Best Tent Camping near Downieville, CA
Looking for the best Downieville tent camping? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your California camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Downieville, CA (86)
1. Bowman Campground
Sierra City, California7 Reviews•19 Photos•176 SavesBowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground with limited services. There are 7 campsites with tables, fire rings and bear proof food lockers. There is no trash service. Bowman Lake is a large lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and scattered pines that are great for fishing and swimming. A few islands are found within the lake. Car top boat launch only. The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous. There are several stretches of the road where it is impossible for two vehicles to pass around each other and so if traffic is coming from both directions, someone will need to back up. Despite the difficult access, Bowman Lake is a popular, heavily used area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
2. Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Truckee, California18 Reviews•47 Photos•232 SavesDonner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for Donner Lake camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. Visitors are welcome year-round at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$35 / night
3. Goose Lake Campground
Graeagle, California4 Reviews•4 Photos•49 SavesGoose Lake Campground has 13 campsites that include table, fire ring, food locker, vault toilets and parking. Access to some campsites is via rough unpaved road. Some of the features of this area include breathtaking scenery and over 20 scenic lakes to hike, bike or horse ride to.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
4. Grouse Ridge Campground
Emigrant Gap, California4 Reviews•24 Photos•136 SavesGrouse Ridge Campground is located at the top of Grouse Ridge, spectacular vistas of granitic boulders, many alpine lakes, scattered pines, and wildflowers in the summer. Often late opening due to snow banks on access road. Hiking and biking trails lead off of ridge to the Grouse Lakes Area located at the base of the ridge. There are 9 campsites with tables and fire rings. 5 campsites have space for small trailers.There is a vault toilet, but no trash service; pack it in pack it out!
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
5. Faucherie Lake Group Campground
Emigrant Gap, California3 Reviews•16 Photos•90 SavesNOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS. Recreation Facilities Natural Features ADA Access: N
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
6. Lake Spaulding Campground
Emigrant Gap, California4 Reviews•5 Photos•238 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
7. Rucker Lake Campground
Emigrant Gap, California4 Reviews•9 Photos•105 SavesThis is a PG&E; lake/campground on the Tahoe National Forest. Car-top launch for kayaks and boats. There is no boat ramp at the lake.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
8. Canyon Creek Campground
Sierra City, California3 Reviews•2 Photos•95 SavesCanyon Creek Campground is located on Canyon Creek in a mixed conifer forest, near Faucherie Reservoir. It is a remote campground with 20 campsites, vault toilets, bear proof food lockers, paved parking, and no trash service (pack it in, pack it out.) The road to the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow, requiring high clearance; towing/trailers not recommended.
- Pets
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
- Picnic Table
9. Lindsey Lake Campground
Emigrant Gap, California3 Reviews•7 Photos•81 SavesPrimitive campground, with 12 campsites, vault toilets, and no trash service Located near Lindsey Lake, 12 miles north of Highway 20. Great hiking, fishing and swimming. Low clearance vehicles are not advised.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
10. Loganville
Sierra City, California2 Reviews•11 Photos•28 SavesOverview
Loganville Campground is located along the North Yuba River, off of Highway 49 about 1.5 miles west of Sierra City. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, hunting, fishing, biking, swimming__and gold panning.
Recreation
Nearby activities include fishing, hiking, white water boating, mountain bike and motorcycle trails, and seasonal hunting. The scenic and historic town of Sierra City is a short drive from the campground where a variety of lodging and dining options are available as well as a grocery store and some boutique stores.
Natural Features
The campground has two loops situated in a scenic, dense forest of oak, pine, and fir trees, which provide ample shade. One section of the campground meanders up a hillside, while the other lies on level ground.
Nearby Attractions
Gold Lakes Basin offers boating, fishing, biking, and hiking. Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes, about nine miles east of the campground. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals. Over 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack branch out across the area and the Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed at a few spots east of Sierra City and in the Gold Lakes Basin area. The historic towns of Sierra City and Downieville offer historic and cultural attractions, restaurants, shops, churches, and vistor information. On the water, visitors enjoy boating and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 265-4531.
Charges & Cancellations
No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). * No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$24 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Downieville
715 Reviews of 86 Downieville Campgrounds
Bobby S.
Scout
Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Great Trip!
I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun. Me and my friends were up there and there was conveniently a campground available in there same campsite. We went in the summer and the water was perfect! We went fishing and caught crawfish in a trap underneath the bridge near the front. Overall the staff were really nice and it was a great trip. I recommend it!
ron R.
Ranger
Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
Complete trash dump
It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.
