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."
