Best Tent Camping near Chilcoot, CA

Tent campsites near Chilcoot, California range from rustic Forest Service campgrounds to remote walk-in sites nestled in the Plumas and Tahoe National Forests. Primitive tent camping options include Crocker Campground in Plumas National Forest and Bear Valley Campground near Sierraville, both offering basic amenities for tent campers seeking a more natural experience. Conklin Park Campgrounds in Plumas County provides additional tent-specific sites with varying levels of accessibility depending on seasonal conditions.

Most primitive tent campgrounds feature dirt pads with minimal site preparation, requiring campers to select level spots for their tents. Fire rings and picnic tables are common at established sites like Laufman Campground, though many lack potable water or trash service. Vault toilets are available at most locations but can be poorly maintained during peak season. A camper noted that "sites are far enough apart that we were able to set up camp without being too disruptive" at several of the tent-only areas. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing remote tent sites, particularly after spring snowmelt when forest roads may be rutted or washed out.

Areas farther from main roads offer deeper seclusion for tent campers seeking a true backcountry experience. Tree cover provides ample shade at most primitive tent areas, with pine and aspen forests creating natural buffers between sites. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many tent campers appreciate the "serene and beautiful surroundings" with "lots of lakes and hiking in the area." Seasonal considerations include heavy mosquito activity in early summer at many tent sites and potential bear activity requiring proper food storage. Several campgrounds provide bear boxes at individual sites or centralized locations. Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for day hikes or fishing excursions, with several alpine lakes accessible within short distances from established tent camping areas.

Best Tent Sites Near Chilcoot, California (59)

    1. Crocker Campground

    2 Reviews
    Portola, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 832-1076

    $135 / night

    "The Crocker Campground is not part of the Crocker Guard House, the campground offers pit toilets, tables and fire rings, no trash service or water, pack in pack out. It is first come first serve."

    "This is a dry camlground with scattered spots amongst the trees. It is quiet with a couple pit toilets. There was only one other camper when I was there so we had most the place to ourselves."

    2. Bear Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 994-3401

    "People from the area (i guess)  seemed to be "reserving"  sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs...  they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility. "

    3. Conklin Park Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Milford, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    "We could hear the little creek and the wind through the burned trees."

    "quite, well kept secret that if you don't mind adventure & can be a very smart camper in Bear & Mountain Lion Country......Respect that WE are the visitors in their home, not the other way around"

    5. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 582-7892

    $35 / night

    "Close to Truckee so you can easily get supplies. Lots of trees give a private feel even though it is a busy campground."

    "We were in a large site and had pleasant neighbors. The restrooms were SUPER clean with flush toilets and hot showers. Short walk to Donner Lake and Donner Museum."

    6. Lake of the Woods

    4 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    24 miles

    "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."

    "Took my wife here for her first backpacking trip. Was over all a great experience. Went at the end of June . The lake is shallow in some areas with white sand ."

    8. Black Mountain Lookout

    3 Reviews
    Milford, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    $60 / night

    "Honey Lake to the north, a gorgeous vale/meadow to the south. The tease of thunderstorms all around. One standard USFS pit toilet (super clean). Electricity to power a stove/fridge/heater/lights."

    "Ok so it’s great but the trail hiking up from Parking is approx 3 km to the campsite so make sure and bring everything in one go.

    It’s a tough hike as your literally hiking a mountain."

    10. Laufman Campground

    3 Reviews
    Milford, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    "Aspen filled Creek just a small walk south of campground. To keep this place looking beautiful, do not forget to pack out your trash and follow Leave No Trace ethics."

