Best Campgrounds near Crescent Mills, CA

Camping near Crescent Mills, California encompasses a mix of established campgrounds and recreational areas within the scenic northern Sierra Nevada mountains. The area sits at the edge of Plumas National Forest, with Taylorsville County Park offering full-service camping directly in Crescent Mills. Nearby Lake Almanor provides additional camping options at Rocky Point Campground, while Spanish Creek Campground near Quincy offers a more rustic experience along the water. These campgrounds serve as gateways to the region's outdoor recreation, with fishing, hiking, and water activities available throughout the warmer months. According to reviews, many campsites in the area feature spacious sites with pine forest shade that provides natural cooling during hot summer days.

Most campgrounds in the Crescent Mills area operate seasonally, typically from May through September or early October, with some higher elevation sites not opening until June due to snowpack. Fire restrictions are common during late summer and fall, particularly during drought years. Road conditions vary significantly, with some campgrounds accessible via paved roads while others require travel on gravel forest service roads. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most campgrounds, particularly those deeper in Plumas National Forest. Visitors should check current conditions with the Plumas National Forest ranger district before traveling, as seasonal closures and fire restrictions can change rapidly.

The camping options around Crescent Mills cater to different preferences and equipment needs. Taylorsville County Park provides amenities including electric hookups, showers, and a market, making it suitable for RVs and families seeking more conveniences. For those seeking a more remote experience, the surrounding national forest offers primitive camping with fewer amenities but more seclusion. Campers report that sites near Lake Almanor can fill quickly during summer weekends and holidays, especially during fishing season. Weather conditions can change rapidly in this mountain region, with summer days often hot but nights remaining cool even during peak season, requiring appropriate gear for temperature fluctuations.

Best Camping Sites Near Crescent Mills, California (270)

    1. Spanish Creek Campground

    5 Reviews
    Twain, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-0555

    $35 - $80 / night

    "I would stay here a couple nights again, because the creek is beautiful, and the valley seems remote, while still being close to a moderately large highway, and Quincy, for restocking."

    "Only downside is it is near a railroad. Be aware that google maps will take you through private property so you need to look at the map to avoid that!"

    2. Rocky Point Campground - Lake Almanor

    7 Reviews
    Chester, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 284-1785

    "The spaces are large, sunny and shaded with lovely trees and all within walking  distance from the lake.  Staff is friendly and helpful and the park is always clean. "

    "Our visit to Lake Almanor was amazing. My Dad brought his sail boat and the wind was perfect for sailing. The campgrounds are spacious and the restrooms are clean."

    3. Taylorsville County Park

    2 Reviews
    Crescent Mills, CA
    5 miles
    +1 (530) 283-6299

    "There is also a water access to go easing and a few deep spots for swimming. There are also 3 Poké stops and a gym for Pokémon Go players."

    4. Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) — Plumas National Forest

    5 Reviews
    Meadow Valley, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    $20 / night

    "Excellent location for lake and swimming hole access. Kirkwood right down the road provides groceries as needed"

    "It was a beautiful small lake with hiking trails right off of the lake."

    5. Cool Springs Campground

    3 Reviews
    Twain, CA
    13 miles
    +1 (916) 386-5164

    $17 / night

    "This campground is a hidden gem on Butt Lake. There are first come first serve sites and also sites to be reserved. It has a few walk in sites and mostly drive in."

    "We were fortunate to discover Butt Lake near Lake Almanor.  Only one small burn area far from the campgrounds.  Friday was opening day for Cool Springs campground. "

    6. Plumas National Forest Hallsted Campground

    1 Review
    Twain, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-0555

    $35 - $45 / night

    "Its a short walk down to the river. The river is warm and slow right there and it has crawfish. My boys caught a handful and had a great time!"

    7. Snake Lake Campground

    1 Review
    Quincy, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    $15 / night

    8. Lake Cove Resort & Marina

    1 Review
    Westwood, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 284-7697

    "Lake cove is always a good choice. Clean bathrooms and laundry facility on site. There are tent sites, even sites with and without hookups, cabins, and a trailer to rent."

