Clio, California offers diverse camping opportunities at 4,500 feet elevation, where the Feather River and Sierra Nevada mountains create a distinctive alpine environment. Nighttime temperatures drop significantly even in summer months, requiring proper layering for overnight stays. The camping season typically runs from late spring through mid-October with limited yurt camping options available in the surrounding Plumas National Forest.
What to do
Hiking the Sierra Buttes trail: The trail starting near Sardine Lake Campground provides spectacular views after a moderate climb. As one camper noted, "I would recommend hiking up to the Buttes if you're looking for a challenge. Be sure to stop at Bassett's for some icecream on your way out!" Many trails throughout the area connect visitors to alpine vistas.
Fishing opportunities: Grasshopper Flat Campground offers excellent fishing access with clean facilities. "Had a great time here - terrific proximity to lake & decent sized camping sites. Nearby Portola, & easy drive from the Reno area," shares one visitor. The lake provides opportunities for both shore and boat fishing.
Water activities: East Meadow Campground provides direct access to Jackson Meadows Reservoir for swimming and boating. "Access to sandy beaches from your tenting spots. Access to the Pacific crest trail & many other hiking routes," reports one camper. The reservoir offers both motorized and non-motorized water recreation options.
What campers like
Privacy and seclusion: East Meadow Campground offers spacious sites away from crowds. "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," writes one satisfied visitor.
Cleanliness of facilities: Little Bear RV Park maintains exceptionally clean grounds and bathrooms. "Very clean and well maintained! A quiet and relaxing place to stay. The staff was friendly," notes one reviewer. The park's management prioritizes sanitation and regular maintenance.
Wildlife viewing: The Plumas area provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching. A Grasshopper Flat camper shared, "Saw a Bald Eagle dive and grab a fish...Great fishing..Not so great for swimming. Opaque, green water from tall grass." The diverse ecosystems support various wildlife species throughout the camping season.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from late spring through mid-October. "We stayed here after our Lost and found bike ride and it was great. There was tons of shade, common area bathrooms and no fees for adding a second vehicle to a site," explains a Grasshopper Flat visitor.
Bear awareness: The area is bear country, requiring proper food storage. Most established campgrounds provide bear boxes for tent campers. "Bear boxes which makes it nice for those of us that tent camp," notes a visitor to Lake of the Woods.
Bug prevalence: Mosquitoes can be abundant, particularly near lakes and in early season. "Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site," reports one Lake of the Woods visitor, suggesting timing your visit strategically.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds require navigating unpaved roads. "A dirt road to get to the campsite, but doable for experienced drivers or high clearance cars," mentions a Lake of the Woods camper regarding access conditions.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming locations: Upper Little Truckee Campground offers river access for safe wading. "Kids had the best time fishing we caught 2 little guys. So nice to fall asleep to the river sound," shares one family. The shallow waters provide safer play areas for children.
Campground activities: Sardine Lake keeps children engaged with nature-based exploration. "Great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance and lots of other lakes around the area," notes a family camper.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience road noise that may affect light sleepers. "You'll definitely have road noise during the day. However, it quieted substantially for nighttime sleeping hours so we slept fine," explains an Upper Little Truckee visitor.
Yurt camping options: For families seeking more shelter, limited yurt camping near Clio provides a comfortable alternative to tents. Thousand Trails Snowflower offers yurt accommodations with nearby lake access. "Family friendly, great little Lake for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding," reports one visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Upper Little Truckee accommodates smaller RVs but has limitations. "Nice campsites located beside the Little Truckee River if you're lucky enough to get one. Easy hiking trail along the river takes you down to lower Little Truckee Campground," advises one RVer.
Dump station availability: Limited facilities exist in the area. "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," notes one visitor to Lake Davis Dump Station.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require blocks or leveling equipment. "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," shares a Thousand Trails Snowflower visitor.
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds limit generator use. "First time there and we reserved a spot, site 21 and the door of our camper wasn't facing our camp. I noticed a few sites like that. It's pretty tight spaces and not a lot of privacy," notes a visitor regarding East Meadow Campground layouts.
