Best Tent Camping near Davis Creek, CA

Tent campgrounds near Davis Creek, California provide rustic, isolated camping opportunities in the forested mountain terrain of northeastern California and nearby Oregon. Cave Lake Campground offers tent sites directly adjacent to a crystal-clear lake with stunning mountain views, while Cal Pines provides a more accessible tent camping experience with access to Rainbow Pond. Most sites in the region are primitive, operating seasonally from late spring through fall when snow conditions permit.

Road access to tent sites varies significantly throughout the Davis Creek vicinity, with some locations like Cave Lake requiring four-wheel drive vehicles due to steep, rocky terrain. Many campgrounds feature basic amenities including picnic tables, fire pits, and vault toilets, though potable water is rarely available. Campers should carry sufficient water and supplies, as most areas are remote with no cell service. Twin Springs Campground near Lakeview offers free tent sites with picnic tables and toilet facilities but no drinking water. Several campgrounds in the region have fairly short seasons due to high elevation, typically open from June through October.

These secluded tent camping areas provide exceptional stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution and higher elevations. Fishing is popular at reservoir-based campgrounds like Holbrook Reservoir, where white pelicans, ospreys, and bald eagles can be observed. Walk-in tent sites often provide more privacy and direct access to hiking trails than drive-in areas. The primitive nature of these campgrounds attracts visitors seeking solitude and natural experiences rather than amenities. "Sites were large and toilets were clean. Don't just stop at the first section like we did, there are sites along the back of the lake too," a camper noted about Holbrook Reservoir. Many tent camping locations sit at higher elevations, offering cooler temperatures during summer months when lower valleys experience intense heat.

Best Tent Sites Near Davis Creek, California (17)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Davis Creek, CA

4 Photos of 17 Davis Creek Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Davis Creek, CA

100 Reviews of 17 Davis Creek Campgrounds


  • Greg D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Wild Goose Meadows RV Park

    Convenient overnighter

    This place is under new ownership and they claim to be sprucing up the place. This may be so, but the restrooms are in need of repair, no electric outlets in bathrooms and one small sink, primitive mirror and a board shelf, no vanity, two out of three toilets in the ladies room are out of service and my wife said it smells awful. She spoke to another camper about it and they said they reported it earlier and nothing has been done yet. A little road noise but not too bad at night. Some shaded areas and all gravel. No fire rings or picnic tables. I’m assuming gas fire pit only as there are no fire rings

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Mud Creek Campground

    Beautiful, large, private & free

    Camped here in Oct 2020. This is a USFS campground in the Fremont Winema NF. No hookups but large private sites with fire rings and ginormous picnic tables plus vault toilets. There’s water but only in season. Close to Hart Mtn Antelope Refuge. Would camp here again.

  • Ryan W.
    Aug. 18, 2017

    Howards Gulch Campground

    Howard's Gulch Campground in Modoc National Forest

    Howards Gulch Campground • Modoc National Forest • $12

    Northern California • Basin & Range Birding Trail 15 Northeastern location

    Just past a hundred miles of farmfield coming from the North we enter the Modoc National Forest, and turn left against our GPS’ wishes into Howard’s Gulch Campground (Forest Service). Pay attention to the signs. It's analog but it's right. It’s a small, primitive camp in Northern California with 12 sites. Two which are walk in only and none which are for large RV’s. The fee is $12 which is significantly more than the next campground down the road which is free, but the consistency of the Forest Service sites makes it worth it. 

    The trees are tall and red, and according to a conveniently placed sign, coniferous. There are also signs indicating common birds of the area and their habitats, along with a 1.5 mile trail built by the U.S. Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and the California Department of Corrections. The trail has been dedicated “for your hiking pleasure…” This campground is also part of the Basin & Range Birding Trail system of Northern California and Southern Oregon.

    Like all forest service campgrounds there is a fire pit and a picnic table in each site. Most of the sites are spaced relatively privately, but since you’re in the middle of nowhere you’ll probably be sharing the camp with one, maybe two other campers. In addition, some sites have a stand alone charcoal grilling set-ups.

    Trails like this one lead right from camp. Bring your binoculars.

    There are plenty of water taps. At least five, but since it isn’t potable there isn’t really much benefit. Since the water is being “treated with chemicals” I wouldn’t even recommend boiling it for use leaving it for the dousing of fires, but the camp is under no-burn restrictions. Rightfully so, considering the summer California has had so far.

