Best Tent Camping near Downieville, CA

Primitive tent camping options surround Downieville, California in Tahoe National Forest, with several established campgrounds including Fiddle Creek and Loganville. Goose Lake Campground, located near Sierra City, offers tent-only sites with basic amenities during its operating season from June to November. For those seeking more seclusion, Bowman Lake Dispersed camping area provides free, minimalist tent sites with fewer facilities but greater privacy.

Road conditions to many tent campgrounds require careful navigation, with several reviewers noting high-clearance vehicles are recommended. The Bowman Lake area, while offering pristine camping experiences, features roads described as "long and fairly rough" in visitor feedback. Most established tent sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and vault toilets, though potable water is limited to certain locations like Fiddle Creek and Loganville campgrounds. Bear boxes are provided at many sites, becoming increasingly common over recent years as human-wildlife interactions have increased. Seasonal considerations affect most areas, with many higher-elevation tent sites closed during winter months.

The tent camping experience in this region varies significantly by location and elevation. Areas around Lindsey Lake Campground offer "rustic and remote" tent sites with beautiful surroundings and access to multiple lakes and hiking trails. According to one visitor, "You can be out of ear and eye shot of any other person, spread out, and really take a great hammock nap" when utilizing dispersed tent camping options in the National Forest. Primitive backcountry tent sites often provide greater solitude, particularly during weekdays, though established campgrounds fill quickly during summer months. Mosquitoes can be problematic in some locations, particularly near lakes and streams, so tent campers should bring appropriate repellent. The region's wilderness setting means limited or non-existent cell service at most primitive tent camping locations, allowing for a true disconnection from urban life.

Best Tent Sites Near Downieville, California (87)

    1. Bowman Campground

    7 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4531

    "There are several primitive campgrounds to choose from. Some right near the lake. There is a pit toilet, but no water or fire rings. The drive is long and fairly rough."

    "The road is rough and can be treacherous driving on a cliff side. You will need good clearance on your car. Pit toilet only with no water. lots of hiking, good fishing, great kayaking."

    2. Loganville

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

    $24 / night

    "The weather was perfect in early October! It was not busy, there was on other occupied campsite not to close to where we were. It has water, bathrooms and a bear box. Beautiful trees and clean sites."

    "The campground itself is pretty standard, sites are decent size, and lots of shade.  There is a path down to the Yuba River, where you can get in the water or float on a tube. "

    3. Goose Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    Graeagle, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-2050

    "Dry camping with space between sites. Great for kayaking and tents. Some sites require high clearance vehicles. Beautiful views."

    "Pull right off the "highway" into the campground surrounded by a lake on three sides!! Camp right on the edge of the lake with a view of the sierra buttes. It doesn't get ANY better than that."

    4. Fiddle Creek

    2 Reviews
    Camptonville, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 / night

    "Tent only. You park and walk to you camping which is with other camps right by. It's not too bad and if you get a group you can get your own little slice of the campground to yourself. "

    5. Bowman Lake Dispersed

    3 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    14 miles

    "The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure."

    "Found a perfect spot with easy access to water right outside of our tent. Very friendly area for our dog - zero ticks the whole weekend!"

    6. Carlton Flat Campground

    1 Review
    Camptonville, CA
    10 miles
    Website

    "After your hike you can sit on the picnic table enjoy your lunch and watch the woodpeckers and birds fly pass you. This place does get crowded during the summer and during hunting season."

    7. Faucherie Lake Group Campground

    3 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    15 miles
    Website

    "We picked Faucherie as our destination and hit the trails in hopes of finding a spot.

    Portions of the trail got a bit rough, but manageable with higher clearance vehicles."

    "I’ve been out to this campground on countless years with my family from when I was a young child to now, i think only once or twice did we have to share the grounds with another group!"

    8. Lindsey Lake Campground

    3 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4531

    "It can be little rough to get to requiring careful driving even on the paved road (big potholes!), but that just serves to help feel remote.

    There are 12 official campgrounds near the lake."

    "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."

    9. Grouse Ridge Campground

    4 Reviews
    Emigrant Gap, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4531

    "The hiking is great, there’s access to about 6 or more lakes, a great backpacking spot. The road to get here is quite rough."

    "But it has some great views and access to great trails."

    10. Canyon Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 265-4531

    "Really enjoyed my time here, had a secluded lake to ourselves."

    "Visit yearly, go kayaking at all three lakes in the area. Never crowded even on the 4th of July weekend."

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Showing results 1-10 of 87 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Downieville, CA

726 Reviews of 87 Downieville Campgrounds



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 87 tent camping locations near Downieville, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.