Best Glamping near Downieville, CA

Sardine Lake's glamping options feature comfortable canvas accommodations at this hidden Sierra Nevada gem, with sites perfectly positioned near stunning alpine lakes and hiking trails. The glamping sites boast picnic tables, drinking water access, and fire rings, while accommodating both walk-in and drive-in visitors seeking an elevated outdoor experience. Little Bear RV Park offers additional glamping accommodations with modern amenities including full hookups, showers, and trash service in a picturesque setting. One visitor noted, "Despite the beautiful Joshua trees this campground is not a great place to stay. The roads are in terrible condition, trash is strewn throughout, and staff is less than friendly or helpful."

Glampers enjoy direct access to spectacular water recreation at Jackson Meadows Reservoir from East Meadow Campground, where several luxury canvas tents provide comfortable beds and rustic furnishings. Swimming at Sand Pond, paddleboarding on crystal-clear alpine lakes, and hiking to Sierra Buttes create memorable outdoor experiences. The nearby Thousand Trails Snowflower property includes yurt accommodations with heated interiors and comfortable furnishings for year-round glamping possibilities. A recent visitor mentioned, "We had great time at sardine lake campground. Great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance and lots of other lakes around the area." The most popular glamping locations require advance reservations, particularly during the peak season from May through October.

Best Glamping Sites Near Downieville, California (33)

    1. Sardine Lake

    9 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 - $48 / night

    "The typical Sierra granite spires around the lake make for the scenery. There's a bar/shack on the water at the resort which is so cute and fun too."

    "We had great time at sardine lake campground. Great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance and lots of other lakes around the area."

    2. East Meadow Campground

    7 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-8861

    $24 - $48 / night

    "So remote and private but everything you need at the campground with water access within walking distance. Sites are great with picnic tables and bathrooms near by."

    "Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5."

    3. Little Bear RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Blairsden-Graeagle, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2774

    $39 - $47 / night

    "Surprised how well maintained and friendly staff assisting with set up. Nice dog large area without enclosed fencing. All short term campers are located in the center very cozy."

    "The staff was friendly. The bathroom/shower was closed and I wish there had been easier access to the river but other than that it was a great place to stay."

    4. Inn Town Campground

    12 Reviews
    Nevada City, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-9900

    "The common house has a fully stocked kitchen so you can camp without having to bring supplies! The campground is exceptionally clean and meticulously maintained."

    "It’s clean, has great amenities (pool, showers, kitchen, bathrooms), and it’s a nice walk away from town. It has a spot for everyone - RVs, glamping tents, and the standard tent sites (my style)."

    5. Black Rock Campground

    3 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    "Very pretty views of the valley from the campground, and having hiking trails start from the campground was really nice. Only complaints are very close neighbors and little shade."

    6. Thousand Trails Snowflower

    6 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Great lake for swimming and water play. Too warm for trout and too small for kayaks/SUPs. But it does make a beautiful backdrop. 
    The park is rather spread out, so a bicycle/ebike is a plus."

    "I am a member of Thousand Trails and that being said this is one of my favorite TT spots in California. Family friendly, great little Lake for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding."

    7. Lodgepole Campground

    5 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    22 miles
    Website

    $32 / night

    "The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?)"

    "There are plenty of places to fill up potable water, recycle and dump trash. "

    8. Collins Lake Recreation Area

    22 Reviews
    Oregon House, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 692-1600

    "*pros: great little market, very nice staff, clean, great views *cons: rocky watch your step, especially at the beach and a long the shore."

    "We’ve been to Collins Lake a few times and we love it! Lots of different camping spots and the lake is stocked with fish. Ice cream at the store is a must."

    9. Golden Trout Campground

    1 Review
    Strawberry Valley, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-2050

    "This campground had riding trails that could bring you to Sly Creek and secret camping sites that a quad or 4 wheel drive could find. It's closed until 2023 due to the fires."

    10. Lake of the Woods

    4 Reviews
    Sierraville, CA
    23 miles

    "Small lake perfect for kayak fishing."

    "Nice campground at great lake. Nice water for swimming. Fire rings and benches for each site. A dirt road to get to the campsite, but doable for experienced drivers or high clearance cars."

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Showing results 1-10 of 33 campgrounds

Glamping Reviews near Downieville, CA

153 Reviews of 33 Downieville Campgrounds



Guide to Downieville

Glamping close to Downieville, California offers an elevated camping experience in the Sierra Nevada mountains at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 7,000 feet. The region experiences warm summer days with temperatures typically between 75-85°F and cool nights dropping to 45-55°F. Most glamping sites remain open from late May through mid-October due to seasonal snowfall that makes winter access challenging.

What to do

Swimming at clear mountain lakes: Lake of the Woods provides excellent swimming opportunities with its shallow areas featuring white sand. "Nice water for swimming. Fire rings and benches for each site. A dirt road to get to the campsite, but doable for experienced drivers or high clearance cars," notes one Lake of the Woods visitor.

Hiking to scenic viewpoints: The Sierra Buttes trail system offers challenging terrain with significant elevation gain. A visitor to Sardine Lake mentions, "I would recommend hiking up to the Buttes if you're looking for a challenge. Be sure to stop at Bassett's for some icecream on your way out!" Many trails connect directly to Sardine Lake campground, making it convenient for day hikers.

Fishing in stocked waters: Multiple lakes in the area maintain healthy fish populations. "Great fishing in the lower lake," reports a Sardine Lake camper, while another notes that Lake of the Woods is "a small lake perfect for kayak fishing."

What campers like

Proximity to multiple water bodies: The region features numerous lakes within short driving distances. "Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance and lots of other lakes around the area," reports one camper, while another adds, "The lake is beautiful and Sand Pond is great for swimming."

Peace and seclusion: Many campers appreciate the quiet atmosphere. One Inn Town Campground visitor notes, "Close to town but feels like faraway. Very nice campground. Next to train museum. Great common area. Lots of places to explore."

Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the area maintain good standards. At East Meadow Campground, a visitor appreciates that "They have flush toilets and bear boxes which makes it nice for those of us that tent camp. Close to the water and sites have plenty of space."

What you should know

Seasonal insects: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas, particularly near water. A visitor to Lake of the Woods warns, "The mosquitoes were gone by the morning but mosquitoes do love hanging out by the water."

Variable site quality: Not all sites offer equal amenities or views. At East Meadow Campground, one camper notes, "First time there and we reserved a spot, site 21 and the door of our camper wasn't facing our camp. I noticed a few sites like that. It's pretty tight spaces and not a lot of privacy."

Limited cell service: Most glamping locations have minimal or no connectivity. "There's no cell service and no services at the campsite so pick up firewood from the one motel/cafe/gas/market on the way in," advises a Sardine Lake visitor.

Advance planning required: First-come, first-served sites fill quickly during peak season. As noted for Lake of the Woods, "Spots are first come first served and can fill up quickly."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Downieville, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Downieville, CA is Sardine Lake with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find glamping camping near Downieville, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 33 glamping camping locations near Downieville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.