    Toilets are standard vaults, but there are three of them for 12 sites. Two of which are recent new builds. Being low in the gulch you’re surrounded by walls on three sides to the outer side of the camp loop. The inner loop still backs up to a cliff wall for an unusually located tall mound...and OHMYGOD MY WIFE JUST CHOPPED HER THUMB! SHIT! SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!SHIT!

    ...

    The reason to camp here is…you’re on your way somewhere else most likely. Coming from Oregon to Yosemite or Tahoe or vice versa. But if you do you won’t be disappointed and if you like birds you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The nearest town is at least 20+ miles if you need anything so come prepared. My Wife's thumb is fine by the way. Despite a serious scare at the time. She field dressed it like a boss using our first aid kit (which we've since upgraded). She'll have a reminder scar, but her badass level went up like a million points. I give Howard’s Gulch 3 Tent Stakes of Awesomeness for being a solid campground with nice sites and trails leaving right from camp but not much else going on. Also, there is no indication of who Howard is. I certainly didn't meet him.

    Pro-Tip #1: Prepare for summer heat. You aren’t at elevation here.

    Pro-Tip #2: Bring binoculars.

    Pro-Tip #3: Bring water and anything else you might need. No place near by to get anything.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Lassen Creek Campground

    Great spot!

    This was a lovely spot next to a small creek, and several sites had access to it. We towed a 18ft travel trailer and found lots of spaces it would fit, though I wouldn't recommend anything longer than about 25 feet. The restrooms were clean and stocked and several sites had stone stoves as well as fire rings. We used our GPS vs Google maps, had no problem finding the campground. It was secluded and had plenty of shade. We only stayed one night traveling through, but would definitely stay again.

  • Bill T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 14, 2024

    Drews Creek

    Quiet and small

    A small quiet campground near, but not on Drews creek.  Only space for about 4 maybe 5 RVs.  All sites great for tents.  There are no services - no water, no electric, no dump.  It does have two very nice and clean modern pit toilets.  We had no cell service.

  • Mary C.
    Jun. 12, 2018

    Goose Lake State Recreation Area

    Open Campground

    This was a very open campground, very little privacy allotted for each site. There were some tree cover and grass. The lake was not very swimmable as it was dry, so we went to a nearby creek and enjoyed that.

    It was pretty awesome to be on the state lines of Oregon and California, able to be two places at once. The town of New Pine Creek spans both states and has lots of fun places to visit and see.

  • C
    Jul. 15, 2020

    Cave Lake Campground

    Isolated Gem

    Pros: Totally isolated (during the week). Stunning views of surrounding mountains and forest with a crystal clear lake (Cave Lake) for swimming and fishing. Sites equipped with fire pits and picnic tables. Pit toilets. Camped directly next to lake. Stargazing was absolutely breathtaking. One of our very favorite sites just over the Oregon-California border.

    Cons: No water. Difficult climb/drive without good tires or 4WD (very steep, high grade road that is mostly dirt and large rocks).

    Tips: 4WD/AWD is a must. And drive slowly (see above). We popped a tire in our SUV on the way up, but totally worth it.

  • C
    Jul. 9, 2018

    Lassen Creek Campground

    Great Spot!

    My husband and I took a quick trip to North Eastern California for some rock hounding. We came upon this campground toward the end of the evening. It's a dry camp ground with pit toilets. The best part was that there were not designated camp sites - find a fire ring, and camp away. Our nearest neighbor was well over 200 yards away. It was a great spot and perfect for 4th of July weekend. We will definitely be returning to this location!

  • Ariel & John  W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Stough Reservoir Campground

    Small but great and free

    Camped here in June 2020 and got the single prime spot across the little pond with its own pit toilet. Snowed when we were there in June. No hookups but there’s water around the campsites and picnic tables and fire pits. Excellent little campground with maybe a dozen or so sites. Clean & well maintained. Beautiful Warner Mountains all around.

    If you keep going up the forest road there are dispersed camping spots at higher elevation with great views but roads only suitable for small rigs. There’s both a BLM and USFS office in nearby Cedarville for info plus hot springs in Surprise Valley and lots of good rockhounding in nearby Warner mountains on the west side towards Lakeview. Would camp here again.


