Best Tent Camping near Doyle, CA

Tent camping options near Doyle, California include small Forest Service campgrounds offering primitive sites in Plumas National Forest. Black Mountain Lookout and Crocker Campground provide tent camping opportunities with basic amenities, while Conklin Park and Laufman Campground offer more secluded alternatives for tent campers seeking quieter experiences.

Most tent sites in the Doyle region feature dirt or gravel surfaces with limited maintenance. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing many of the campgrounds, as roads can be rough and rocky, particularly at Conklin Park. Vault toilets are common at established sites, but drinking water is scarce. Campers should pack in all needed water and pack out all waste. Fire restrictions are common during summer and fall months, so portable stoves are recommended. Several campgrounds like Laufman operate seasonally, typically closing by mid-October.

The tent camping experience near Doyle offers considerable solitude, especially at less-developed Forest Service sites. A visitor commented that "it's a beautiful, quiet, well-kept secret" when describing Conklin Park, noting the trade-off between difficult access and privacy. Sites often feature picnic tables and fire rings when seasonal restrictions allow. Tree cover varies by location, with some sites offering shade while others provide more open views. Bears are present throughout the region, so proper food storage is essential. The higher elevation sites provide cooler temperatures during summer months, making tent camping more comfortable compared to lower elevations. Most campgrounds serve as good basecamps for day hiking on nearby forest roads and trails, especially those near mountain lakes and meadows.

Best Tent Sites Near Doyle, California (37)

    1. Black Mountain Lookout

    3 Reviews
    Milford, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    $60 / night

    "Honey Lake to the north, a gorgeous vale/meadow to the south. The tease of thunderstorms all around. One standard USFS pit toilet (super clean). Electricity to power a stove/fridge/heater/lights."

    "Ok so it’s great but the trail hiking up from Parking is approx 3 km to the campsite so make sure and bring everything in one go. It’s a tough hike as your literally hiking a mountain."

    2. Conklin Park Campgrounds

    5 Reviews
    Milford, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    "We could hear the little creek and the wind through the burned trees."

    "quite, well kept secret that if you don't mind adventure & can be a very smart camper in Bear & Mountain Lion Country......Respect that WE are the visitors in their home, not the other way around"

    3. Laufman Campground

    4 Reviews
    Milford, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    "Aspen filled Creek just a small walk south of campground. To keep this place looking beautiful, do not forget to pack out your trash and follow Leave No Trace ethics."

    "It’s a one way drive thru so you have to drive up past the sign to the upper part of the drive thru. Picnic tables and fire rings, but you’ll need your own water and trash must be packed out."

    4. Crocker Campground

    2 Reviews
    Portola, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 832-1076

    $135 / night

    "The Crocker Campground is not part of the Crocker Guard House, the campground offers pit toilets, tables and fire rings, no trash service or water, pack in pack out. It is first come first serve."

    "This is a dry camlground with scattered spots amongst the trees. It is quiet with a couple pit toilets. There was only one other camper when I was there so we had most the place to ourselves."

    8. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    19 Reviews
    Truckee, CA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 582-7892

    $35 / night

    "Close to Truckee so you can easily get supplies. Lots of trees give a private feel even though it is a busy campground."

    "We were in a large site and had pleasant neighbors. The restrooms were SUPER clean with flush toilets and hot showers. Short walk to Donner Lake and Donner Museum."

    9. Boulder Creek Campground

    1 Review
    Janesville, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 283-0555

    "There were campground hosts roaming around but they didn’t seem to be enforcing rules, like only parking on the pavement and the noise curfew."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Doyle, CA

427 Reviews of 37 Doyle Campgrounds


  • Dani P.
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Ramhorn Springs Campground

    Shaded campground with Juniper Trees and rugged rocks by a small stream

    Brilliantly quiet and peaceful campground. Hardly ever more than a few campers, never full. Located 3miles down a gravel road, drivable by even a compact car. Cottonwood and Willow trees surround small stream that runs through the entire campground. Easy access to OHV trails nearby. Each site has tables and a fire pit. Also, 2 contraptions to hang hunted animals. Spotty Verizon service, no ATT reception. Vault toilet bathroom very clean but smelly!! This is a FREE campground, and in order to keep it that way, we must collectively treat it well by following Leave No Trace principles. There are trash receptacles on site, but hunters are instructed to take animals remains and dump OUTSIDE of campground.