    "It’s a one way drive thru so you have to drive up past the sign to the upper part of the drive thru. Picnic tables and fire rings, but you’ll need your own water and trash must be packed out."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Chilcoot, CA

613 Reviews of 59 Chilcoot Campgrounds


  • kathleen K.
    Jul. 2, 2021

    Dayton State Park Campground

    Unexpected Oasis

    First stop in my early summer road trip. Stayed for two nights. Easy self pay station at the front entrance. To get to the campground at the first right little dirt road before the pay station. Entrance into the park patch to the campground has a limited day-use fee also and there is group they use facilities with a large barbecue and outdoor sink that you would be able to wash dishes at if necessary. Great shaded spot in the middle of the desert. This was quite the unexpected little Oasis. Comes with peacocks. Limited number of spots available for tent camping or RV camping with no hookups. There are water spickets available and the park part of this Campground has flush toilets. The campground itself comes with a fire ring and a picnic bench. Trees are plentiful shade is wonderful the heat in this area in the summer time is Relentless but the shade is perfect at this location. There are peacocks on the property that apparently come from somewhere else I believe there are at least three of them they do make noise at night but it's not ridiculous unless there are coyotes on the property. Beware this is the desert there is wild life. Do not leave your food out at night. Bear boxes are not provided but keep your food items inside of your tent or your vehicle or lock them up. I did not have any issues because I am Savvy to the situation. I had a wonderful time hiking around and exploring the area through the trails making my way to the Carson River. This place is a gem and I will be back!

  • Patricia O.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2018

    Lindsey Lake Campground

    Rustic and remote

    There are only a few campsites here, 12, I think, and a rough road getting (SUV or truck recommended) into the campground. Once you reach camp, you’ll be rewarded with serene and beautiful surroundings. Lots of lakes and hiking in the area. Mosquitos can be a problem so come prepared. Vault toilet. No trash service, no piped water. There are picnic tables and fire rings.

  • R
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Prosser Family

    Large sites, quiet, & beautiful views

    We stayed for two nights during the end of June 2018. Despite being summer, the temperature drops significantly at night. Even with cold weather sleeping bags, my son and I were really cold. There’s no electricity or bath houses, so charge all your devices and shower before your visit, lol. The potable water pumps are tricky to learn how to use at first, and the water is very cold.

    The sites are large and relatively flat, so tent camping is easy. While there are some sites that cannot be reserved online, I highly recommend that you do not rely on getting one that is first come, first serve. We saw three trucks filled with families trying to go after the last non-reservable site. So, reserve yours online!

    Be aware that there might be bear that get close to your sleeping quarters as the area is full of them. I was never scared, but my son swore that he saw one while he was going to bed. I was still up chit chatting with neighbors, so I did not see anything. Earlier that day, the Forest Ranger came through the camp to do an interpretive by showing everyone various mammal furs, two of which were bears. He told us that they have learned to be attracted to ice chests (coolers) and plastic boxes; they know these can contain food, so cover them with blankets or towels when secured in your car or around the campsite. Of course, food should be locked away at night and when not being prepared.

    This campground is located next to Prosser Reservoir, so there are beautiful views of the lake. The sites on the back side of the grounds have the best views. Even if you don’t get a lake view, do not worry as there are plenty of places to hike with lots of spectacular views! Pick up a copy of ‘Lake Tahoe’s Spectacular Wildflower Trails’ by Julie S. Carville, and pick a trail! Sagehen Creek Trail (Hike #12 in the book, I believe) is very close by Prosser Family Campground.

    The coolest thing about this place is that you can drink while enjoying the natural views! Wahoo!

  • A
    Jul. 8, 2020

    Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground

    Great spot

    We rolled in here after midnight and most of the spots were still empty, and they're far enough apart that we were able to set up camp without being too disruptive. There's a vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, and some gorgeous scenery. What more could you need?

  • Lauren H.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

    A Dog's Dream

    Nestled against salmon creek and among the gold lake area, just outside of Bassetts. Very large sites, with some hike in with shallow creek crossing. Lush fields and forests. Great views. Can here traffic on ridge. Bear boxes at every site Trash and Recycling receptacles Picnic Tables at every site Fresh water available Bathrooms throughout

  • Jim S.
    Jul. 5, 2019

    Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground

    Rustic clean free

    Forest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.

