Best Campgrounds near Clio, CA
Plumas National Forest surrounds the small community of Clio, California, providing a mix of campground options spanning both established facilities and scenic lakeside sites. Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park offers cabins, tent sites and full RV hookups during its April to October operational season, while nearby campgrounds like Gold Lake 4x4 Campground and Goose Lake provide more primitive camping experiences with direct lake access. The region includes several small lakes in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, with Sardine Lake and Snag Lake offering both tent and RV accommodations with varying levels of amenities and accessibility.
Most campgrounds in the Clio area operate seasonally from late spring through fall, typically May through October, due to heavy snowfall at higher elevations during winter months. The Gold Lake Highway provides access to numerous camping areas, though some locations like Goose Lake Campground require high-clearance vehicles to navigate rough terrain. Permits and reservations are recommended for established campgrounds, especially during peak summer weekends. One visitor noted that Goose Lake has "nice small lake for floating" but warned to "keep an eye out for leaches if swimming," highlighting the need to understand local water conditions. The area features both first-come, first-served sites and reservable options depending on the specific campground.
Campers consistently mention the tall pines providing ideal shade and the peaceful setting of campgrounds throughout the region. Sites near water bodies receive particular praise, with one review describing Goose Lake as offering "a camp on a rise, overlooking the water. Beautiful sunset with nearby thunderheads providing the bass notes." The mixed-use campgrounds often feature a combination of tent sites, RV accommodations with varying hookup options, and in some cases, cabin rentals. Proximity to hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and swimming holes makes this area particularly attractive for outdoor enthusiasts. Campgrounds closer to town like Little Bear RV Park provide more amenities, while the more remote locations offer greater solitude but fewer facilities, creating a spectrum of camping experiences around Clio.
