Tent camping near Calpine, California occurs within a mountainous region that experiences temperature swings of 40+ degrees between day and night during summer months. Located at approximately 5,000 feet elevation, the area features pine and fir forests interspersed with mountain lakes and meadows. Roads to most camping areas remain snow-covered until late spring, with access typically available from June through October.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Lake of the Woods offers excellent fishing in a small alpine setting. According to reviewer Samantha T., it's a "great fishing spot" with a lake that's "perfect for kayak fishing." The campground fills quickly on first-come, first-served basis.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Donner Memorial State Park Campground provides water access for multiple activities. One visitor mentions, "I rented a kayak and took a lovely paddle enjoying the serenity and beauty of the High Sierras." The park features boat rental concessions directly at the lake.
Hiking to remote lakes: From Faucherie Lake Group Campground, campers can access numerous trails. A reviewer notes, "There's is a pristine lake great to paddle out on and great trails to hike out to pools or waterfalls." The road requires high-clearance vehicles with one camper reporting they "traveled around 10 mph on the way in and out."
Wildlife viewing: Sierra campgrounds offer opportunities to spot eagles, bears, and smaller wildlife. At Crocker Campground, one camper observed, "when I went to use the toilet...a bird flew in and was going to land above the door but saw me and flew out. I then noticed a bird nest with babies above the door."
What campers like
Lakeside camping: At Bowman Lake Dispersed, sites directly adjacent to water are highly valued. One camper found "a perfect spot with easy access to water right outside of our tent." The location is described as "a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance."
Privacy between sites: Despite being an established campground, Bear Valley Campground offers secluded tent sites. A visitor called it a "hidden gem I looked forward to visiting all winter." The campground features drinking water and toilets but no trash service.
Swimming opportunities: Multiple lakes in the region offer swimming during summer months. At Lake of the Woods, a reviewer noted, "The lake is shallow in some areas with white sand" and that they visited "at the end of June" when conditions were ideal for water activities.
Clean facilities: While primitive, many campgrounds maintain serviceable restrooms. Donner Memorial State Park stands out with "SUPER clean with flush toilets and hot showers," according to one camper, though most other area campgrounds feature vault toilets only.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many campgrounds requires navigating rough terrain. At Goose Lake Campground, visitors warn of "large rocks in road to drive over and trees to avoid" and specify "high ground clearance vehicles only." Multiple reviewers mention needing to drive 5-10 mph on access roads.
Mosquito preparation: Insect repellent is essential, particularly in early summer. At Bowman Lake, a camper warns "mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent." Lake of the Woods visitors noted mosquitoes "love hanging out by the water" but were "gone by the morning."
Temperature fluctuations: Packing for varied weather conditions is necessary. Indigo H. reported at Faucherie Lake: "We came from 105°F back home to a balmy 55°F day here with frequent winds" and "during the night, the temperature got down to 30°F."
Bear awareness: Proper food storage is mandatory at all Calpine area campgrounds. Bowman Lake Campground reviews mention the need for "bear spray" and proper trash management. Most established campgrounds provide bear boxes, but dispersed sites require additional precautions.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly climbing: Donner Memorial State Park offers natural features perfect for children. One reviewer notes there are "boulders all around for to climb, a lake to swim in, trails to hike and paved loops for riding bikes."
Educational opportunities: Tahoe National Forest Sierra Campground provides access to historic sites and mountain lakes. A visitor shared, "We found our way up to deadman's lake about 1 mile south south east. A completely remote high mountain lake."
Swimming areas: Child-friendly water access exists at several locations. At Donner Memorial, a young visitor reported, "I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun. Me and my friends were up there... We went in the summer and the water was perfect!"
Supply planning: Limited services near campgrounds require advance preparation. Donner Memorial campers noted a "small store near the campground, but it doesn't offer much in the way of cooking real meals, just snacks." The nearest full services are in Truckee, 5-15 miles from most camping areas.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many forest service roads limit RV length. At Goose Lake, reviewers specify "Class C RV over 16 ft not advised" due to "tight turns to navigate trees and rocky road." Standard class B RVs might manage some routes, but trailers are generally not recommended.
Leveling challenges: Finding flat parking at primitive sites requires preparation. At Bear Valley Campground, a visitor observed "not all sites are flat" and recommended bringing leveling blocks for RV camping near Calpine.
Water access planning: No hookups exist at any campgrounds near Calpine. Donner Memorial State Park provides a sanitary dump station, but campers at other locations must arrive with full water tanks and plan for waste management accordingly.