  • T
    Jul. 9, 2021

    Coyote Group Campground

    Coyote Group Camp

    • Large croup camp site with lots of flat places to pitch a tent. • Clean pit toilets. • 3x Bear food and 4x trash/recycling bins. • 2 (or 3?) water spigots • 4 big picnic tables • Some shade • Uneven terrain around sites and lots of fallen trees • Lots of parking, including triller/RV parking. Parking is paved and flat.

    • Walking distance to the river • Big fire pit

    We enjoyed this site! Excellent for a big group. I think we had 18 people. There could an additional bear bin to support as much food/scented items as a group of 25 would need. We ended up using the extra bear-proof trash bins as overflow scented item/food storage. Worked well.

  • Sherry L.
    Aug. 14, 2018

    Granite Flat

    "Roughing it" ...near town, close to but not quite glamping...

    Granite Flat is a great way to get out and camp without worrying too much about forgetting something. Now, I know no one WANTS to head back into town for the ice, eggs, or brew they forgot. But if you do, you're only 2 miles from the grocery store.

    This campground is right along the Truckee river! It is RV/Camper, tent & dog friendly. Though there are very few "tent only" sites.

    They have non-flushing restrooms with TP! (fancy outhouses)

    You can park up to 2 cars per site

    There is fresh, clean water located at pumps thruought the campground

    PLENTY of space to pitch a tent

    Bear boxes provided (we were lucky enough to see a mama and two cubs across the river from us!)

    Fire pits and picknick tables

    Super friendly camp hosts

    We stayed here at 3 tent only sites, the night after our wedding with a group of friends! We all loved it and will definitely be back. You can float from one end of the campground down to the other end or keep going if you can find a ride (Uber) back to the campground! I hear the fly fishing on the Truckee river is fantastic as well. Due to the fact that we JUST got married the day before, we actually had our DJ come the the campsite and spin there. The people in the nearby sites were totally cool with it and we were respectful of quiet hours. So, as you'll see in the video, we had music. But typically the festival DJ doesn't come with the campsite. ;)

    One negative to this campground is that the highway is right next to it. The Tahoe region is EXTREMELY popular so I'd suggest booking early if you can (though it seems you can find sites last min too) and know that if you're next to the highway, you'll hear cars/trucks passing through. By no means did any of my party feel that the vehicle noise was intrusive on our experience though. But it's food for thought.

    Lastly, again you're near town and can head into Truckee for some tasty brew and food at many local breweries, breakfast, & BBQ spots! Plus the town of Truckee is super cute and should be explored of you haven't been.

  • Zac R.
    Jan. 26, 2020

    Rucker Lake Campground

    Large sites

    This lake is a quiet getaway, with waterfront access and a warm lake. Short hike in but has picnic tables and bear boxes.


Guide to Chilcoot

Tent camping near Chilcoot, California offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying the serene beauty of the surrounding landscapes. With various campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to pitch your tent and unwind.

Tips for tent camping near Chilcoot

  • Conklin Park Campgrounds provides a secluded experience with a clean vault toilet and picnic tables, making it a great choice for those seeking peace in nature.
  • Bear Valley Campground is accessible via rough dirt roads, so a high-clearance vehicle is recommended, ensuring an adventurous journey to your campsite.
  • Crocker Campground features scattered spots among trees, offering a quiet atmosphere and beautiful meadows nearby for leisurely strolls.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • At Lake of the Woods, you can enjoy swimming and fishing in the beautiful lake, perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of hiking.
  • Black Mountain Lookout offers stunning views and a challenging hike, rewarding you with breathtaking scenery once you reach the top.
  • Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp allows for exploration of the surrounding wilderness, though be prepared for rough roads and limited amenities.

Local attractions to explore while camping

  • The picturesque Lake Davis Recreation Area is ideal for kayaking and fishing, providing a scenic backdrop for your outdoor adventures.
  • Frenchman Dump Station is conveniently located for campers needing to dispose of waste, ensuring a hassle-free camping experience.
  • Lake Davis Overflow offers additional camping options for those looking to extend their stay in the area, surrounded by the natural beauty of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Chilcoot, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Chilcoot, CA is Crocker Campground with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Chilcoot, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 59 tent camping locations near Chilcoot, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.