Guide to Davis Creek

Tent camping near Davis Creek, California occurs primarily in the high desert region where the Modoc Plateau meets the Warner Mountains at elevations between 4,500-8,000 feet. Most campsites in this area experience significant temperature drops at night, even during summer months, with temperature differentials often exceeding 30 degrees between day and night. The camping season typically runs from mid-May through mid-October depending on snowpack and seasonal road closures.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Fremont National Forest Holbrook Reservoir Forest Camp offers productive fishing in stocked waters. "We spent Memorial Day 2018 at this reservoir and it was gorgeous... The fishing was really good and both of my kids caught their first fish during this trip," reports Jonel W.

Bird watching: Several tent camping areas provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities for birders. "When we were there in early June, the reservoir had been stocked. Although we are not fisher folks, we enjoyed the birds that were enjoying the fish: white pelicans, ospreys, Buffleheads, Double-crested Cormorants, and a Bald Eagle," notes James at Holbrook Reservoir.

Mountain hiking: Cave Lake Campground serves as a base for exploring surrounding mountain terrain. Located just over the Oregon-California border, the area provides direct access to forest trails with minimal crowds during weekdays.

What campers like

Waterfront sites: Tent campers appreciate the direct lake access at several campgrounds. "Lots of mosquitoes but worth it. Sites were large and toilets were clean. Don't just stop at the first section like we did, there are sites along the back of the lake too," advises Lori F. about Holbrook Reservoir.

Privacy options: Most tent sites in the Davis Creek area offer significant spacing between campsites. "This was a great place at the top of the mountain. Rainbow pond was a great place to walk to from the campground. I really enjoyed my time setting up a hammock and enjoying the scenery," writes Cameron W. about Cal Pines.

Clear night skies: The remote location of Davis Creek tent camping areas provides exceptional astronomical viewing. "Stargazing was absolutely breathtaking. One of our very favorite sites just over the Oregon-California border," explains Carolyn P. about her experience at Cave Lake Campground.

What you should know

Limited facilities: Most tent camping areas near Davis Creek operate with minimal amenities. "It's dry camping, but there are a couple outhouses provided. The area where we were camped did not have an outhouse, despite having campsites," notes Jonel W. about camping at Holbrook Reservoir.

Road conditions: Access to many campsites requires vehicles capable of handling rough terrain. "Difficult climb/drive without good tires or 4WD (very steep, high grade road that is mostly dirt and large rocks)... 4WD/AWD is a must. And drive slowly. We popped a tire in our SUV on the way up, but totally worth it," cautions Carolyn P. about Cave Lake Campground.

No connectivity: Cell service is unavailable throughout most of the camping areas. "It is fairly remote with no cell phone coverage," James confirms about his experience at Fremont National Forest Holbrook Reservoir.

Tips for camping with families

First-time fishing: Several reservoirs near Davis Creek offer productive fishing for beginners. "The fishing was really good and both of my kids caught their first fish during this trip," shares Jonel W. about Twin Springs Campground, making it ideal for families introducing children to angling.

Insect preparation: Mosquitoes can be prevalent at many water-adjacent tent sites in summer. "Lots of mosquitoes but worth it," notes Lori F., so families should pack appropriate repellent and protective clothing, especially for evening hours.

Reservoir exploration: Many tent camping areas feature multiple camping zones around water features. "Don't just stop at the first section like we did, there are sites along the back of the lake too, go past the 1st lot with the bathrooms and follow until you find a site you like," Lori F. advises families seeking the best spots.

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most tent camping areas near Davis Creek have restrictions for larger vehicles. Cave Lake Campground specifically notes road conditions unsuitable for most RVs. "Difficult climb/drive without good tires or 4WD (very steep, high grade road that is mostly dirt and large rocks)," reports Carolyn P.

Trailer accessibility: Some locations can accommodate smaller trailers despite limited amenities. "We were able to park our 20 foot trailer near the lake. The roads coming in are pretty typical forest service type roads requiring you to go fairly slowly and watch out for potholes," James explains about his experience at Holbrook Reservoir.

Site selection strategy: RVers with smaller units should explore beyond initial camping areas. "There appear to be about ten campsites dispersed around the reservoir in at least three different locations. The main campsite sits at the south end of the reservoir near the small dam," notes James, highlighting options for those with appropriate vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Davis Creek, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Davis Creek, CA is Cave Lake Campground with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Davis Creek, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 17 tent camping locations near Davis Creek, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.