Sebastian M.Scout
Auburn Gold Country RV Park
Okay
Had a standard Hookup-RV-Spot. Was very uneven, couldn't get the RV level. If you don't have the premium hookup spots, you got to pay 20$ "Service Fee" for dumping. Idk why because you end up doing it all by yourself as usual anyway. Feels like a bit of a rip off to be honest. The rest is nice, quiet (except for the geese) and clean.
- BBradford H.
Traveler
Loon Lake
Old boat ramp, rock and uneven
Nice peaceful spot. Few cars go by, but it’s tucked away enough.
Paxton B.Scout
Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp
The road is terrible
Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone
- DDaniel M.Traveler
PG&E Lassen National Forest Rocky Point Campground
Simple
Bon rapport qualité prix comparer à celui un peu avant et proximité du lac
- Patricia N.Ranger
Grizzly Creek Campground
Nestled in the trees
This campground is a very quiet spot after Labor Day, it is small, only 10 sites total and it is only open until September 30, which I don't understand since there is no snow here until November.
When we were there only one other camper was staying here and he was a deer hunter.
The water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared. This campground has two sites that will take a 30' trailer and the remaining sites will take smaller trailers, tents or campers.
One site has a new picnic table but all sites have tables, fire pits and plenty of room between sites. Pit toilets are near the entrance and only one was clean when we stayed here.
Not to far from Bucks Lake if you want to camp and then drive to the lake.
Fees have changed, they are $25 a night and $12.50 if you have the pass.
- Patricia N.Ranger
Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground
South Feather and Power water company campground
Sly Creek Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake with several campsites along a small portion of the lake.
There is a boat ramp and ATV riding on the forest roads in the area.
The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025.
Passes are honored.
- Patricia N.Ranger
Ponderosa Flat Campground
PGE campground
This campground and the one to the south, Cool Springs, are both run by Pacific Gas and Electric Utility company.
There are campground hosts at both campgrounds and late in September half of Ponderosa Flat closes. The entire campground closes at the end of September.
There was plenty of water in the Reservoir and it could be okay for a boat but you have to look out for all the snags in the water, and there are a lot of them.
Campground is quiet but tight to get a large trailer in, ours is 26 feet and it was tight. The spaces in the closed portion of the campground were a bit more spacious.
Fire rings, tables and pit toilets. It was $30 a night with no power, power sites are more expensive.
If you have a cool campground host you can ride your ATV or Side by side out onto the dirt road and ride for miles. Just be mindful it is not really supposed to be a ride out campground.
Michael B.Scout
Running Deer Campground
Lake side
Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline.
- MMarty P.
Guide
Logger Campground
Beautiful campground with lake views.
Love our stay at Logger Campground, very clean vault toilets, and facility. Most of the spots are very tight, narrow spaces. Make some when you book, you get the right size spot. Pay dump just offsite.
- rrob D.Guide
Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation
Nice USFS campground
All camp sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Please ensure fires are permitted before starting a fire. The campground was clean and quiet. Pit toilets were clean and well stocked. Please note that I was there during the week. I imagine that during summer weekends it can get quite noisy with boat and jet ski traffic being so close to Reno. I would definitely stay again.
- HHope H.Traveler
Bear Valley Campground
Remote Forest Camping
FCFS OHV campground that can be approached from a couple of rough dirt roads, high clearance helpful, 4wd not needed. Not all sites are flat. People from the area (i guess) seemed to be "reserving" sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs... they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility. Took a hike. Very pretty. No OHV noise, but a copter was circling the area in the middle of the night.
- TTaylor A.Guide
Lodgepole Campground
Perfectly Situated in the Sequoias
I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. 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?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!
- SShawn M.Traveler
Bowman Lake Dispersed
Lake side Campsites
If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.
Joey C.Scout
Antelope Lake Recreation Area
Beautiful
We had a great time up at Antelope Lake. It is a very pretty lake and would definitely recommend going. However, the camp host there was very rude and very unaccommodating. I booked 6 campsites for two nights, when I showed up on Friday, the campground was not full so I moved to my trailer to a different site because it was close to friends and family. The site I moved to was first come first serve. The camp host was hounding me - saying I must pay for the site I moved to even though the campground wasn't full. Originally, I paid close to $500 for all 6 sites and the camp host made me pay for the extra site that wasn't even taken/reserved. Be careful of this guy! I think this guy might be pocketing the money.
Kirsten G.Guide
Bordertown Casino RV Resort
Easy stop on the way thru
Easy stop going north - level site, free showers. Laundry was 4.00 for aload to wash/dry. Had a nice simple meal at casnio
- OOnyx E.Guide
Nevada County Fairgrounds
Quiet camping
It’s $30 a night for dry camping and goes up from there depending on what hookups you need. Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around.