    9. PG&E Lassen National Forest Rocky Point Campground

    3 Reviews
    Chester, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 258-2141

    "This campground is beautiful with pine trees , lava rock, boulders and the lake just a short walk down the bike path."

    "Operated by PG&E on Lake Almanor. There are no bear boxes, just food lockers, so secure your food in your vehicle. Each loop has its own host, so information is always near by."

    10. Ponderosa Flat Campground

    2 Reviews
    Chester, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    $25 / night

    "Part of Butt Valley Reservoir, this is the upper (and nicer) campground on the lake.  Pave roads are great for kids for bike riding, scooters and skateboards."

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Recent Reviews near Crescent Mills, CA

580 Reviews of 270 Crescent Mills Campgrounds


  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Hat Creek

    Great Camping Next to Hat Creek

    We only stayed here for an overnight on our way North, but it was a great campground. The fee was $16.00 a night. We pulled in about 9:00 PM and there were probably at least 10-12 sites occupied. We found site 46 to be perfect. There are no hookups, but each site has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. There is drinking water available through out the campground and vault toilets, which were pretty clean/well kept. Generators are allowed from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There are also multiple dumpsters and recycling bins. Our T-Mobile cell service was super spotty and pretty much non-existent. The creek is beautiful and very accessible!

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 7, 2025

    Christie Hill Basecamp

    Awesome spot to boondock

    Not sure what previous reviewers are talking about regarding lack of spots due to construction. I only had to drive a little ways in to find a nice spot with a fire pit and space for my camper. I’ve been here for hours and haven’t seen or heard anyone. I also have full reception with Verizon. It’s also only 9 minutes from the Lassen NP visitor center.

  • D
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Movin' West RV Park

    Very nice place

    Clean and cute, rv sites are level and spacious

  • Amanda V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    Hat Creek Resort & RV Park

    Nice Campground

    Nice Campground right on the hat Creek! Full hookups Laundry Wifi available for purchase Close to Lassen Volcanic NP

  • Toby T.
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area

    Great stop off

    Road is well maintained gravel, no potholes. Sites are nicely spaced, large and maintained. Vault toilets were super clean. Sites have a table and bbq. Got lucky and no loud parties, neighbors were respectful. We arrived just after dark and only stayed 1 night so cant comment on the daytime or weekend vibes.

  • Jeff A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 25, 2025

    Domingo Springs Campground

    Quiet, clean, lucky spot. Did not burn

    USFS Sites good sized, whispering pines all around. Pit toilets clean. PGE CG’s on west side of Almanor Lake same quality, same amenities, more sites, but tripled cost! :( Fire rings new tables, spring water across the way. For us we were pleased like rustic and we take good care of Mother Nature. No lake but brook nearby and Almanor Lake not far. :) Thankful to have found.

  • avery R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Showers and indoor plumbing!

    If you like camping with modern comforts, this is your spot. They even had laundry (you’ve got to bring cash though). It’s busy, so it won’t be quiet, but it was a great place to meet people.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Laufman Campground

    Nice

    Took in a 19 foot trailer - there were 3 sites we could easily use. The surrounding Forest is gorgeous. No one else here. We stayed 2 nights to hike a nearby peak hike Shallow Grave Trail.

  • T
    Sep. 17, 2025

    PG&E Lassen National Forest Rocky Point Campground

    Fall camping

    This campground is beautiful with pine trees , lava rock, boulders and the lake just a short walk down the bike path. There are pit toilets throughout with garbage bins and water spigots .The only problem in September is they are logging to thin the trees for fire safety, so not as quiet during the week days


Guide to Crescent Mills

The camping sites near Crescent Mills, California sit at the edge of Plumas National Forest in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains, with elevations ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 feet. Summer daytime temperatures typically reach 80-95°F with nighttime lows dropping to 45-55°F, creating significant temperature swings that require proper layering. Most campgrounds in this region open in late May and close by mid-October due to seasonal snowfall.

