessible outdoor experiences, with large, well-maintained sites that accommodate group activities. A review of Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground stated it features "Very large sites, with some hike in with shallow creek crossing. Lush fields and forests. Great views." While road noise affects some locations, most campgrounds provide sufficient spacing between sites to maintain a wilderness feel. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most campgrounds in the area, allowing for genuine disconnection from urban environments.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Calpine, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Calpine, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 348 campgrounds and RV parks near Calpine, CA and 30 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 Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park with a 4.7-star rating from 12 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Calpine, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 30 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.
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