- BBradley O.Traveler
Truckee River RV Park
Website states switched to permanent tenants
I have not stayed here but the website states switched to permanent residents. Likely hard to find a spot.
- aaddison G.Scout
Haskins Valley Campground
Nice, easy access to lake
It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake.
- jjoe N.Scout
Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground
Boca Rest
I spent nine days camping at Boca rest, it is a beautiful campsite. I was there before memorial day weekend so it was fairly empty. The fishing and the little Truckee and the lake was outstanding.
- DDarrin S.Traveler
Quail Ridge RV Park
Serene RV Trailer Park?
Place wasn’t too bad. Very nice people, very peaceful, and quiet, however, there were many people here who are permanent residents of the park, some of their areas are a little trashy looking for lack of a better word. Definitely not a bad spot if you’re on the way to another campground, but there are probably better ones to head to, especially if you have children with you. We were also looking for a place to camp with two days notice and this was all we could find. Cheap too!
- RRebecca J.Traveler
Lindsey Lake Campground
So nice!
Stayed 6 days with friends and dogs. Sites were rustic but clean. We had direct access to lake to launch and swim. Jake, site host, very kind and professional as he answered questions and gave advice when a group member popped a tire coming up to the lake. We will be back!
Chris N.GuideBowman Lake Dispersed
Great Late Spring Escape
This place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.
- Sharon B.Scout
Collins Lake Recreation Area
Lakeside
*pros: great little market, very nice staff, clean, great views *cons: rocky watch your step, especially at the beach and a long the shore. Recommend water shoes, although this may only help a little as the rocks are quite large and when can trip over them as much as step on them. they are not round river rocks, but pointy and painful to traverse. *my stay: I was only here for two nights and on the second morning some people pulled in and pitched a tent at 4:30 in the morning. They weren’t particularly loud, but they did curse and had their flashlight bright enough that it shone into my site and RV. Overall, it was still a very pleasant stay for the two nights.
- RRay B.Guide
Cool Springs Campground
Secret Place Near Lake Almanor
Just try to get a last minute camp spot on Memorial Day weekend most places. We were fortunate to discover Butt Lake near Lake Almanor. Only one small burn area far from the campgrounds. Friday was opening day for Cool Springs campground. A PG&E operated facility, it was in great shape and ready for the season. We did three nights, departing on Monday. On Friday night we were one of only a few guests. Saturday and Sunday were full, but the feeling was vary spacious. The lake is a reservoir with no actual inlet. Rather it is fed by a pipe from Lake Almanor with a hydroelectric plant just prior to the water entering Butt Lake. Oddly for a PG&E lake there is not hydroelectric plant at the outlet dam. Did some bike riding to check out the dam, Ponderosa Flat campground, Pioneer cemetery, and east shore of the lake.
- RRay B.Guide
Lookout Campground
Fantastic Crystal Peak
This site is really close to Reno, except for the time it takes on the dirt road. We went in one way and out the other. Our way in was from 395 at Bordertown north of Reno on Long Valley Road. Once on the dirt the first couple of miles were bad washboard. Slow going. Then, the rest of the trip had some challenging driving with rocks and ruts. We went really slow and everything was fine. We left via Dog Valley Road and hit the pavement again in Verdi.
We visited for a night mid-week. Only one other campsite was occupied. The trail from the campground to Crystal Peak was great. It's more like Crystal knoll. The history of Cristal Peak is amazing, and the crystals are everywhere. Really nice views from atop the knoll too. Many people visit just for the day to collect crystals.
Guide to Downieville
Tent camping near Downieville, California, offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with stunning landscapes and a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy.
Tent campers should check out local activities
- Bowman Campground provides access to beautiful hiking trails and stunning views of Bowman Lake, perfect for a day of exploration.
- At Lake Spaulding Campground, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing, making it an ideal spot for water enthusiasts.
- Canyon Creek Campground is known for its secluded lakes, offering a peaceful retreat for kayaking and swimming.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Goose Lake Campground features picnic tables and toilets, ensuring a comfortable camping experience amidst nature.
- Rucker Lake Campground offers fire pits and bear boxes, making it easy to enjoy campfires while keeping your food safe.
- Lindsey Lake Campground has rustic sites with direct access to the lake, perfect for launching kayaks or swimming.
Unique features of the campgrounds
- Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground is well-reviewed for its secluded spots and proximity to excellent hiking trails.
- Fiddle Creek is praised for its cleanliness and well-maintained facilities, despite being close to Highway 49.
- Grouse Ridge Campground provides breathtaking views and access to multiple lakes, making it a favorite for those seeking adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Downieville, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Downieville, CA is Bowman Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 7 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Downieville, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 86 tent camping locations near Downieville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.