Dispersed camping options near Calpine, California include several established campgrounds within the Plumas and Tahoe National Forests. The region sits at elevations between 5,000-7,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal conditions with heavy winter snowfall and mild summers. Most campgrounds in the area operate from late May through mid-October, closing during winter months when access roads become impassable due to snow.
What to do
**River fishing spots: Access the Little Truckee River from Boyington Mill where campsites offer direct water access. "Camped one night here during the week and only had one other group there. One of those campgrounds where getting the right spot can make a big difference. I got #8 and I recommend it - it is the one in the corner closest to the river, so you have some privacy and easy river access," notes Quinn Z.
Kayak fishing excursions: Lake of the Woods provides a smaller body of water ideal for portable watercraft. "Campground is beautiful. Spots are first come first served and can fill up quickly. Small lake perfect for kayak fishing," reports Samantha T. The lake sits at higher elevation and typically opens later in the season after snow melts.
Mountain biking trails: Roads and paths near Thousand Trails Snowflower offer cycling opportunities. "The park is rather spread out, so a bicycle/ebike is a plus. And if you mountain bike, there's some decent trails close by to ride. There's also legit fishing lakes within about a 20 minute radius," advises Paul R.
What campers like
Lake activities: East Meadow Campground provides water recreation options at Jackson Meadows Reservoir. "Super place, hosts are friendly & helpful! Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time. Some campers moored their boats/jet skis just off the campground. Gravelly shore and bottom, excellent paddleboarding & kayaking," shares Ron G.
Swimming holes: Lake of the Woods offers sandy shoreline areas. "Nice campground at great lake. Nice water for swimming. Fire rings and benches for each site. A dirt road to get to the campsite, but doable for experienced drivers or high clearance cars. Pit toilet," reports Robert.
Trailhead access: Hiking opportunities from Sardine Lake connect to regional trails. "Our site was great, but didn't have very much shade. It was nice to be hike up to volcano lake from our campsite as well as sardine lake and upper sardine lake," mentions Erika B.
What you should know
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds sit near highways with variable traffic patterns. At Upper Little Truckee, "No cell service and you'll definitely have road noise during the day. However, it quieted substantially for nighttime sleeping hours so we slept fine. There are nice campsites located beside the Little Truckee River if you're lucky enough to get one," advises Char P.
Campsite selection importance: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. "It's one of those campgrounds where getting the right site can make a big difference. I could see this campground being a bit claustrophobic if it was full," notes a Boyington Mill visitor.
Limited services: Most primitive campgrounds require preparation. "Sites are free, first come first served. There was still snow blocking the road the Memorial Day weekend but by June 6th, the road was clear and passable with my Honda Fit. Great, free campground. If the road is blocked with snow part way up there are a few dispersed pull off spots available also," reports an early season visitor to Lake of the Woods.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming beaches: Sand Pond near Sardine Lake offers family-friendly swimming. "My family has been camping here since before I was born and we love it! It's definitely a gem of the Sierras. The lake is beautiful and Sand Pond is great for swimming. There is plenty of hiking and fishing around and it is such a peaceful place to relax and read a book," shares Hannah O.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Grasshopper Flat provides bird watching chances. "AWESOME for birding - Bald Eagles, Pelicans, woodpeckers, chickadees & ravens - this is the Sierra after all. Can't wait for our next visit," mentions Ron G. Another visitor reported seeing "a Bald Eagle dive and grab a fish."
Insect preparation: Summer months bring mosquitoes to certain water-adjacent sites. At Thousand Trails Snowflower, "our group's collective joy was short lived after we were beseeched with mosquitos. We spent the weekend trying to figure out why this camp is more bug-ridden than others and concluded that it is likely due to limited air currents through this secluded part of the forest."
Tips for RVers
Site leveling challenges: At Thousand Trails Snowflower, "RV sites are mostly electric and water only, and many aren't anywhere near level. Nonetheless, I loved the place and will definitely go back. If you prefer parking lot RV parks though, go somewhere else," advises Paul R.
Dump station planning: The Lake Davis Dump Station charges fees for service. "Not bad. Did not realize it was $15 for dump until in the queue for a single side, single point dump site. Has water points for spraying out dump hose, spigot for connecting to black tank flush and a fresh water spigot to fill your fresh tank," notes a visitor who suggests checking prices in advance.
Off-grid capabilities: For luxury glamping near Calpine, California without full hookups, battery power becomes important. "Great campground if you're looking for a place to stay and it's raining. We had a lot of fun watching the cars go by. Thank god for the fire ring and port a potty. No showers," reports Mike C. about Upper Little Truckee.
