Betsy A.
Traveler
TravelerTahoe National Forest Boca Campground
Gorgeous site
We were able to get a spot on a Saturday evening thanks to some no-shows! Large space for our rpod.
Camping near Calpine, CA
347 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 Campgrounds near Calpine (347)
1. Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park
"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."
2. Sardine Lake
"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 Availability3. Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
"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
"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 Availability5. Chapman
"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 Availability6. East Meadow Campground
"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 Availability7. Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground
"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 Availability8. Webber Lake Campground
"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 Availability9. Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground
"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 Availability10. Grasshopper Flat
"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
Drive Time
- 55 min from Reno, NV
- 1 hr 18 min from Carson City, NV
- 2 hrs 8 min from Yuba City, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Calpine, CA
318 Photos of 347 Calpine Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Calpine, CA
972 Reviews of 347 Calpine Campgrounds
- VVirginia D.
GuideTahoe National Forest Boca Campground
Weekend Dusty dirt bike camping
Lots of sites available midweek. Summer weekends may be all about dirt bikes. $20 cash/night self check-in no reservations. No campfires or outdoor charcoal fires are allowed in August. Bear containers. Tables. Lake views and access.
- cchris O.Guide
Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
Great place for the night!
We got here around midnight and were the only ones here. GPS took us right here. The roads were wide and well maintained. I couldn’t hear the noise from the road and it was very peaceful. It also had a nice 360° view. There were bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. Plenty of room for a bigger rig.
- mmike R.
ScoutFrench Meadows
Clean
The campground was clean and quiet
Ryan F.GuideUpper Little Truckee
Beautiful. Peaceful. Secluded
Spent two nights in site 13, it was the site directly across from the camp host. Host was kind, very present and always cleaning and ensuring the camp was spotless! DO NOT take a trailer beyond the little gate to the “back” of the camp ground, the northern most part. We took our 32’ trailer through the gate because satellite images show a cul-dê-sac like turn around area. It is still present, however it is also a campsite and with people occupying the site, turning around is impossible. We had to back our trailer back down the road and into the main area again.
Bathrooms are clean! River nearby was refreshing and has a few small human made dams that allow for wading and safe play areas for kiddos. Chilly nights and hot days!
- CCheryl G.Scout
Lodgepole Campground
Filthy restrooms and showers!
5 stars for the campground itself. I've been camping at Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park since 1984, when I was just 20 years old. I have loved every camping trip since(at least 30 plus times)! The campsites are great, the grounds, and trails are well-maintained, and safe. I love that the general store is easy to get to and has ice and extras that we may have forgotten to bring. However, we have noticed over past few years that the restrooms in the campground have become increasingly filthy. I get that people walk in with dirt all over their shoes, so of course the floors will be dirty, but it's unacceptable to allow the toilets to be so gross! I will leave out the unpleasant details! I asked a young park ranger how often the restrooms are cleaned and he said every day. Apparently they source out the cleaning. It's obvious that all they do is sweep the floors, empty the trash and provide more TP. The sinks, and floors look like they haven't been scrubbed in a long time, and I noticed the toilets looked as bad the day we got there to the day they left. I remember in the 80's and 90's seeing rangers doing a very thorough cleaning each morning. We would walk in and could smell the cleaning chemicals, and the floor would be wet from mopping. Also, the showers are dirty too. They removed the benches in the individual shower stalls so there's no place to put your clean clothes. Do better Lodgepole!
- mmegan L.Traveler
Greenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake
Expensive but decent
We got a pretty secluded site at Cabana 12 but the rest of the sites are kinda stacked on top of each other or out in the open right next to each other. If you want some more privacy then do C12. Being near the lake was great and having a camp store and bathrooms. Showers cost 50¢ for 5 min which isn’t bad but since the campsite is so expensive it would have been nice for them to be free.
- LLandon R.Traveler
Webber Lake Campground
Nice campsite, but nothing crazy
6 was the best campsite by far
- MM C.Scout
Lone Rock Campground
Beautiful lake and area but disappointing female host
Camped here a few days ago and the campground host named Yvonne smelling like liquor came into our camp telling us we had to pay $5 extra for a vehicle parking when we already paid , wouldn’t check that we had paid but was persistent we paid her. The second night we were there my husband went to ask her to shut her generator off at 11:30 at night because it was loud and keeping us up and she told him no she’s not shutting it off because it keeps the bears away. I think whoever runs these campgrounds needs to really look into who they are hiring because this was such a disappointment. We brought these issues to the campground manager there and he apologized to us for her behavior.
Guide to Calpine
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?
What camping is available near Calpine, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Calpine, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 347 campgrounds and RV parks near Calpine, CA and 29 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Calpine, CA?
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?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Calpine, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 29 free dispersed camping spots near Calpine, CA.
What parks are 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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