Tent camping near Crescent Mills, California provides access to the mixed conifer forests of northeastern California at elevations typically between 3,500-4,500 feet. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during day and 45-55°F at night, with considerable cooling in September and October. Campgrounds in this region of Plumas County often feature seasonal creeks that run higher in spring and early summer, with flow diminishing by late August.
What to do
Creek exploration: Fish or wade in one of several waterways. Last Chance Creek Campground has a stream running alongside the campground, creating a peaceful soundscape. As Susan R. notes, "Cute campground about 4 miles from Highway 36. No lake access at all, but a stream runs down the side of the campground, so you can hear the water all night."
Kayaking: Paddle on nearby lakes during warmer months. Ponderosa Flat Campground offers access to lake activities. According to Susan R., "The lake is beautiful and long. Wonderful for Kayaking." Most water-based recreation options remain viable from late May through mid-September.
Hiking: Access nearby trails. Laufman Campground serves as a convenient base for regional hikes. Tamara W. mentions, "We stayed 2 nights to hike a nearby peak hike Shallow Grave Trail." Trails in this area often receive less traffic than more popular destinations, particularly on weekdays.
What campers like
Solitude: Weekday camping often means having entire areas to yourself. Many campgrounds experience minimal traffic, particularly during weekdays. Alex P. observed about Laufman Campground, "It appeared that this campground hadn't seen much traffic recently, some of the sites were very overgrown."
Natural soundscapes: Creeks and streams create peaceful background noise. High Bridge Campground offers sites near moving water. Joe V. shares, "There was a really cool, fast flowing creek running through the campsite. Just a gorgeous spot in the forest with toilets if you need them."
Escape from crowds: Less-visited sites offer reprieve from busier destinations. Yellow Creek Campground provides a quieter alternative to more popular locations. Matt D. explains, "Most people flock to the nearby Lake Almanor or Butt Valley campgrounds, so Yellow Creek Campground is a nice place to go to escape bigger and busier spots."
What you should know
Road conditions: Access requires careful driving and vehicle preparation. Conklin Park Campgrounds requires navigating challenging terrain. Chelsea D. advises, "This is by far one of my favorites, as long as you can hang with the long rocky, bumpy dirt road to get there. Be sure to bring a spare tire & call ahead of time to make sure it's open."
Wildlife awareness: Bear and mountain lion activity requires proper precautions. Food storage containers are available at some sites. Chelsea D. reminds campers to "Respect that WE are the visitors in their home, not the other way around" when camping in bear and mountain lion country.
Facility limitations: Most sites have minimal amenities. Laufman Campground features basic facilities. Laura M. notes, "There is a vault bathroom but no water or trash." Most campgrounds in this region require campers to bring all water supplies and pack out all trash.
Tips for camping with families
Site selection: Choose sites with natural features for kids. Campgrounds with streams provide built-in entertainment for children. Susan R. appreciates that Last Chance Creek Campground has "horseshoe pits are available," offering additional recreation options.
Off-peak timing: Midweek camping provides more space and privacy. Many reviewers note significantly lower occupancy Sunday through Thursday, allowing families to spread out across multiple sites if needed.
Bear safety: Teach proper food storage protocols. Beck W. notes that Conklin Park has "a container to keep your things safe from bears at each campsite," making it easier to demonstrate proper wilderness practices to children.
Tips from RVers
Size constraints: Match vehicle to appropriate campgrounds. Boulder Creek Campground can accommodate larger vehicles. The campground is listed as big-rig friendly, though site sizes vary considerably throughout the region.
Access planning: Call ahead to verify road conditions. Some campgrounds have limited maintenance, making advance verification essential. Dani P. observed at Laufman Campground that "one large pot hole in the middle of the road made it difficult for a compact or large RV to get into campground. Easy for a 4wd or high clearance rig."
Cost considerations: Pricing varies by season and management. SupTard comments about Boulder Creek: "I'm bummed about the new management company charging $30 a night. It's not worth $30 a night for pit toilets." Many Forest Service campgrounds charge $14-15 per night, while others remain free of charge, particularly during shoulder seasons.
