Best Campgrounds near Downieville, CA

Camping near Downieville, California gives you access to several mountain sites with different setups. Gold Lake 4x4 Campground sits about 11 miles from town and works well for campers who don't mind the rough drive to camp near the Sierra Buttes. Sardine Lake has good fishing and hiking trails, plus nice mountain views. The roads to these camps twist through the mountains, so drive slow, especially with bigger rigs. You'll find basic stuff like pit toilets and picnic tables at some sites, while Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground (13 miles away) has flush toilets and drinking water. Make sure you check the current fire rules and how long you can stay at each spot. Black bears live throughout this area, so bring bear canisters or use the provided lockers for all your food and scented items. Hikers can find trails for all skill levels around Downieville. The lakes are good for kayaking and swimming when it gets hot. If you're coming during summer weekends, you should probably make reservations ahead of time. Late spring and early fall usually have the best weather and pretty scenery. The camping options around Downieville work for both families and solo trips, depending on how remote you want to be.

Best Camping Sites Near Downieville, California (354)

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Recent Reviews near Downieville, CA

762 Reviews of 354 Downieville Campgrounds



Guide to Downieville

Camping near Downieville, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with stunning views and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the many trails in the area. Campers love the access to hiking trails, with one reviewer from Fallen Leaf Campground - South Lake Tahoe mentioning, "Many excursions and hiking trails. Breathtakingly beautiful."
  • Water Activities: Enjoy swimming, kayaking, or fishing in nearby lakes. A visitor at Beals Point Campground noted, "Great access to lake beach swim area."
  • Wildlife Watching: Keep an eye out for local wildlife. One camper at Eagle Point Campground shared, "We had a bear visit our campsite, so it’s crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer plenty of space between sites. A reviewer at D.L. Bliss State Park Campground mentioned, "The group site has a lot of privacy from other sites and plenty of space."
  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Washoe Lake State Park Campground said, "The whole campground is just so clean."
  • Beautiful Scenery: The natural beauty of the area is a big draw. One camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area remarked, "Great views and clean."

What you should know:

  • Bear Activity: Be cautious about food storage due to bear activity. A camper at Eagle Point Campground warned, "It’s crucial to store your food in the provided bear boxes."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you expect. A visitor at Granite Flat noted, "The bathrooms were mediocre."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise from nearby roads. A camper at Granite Flat mentioned, "The highway is really loud at night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites that offer activities for kids. One reviewer at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area said, "Great family-friendly camping."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or water toys for added fun. A camper at Collins Lake Recreation Area suggested, "Bring your bikes if you have them because the ride to the dam is nice."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Keep everyone happy with plenty of snacks. A visitor at Fallen Leaf Campground mentioned, "The stars are my favorite to watch."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Zephyr Cove Resort noted, "My fire ring was at the bumper of my vehicle."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need them, check for campgrounds with full hookups. A reviewer at Sparks Marina RV Park said, "The park is clean and has multiple very clean dog parks."
  • Be Mindful of Reservations: Some campgrounds can overbook. A camper at Zephyr Cove Resort warned, "They called to cancel my reservation via voicemail."

Camping near Downieville, California, has something for everyone, from families to RV enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Downieville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Downieville, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 354 campgrounds and RV parks near Downieville, CA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Downieville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Downieville, CA is Gold Lake 4x4 Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Downieville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Downieville, CA.

What parks are near Downieville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Downieville, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.