B
Brandy H.
Traveler
TravelerVirginia City RV Park
Amazing views
Small but very nice, good bathrooms/showers. Short walk to town with tons to do here
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 (340)
1. Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park
9 ReviewsClio, CA9 milesWebsite+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."
2. Sardine Lake
9 ReviewsSierra City, CA10 milesWebsite+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."
3. Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
11 ReviewsGraeagle, CA12 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSierraville, CA10 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSattley, CA6 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSierra City, CA12 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSierra City, CA9 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsGraeagle, CA15 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsSierraville, CA13 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsPortola, CA16 milesWebsite+1 (530) 836-2575$38 - $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."
Recent Camping Photos near Calpine, CA
310 Photos of 340 Calpine Campgrounds
Melanie R.
Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park
Danielle B.
Sardine Lake
The Camp Kit
Goose Lake Campground
Camila
Cottonwood Campground
Lauren H.
Tahoe National Forest Diablo Campground
Ron G.
Pass Creek Campground
Travis C.
Movin' West RV Park
Ron G.
East Meadow Campground
Ron G.
Webber Lake Campground
Hope H.
Bear Valley Campground
Julie D.
Loganville
Recent Reviews near Calpine, CA
908 Reviews of 340 Calpine Campgrounds
- H
Hope H.
GuideSkillman Horse Camp
Tall, Tall Trees
This is quintessential California no frills forest camping under trees that are so tall they muffle all sound, where the dirt is so infused with pine needles that it smells like incense. Although this is a horse camp, anyone can camp here. It is primitive, but if you have your own toilet you'll be ok. Otherwise, you can use the old pit toilets provided. Because this is a horse camp, the sites are spacious. Kick back and enjoy.
Lauren M.Guidemustang rd dispersed
Dry retention site
Right off Mustang Road as you head towards the landfill, there is a turnoff that leads to some open sites with a few camper made rock fire rings. This is BLM land, no amenities. Some trash scattered about. Hard packed dirt made it pretty easy to access in my 2WD campervan. Google Maps makes the area look like it’s in water, maybe a dried up retention pond of sorts, but it is definitely just dirt. There was a horse roaming around our camp so we leashed our dog.
Mike E.
LegendBordertown Casino RV Resort
Clean basic RV Park for overnight
This park is on the 395 just Northwest of Reno. High desert environment. Near casino. Clean and safe feeling. Check in was easy price was reasonable. Wi-Fi works probably a little better than average. Small communities nearby. Windy location more often than not.
- SStephen C.
ScoutIndian Valley
Place
Meh. They’re better places around than this. Keep looking
Grayce F.TravelerIndependence Hill Dispersed
Not worth the drive
We stayed here for a few nights after struggling to find a spot that was open this early in the season. Long story short, veryyyy long drive down and up a goat track paved road which is basically a steep single track without guardrails (just to get to Iowa Hill), the campsites were surrounded by dumped trash and old tires, there’s also a heap of a totalled car at the front covered in bullet holes. My husband went for a run with our dog - they both came back covered in teeny ticks. The road was covered in downed pine trees also, so we couldn’t really get further in than around the first little bend from the pull off.
As a very seasoned camper and traveller of the whole country, I would say just find another spot - even if you have to drive for a few more hours. This spot is probably just for the locals.
Casandra S.ScoutBLM next to Truckee River, in Mustang
No camping signs
Cute little spot but when we got there, there was 2 no camping signs
- JJose M.
RangerWilliam Kent Campground
The place is great
Nice place clean bathrooms and most importantly on one side of Lake Tahoe
Jeff A.GuideGold Lake 4x4 Campground
Quiet on the lake
Nice little Campground great camp hosts, and lots of good mountain biking
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 340 campgrounds and RV parks near Calpine, CA and 25 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 4.9-star rating from 9 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 25 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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