Best Campgrounds near Calpine, CA

Calpine, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Calpine. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Calpine. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Calpine, California (330)

    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. 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."

    5. 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."

    6. Cottonwood Campground

    6 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."

    "Water play and fishing can be found at many of the lakes and streams near by, great ones within 30min drive. (Gold Lake was great!) Firewood onsite was $5 for a modest bundle."

    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. 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Grasshopper Flat

    8 Reviews
    Portola, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    $34 - $100 / night

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Calpine, CA

873 Reviews of 330 Calpine Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 8, 2025

    South Yuba Campground

    nice wooded campground

    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.

  • Summer C.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Shamrock RV Park

    Overflow sucks

    Not a fan. Came for the Reno Balloon Race; booked it 4 months in advance. But they only had overflow available. You have to call to make a reservation. They didn't disclose to me that the overflow is just a parking lot where their warehouse is(on the other side of their property). I think this should be on the website because otherwise, you have no idea what you signed up for until you arrive. There's no sewer hookup; you can dump at the end. You have to share the water hose with other Rv's during your stay. So you fill up your tank in the beginning. The electric hookup was fine and was 30 amp. However there was no grass for my dog to potty. Pottying my dog at night was not pleasant. The pool is under repair and currently not an available amenity, which should be disclosed on their website. The lot abutts a gravel company that transports rocks and it gets kind of noisy and dusty, even on weekends. I paid$50/day. I won't be staying there again. But the positives were that the staff were friendly and the place is clean.

  • M
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

    First time here

    What a great camp site. We used site 31, with a tent. While it was a little rocky the site was great. 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. The walking trails being the grounds are easy and shady for those hot summer days.

  • Mar S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park

    Cute but small

    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 bothering your neighbors.

  • J
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area

    Excellent

    The gravel road in was as smooth as the hwy. Clean bathrooms (outhouse), picnic tables, fire pit, and a great panoramic Mountain View sunset.

  • M
    Aug. 28, 2025

    North Fork Campground

    Nice quiet campground and river

    I stopped by here to check out the campground and found it to be very nice quiet and clean. There is a nice river running along the side with a waterfall and a few nice deep swimming holes. I got the only FCFS site and it was nice.

  • jay B.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Great spot to dry camp near Tahoe

    This campground is a hidden gem—just 10 minutes from Truckee and about 20 minutes to Tahoe. We stayed in site #6, which was a first-come, first-served spot. According to the camp host, weekdays are usually easy to snag a site, but you’ll definitely want a reservation if you're planning to stay Friday through Sunday. Most sites offer beautiful views of the lake, and many are on level ground, making setup easy. One tip: avoid site #8 unless you're in a pinch—it’s surrounded by other sites (island spot) and doesn’t offer much privacy, but it would work for a quick overnight stay. The campground feels spacious, peaceful, and scenic. Just keep in mind there are no showers or running water, so come prepared for dry camping. That wasn’t an issue for us since our camper is set up for boondocking. All in all, an awesome spot—we’ll definitely be back!

  • Greg C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Kyburz Flats

    Quiet woods and fields

    Road is rough, especially after first mile to interpretive site. Looks like a few spots there you could camp. The last mile gets rougher. Was fine in my 2wd van but have high clearance and was dry. Might be worse if muddy or low clearance vehicle. Also, coordinates lead to historic sheep camp site. Can probably camp next to it but better spots just beyond though road gets even rougher.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    White Cloud

    Beautiful but LOUD

    Awesome spots to camp, it’s just insanely close to the 20 so you’ll hear non-stop traffic.


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 330 campgrounds and RV parks near Calpine, CA and 23 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 23 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.