Best Tent Camping near Crescent Mills, CA

Numerous tent campgrounds surround Crescent Mills in northern California's Plumas County, offering rustic options within Plumas National Forest. Notable locations include Snake Lake Campground and Ponderosa Flat Campground, both providing secluded tent sites within forest settings. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, with Ponderosa Flat's season running from May through October, making it essential for campers to verify opening dates before traveling.

Many primitive tent campgrounds in the area feature dirt pads with minimal site development. Facilities typically include basic amenities such as vault toilets, picnic tables, and established fire rings. Several campgrounds like Boulder Creek and High Bridge offer potable water, while others like Snake Lake require campers to bring their own supply. Access roads to tent sites vary significantly in quality. According to one visitor at Conklin Park Campgrounds, campers should "bring a spare tire" due to "the long rocky, bumpy dirt road" leading to the campground.

Walk-in tent locations throughout the region provide more immersive forest experiences than developed sites. Tent campers find the area particularly appealing for its natural setting and proximity to waterways. The campgrounds near creeks offer additional recreation opportunities. One camper noted that Yellow Creek Campground is "a nice place to go to escape bigger and busier spots" with "some of the best views in Northern CA." Many tent camping areas become significantly less crowded during weekdays, with several reviewers mentioning they had entire campground loops to themselves during mid-week stays. Several campgrounds, including High Bridge, feature tent sites situated along streams or rivers, creating peaceful soundscapes for overnight stays.

Best Tent Sites Near Crescent Mills, California (62)

    2. Ponderosa Flat Campground

    1 Review
    Chester, CA
    14 miles
    +1 (916) 386-5164

    "Most of the sites are reservation based, and some are closed right now, so not a lot of neighbors. The lake is beautiful and long. Wonderful for Kayaking."

    3. Yellow Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Belden, CA
    17 miles
    +1 (530) 284-1785

    "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."

    4. Boulder Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Janesville, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-0555

    "There were campground hosts roaming around but they didn’t seem to be enforcing rules, like only parking on the pavement and the noise curfew."

    5. High Bridge Campground

    3 Reviews
    Chester, CA
    26 miles
    Website

    "High Bridge Campground is located in the Lassen National Forest, about 10-15 minutes outside of Chester. Chester is a good town to fill up your gas tank, get supplies, etc."

    "were there to camp this weekends started aug 6 we went to roam around the National Park had a great time at the end ot the day we went back to the camp ground we have a notice that their closing the park"

    6. Bradys Campground

    Be the first to review!
    Quincy, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-0555

    7. PG&E Lake Almanor Area Last Chance Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Chester, CA
    23 miles
    +1 (530) 284-1785

    "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. Horseshoe pits are available."

    9. Conklin Park Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Milford, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    "We could hear the little creek and the wind through the burned trees."

    "quite, well kept secret that if you don't mind adventure & can be a very smart camper in Bear & Mountain Lion Country......Respect that WE are the visitors in their home, not the other way around"

    10. Laufman Campground

    4 Reviews
    Milford, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    "Aspen filled Creek just a small walk south of campground. To keep this place looking beautiful, do not forget to pack out your trash and follow Leave No Trace ethics."

    "It’s a one way drive thru so you have to drive up past the sign to the upper part of the drive thru. Picnic tables and fire rings, but you’ll need your own water and trash must be packed out."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Crescent Mills, CA

529 Reviews of 62 Crescent Mills Campgrounds


  • T
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Quaint and primitive

    The campground is basic with vault toilets and water spigots. Bear box, fire pit and picnic table provided. Some of the sites are very close to one another. Very dry and dusty in the summer time. Good location as far as getting to other points of interest in the park. Stayed in E loop for tents only which was nice because there was no noise from RVs and generators.

  • D
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Roomy and plenty of shade

    Group camps have plenty of room in a fairly shaded Pine tree environment. Campers are spaced adequatley apart. Have to get water from the faucet outside the rest rooms which have flush toilets. No showers and no electricity but the Lake was great for cooling off.

  • Lauren H.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

    A Dog's Dream

    Nestled against salmon creek and among the gold lake area, just outside of Bassetts. Very large sites, with some hike in with shallow creek crossing. Lush fields and forests. Great views. Can here traffic on ridge. Bear boxes at every site Trash and Recycling receptacles Picnic Tables at every site Fresh water available Bathrooms throughout

  • Jim S.
    Jul. 5, 2019

    Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground

    Rustic clean free

    Forest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.

  • Gretchen B.
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Berger

    Pretty, Clean, & Spacious

    Our campsite was nice! There was no formal check in process and ours was a little away from everyone else. Fire ring, picnic table, and bear box, established toilet with tp in campsite. Few bugs but nothing crazy. Small creek nearby. Pretty lake and nearby hike if you go up the road about a mile.

  • 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!

  • Kaye S.
    May. 24, 2022

    Black Rock Campground (Lassen NF)

    Please practice LNT

    The first morning we were there my dog found and ate some weed that someone had carelessly and irresponsibility discarded on the ground and she became extremely ill and had to be rushed to the emergency vet for treatment. Practicing leave no trace is so important for the safety of all animals and the preservation of our wild lands.

    The road in took about an hour and a half and I would not recommend attempting it without 4WD and high clearance. There is one stream crossing but it is minor.

  • J
    Jul. 15, 2022

    Manzanita Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Beautiful campsite, quite and clean

    Our family stayed 3 days and 2 nights, the sites are on the smaller size. We stayed at B13. Restroom were clean, rangers come and clean it almost everyday. Trash is picked up every other day. Bear box was large, easily 2 coolers and more. Lake is just a short walk away and the story carry all the essentials that you might need

  • Dani P.
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Laufman Campground

    Quiet and shaded campground

    Road is gravel, 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. Small sites but big enough for RVs. Aspen filled Creek just a small walk south of campground. To keep this place looking beautiful, do not forget to pack out your trash and follow Leave No Trace ethics. This is a free campground, and to keep it that way we must take care of it.


Guide to Crescent Mills

Crescent Mills, California, offers a variety of tent camping options surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds nearby that cater to your needs.

Tips for tent camping near Crescent Mills

  • For a rustic experience, consider the Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground, which features spacious sites and fire rings, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • If you're seeking a quieter spot away from the crowds, check out Yellow Creek Campground, known for its serene atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding pines.
  • Remember to bring your own water when camping at Snake Lake Campground, as it does not provide drinking water, but offers a great location for hiking and fishing.

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Enjoy kayaking on the beautiful waters at Ponderosa Flat Campground, where most sites are reservation-based and offer stunning lakeside views.
  • Experience the tranquility of nature while listening to the soothing sounds of a stream at Last Chance Creek Campground, located just a short drive from Highway 36.
  • Explore the scenic trails and engage in four-wheeling adventures near Boulder Creek Campground, which is nestled in a picturesque area of Plumas National Forest.

Tent campers should check out Ponderosa Flat Campground

  • This campground is well-reviewed for its beautiful lakeside sites and is ideal for those looking to enjoy kayaking and fishing.
  • With amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, Ponderosa Flat Campground provides a comfortable camping experience.
  • The campground is open from May to October, making it a great seasonal option for outdoor enthusiasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Crescent Mills, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Crescent Mills, CA is Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Crescent Mills, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 62 tent camping locations near Crescent Mills, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.