What to do

Swimming in natural waters: Spanish Creek Campground provides access to a swimming hole with clean, inviting water. "The water is clean and inviting, the beach is wide and covered with shake rocks, and the views up the sides of the steep banks are beautiful," notes Erika B. The campground is located along Highway 70 near Quincy.

Fishing opportunities: Ponderosa Flat Campground on Butt Valley Reservoir offers excellent fishing conditions. Matt D. shares, "Part of Butt Valley Reservoir, this is the upper (and nicer) campground on the lake. The campsites are spacious and the lake has great fishing. One of our favorite spots and it's very easy to get to."

Boating and water sports: Rocky Point Campground - Lake Almanor provides access to one of the region's largest lakes. "This is a campground that is right on Lake Almanor. It's fun to be able to camp right next to the lake, the views are amazing!" says Sarah S. The campground operates from May through October.

What campers like

Spacious campsites: Lake Cove Resort & Marina offers various site options with good separation. According to Jacquelynn W., "Lake cove is always a good choice. Clean bathrooms and laundry facility on site. There are tent sites, even sites with and without hookups, cabins, and a trailer to rent."

Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the well-maintained bathrooms at Spanish Creek Campground. Lex N. comments, "Drinkable water and very clean and well kept pit toilets. Manny, the camp host, is great, he keeps a great area and can provide insight on hiking spots and other areas to visit around the area."

Wildlife viewing: Taylorsville County Park provides opportunities to see deer up close. Kurt C. notes about the nearby Cool Springs Campground, "Easy to access and nice setting. Camp host was friendly. Deer will come up to your campsite looking for snacks so a good photo opportunity."

What you should know

Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds in canyons experience train noise. Jessica F. reports about Spanish Creek: "The trains were definitely loud in the night, because the rails cling to the sides of the canyon, and the wheels scrape against the rails on the curves. I would stay here a couple nights again, because the creek is beautiful, and the valley seems remote."

Insect activity: Bugs can be prevalent depending on the season. At Spanish Creek Campground, one camper mentioned, "We battled meat bees and mosquitos a bit. The camp hosts are great people; they're kind and vigilant."

Water levels fluctuate: PG&E Lassen National Forest Rocky Point Campground and other lake campgrounds experience varying water levels. "There was plenty of water in the Reservoir and it could be okay for a boat but you have to look out for all the snags in the water, and there are a lot of them," warns Patricia N. about nearby Ponderosa Flat.

Tips for camping with families

Look for recreational amenities: Some camping areas offer more than just campsites. Jacquelynn W. notes about Lake Cove Resort, "They also have a volleyball court, horse shoes, and arcade available."

Consider paved campgrounds: Ponderosa Flat Campground offers paved areas good for children's activities. "Pave roads are great for kids for bike riding, scooters and skateboards," mentions Matt D.

Swimming spot safety: When camping with kids at Spanish Creek Campground, the swimming area provides gentle water. According to one camper, "The swimming hole. The water is clean and inviting, the beach is wide and covered with shake rocks."

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Many campsites near Crescent Mills have limitations for larger rigs. About Ponderosa Flat Campground, Patricia N. advises, "Campground is quiet but tight to get a large trailer in, ours is 26 feet and it was tight. The spaces in the closed portion of the campground were a bit more spacious."

Unlevel sites: Be prepared for some campground terrain challenges. At Rocky Point Campground, Alex notes, "It's packed pretty tight and we were on a slope but booked it again this year."

Limited hookup options: Dan M. reports about Rocky Point, "Priced at 30$ for dry camping only was pricy. Only vault toilets, but clean. Dump station but not included in camping fee. Flat spaces, all paved. Smaller campground run by PG&E."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Crescent Mills, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Crescent Mills, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 270 campgrounds and RV parks near Crescent Mills, CA and 28 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Crescent Mills, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Crescent Mills, CA is Spanish Creek Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Crescent Mills, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 28 free dispersed camping spots near Crescent Mills, CA.

What parks are near Crescent Mills, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near Crescent Mills, CA that allow camping, notably Lassen National Forest and Plumas National Forest.