  • Jim S.
    Jul. 5, 2019

    Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground

    Rustic clean free

    Forest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.

  • R
    Jul. 7, 2018

    Prosser Family

    Large sites, quiet, & beautiful views

    We stayed for two nights during the end of June 2018. Despite being summer, the temperature drops significantly at night. Even with cold weather sleeping bags, my son and I were really cold. There’s no electricity or bath houses, so charge all your devices and shower before your visit, lol. The potable water pumps are tricky to learn how to use at first, and the water is very cold.

    The sites are large and relatively flat, so tent camping is easy. While there are some sites that cannot be reserved online, I highly recommend that you do not rely on getting one that is first come, first serve. We saw three trucks filled with families trying to go after the last non-reservable site. So, reserve yours online!

    Be aware that there might be bear that get close to your sleeping quarters as the area is full of them. I was never scared, but my son swore that he saw one while he was going to bed. I was still up chit chatting with neighbors, so I did not see anything. Earlier that day, the Forest Ranger came through the camp to do an interpretive by showing everyone various mammal furs, two of which were bears. He told us that they have learned to be attracted to ice chests (coolers) and plastic boxes; they know these can contain food, so cover them with blankets or towels when secured in your car or around the campsite. Of course, food should be locked away at night and when not being prepared.

    This campground is located next to Prosser Reservoir, so there are beautiful views of the lake. The sites on the back side of the grounds have the best views. Even if you don’t get a lake view, do not worry as there are plenty of places to hike with lots of spectacular views! Pick up a copy of ‘Lake Tahoe’s Spectacular Wildflower Trails’ by Julie S. Carville, and pick a trail! Sagehen Creek Trail (Hike #12 in the book, I believe) is very close by Prosser Family Campground.

    The coolest thing about this place is that you can drink while enjoying the natural views! Wahoo!

  • Lauren H.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

    A Dog's Dream

    Nestled against salmon creek and among the gold lake area, just outside of Bassetts. Very large sites, with some hike in with shallow creek crossing. Lush fields and forests. Great views. Can here traffic on ridge. Bear boxes at every site Trash and Recycling receptacles Picnic Tables at every site Fresh water available Bathrooms throughout

  • Gretchen B.
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Berger

    Pretty, Clean, & Spacious

    Our campsite was nice! There was no formal check in process and ours was a little away from everyone else. Fire ring, picnic table, and bear box, established toilet with tp in campsite. Few bugs but nothing crazy. Small creek nearby. Pretty lake and nearby hike if you go up the road about a mile.

  • jay B.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Great spot to dry camp near Tahoe

    This campground is a hidden gem—just 10 minutes from Truckee and about 20 minutes to Tahoe. We stayed in site #6, which was a first-come, first-served spot. According to the camp host, weekdays are usually easy to snag a site, but you’ll definitely want a reservation if you're planning to stay Friday through Sunday. Most sites offer beautiful views of the lake, and many are on level ground, making setup easy. One tip: avoid site #8 unless you're in a pinch—it’s surrounded by other sites (island spot) and doesn’t offer much privacy, but it would work for a quick overnight stay. The campground feels spacious, peaceful, and scenic. Just keep in mind there are no showers or running water, so come prepared for dry camping. That wasn’t an issue for us since our camper is set up for boondocking. All in all, an awesome spot—we’ll definitely be back!

  • Heather P.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 14, 2019

    Cottonwood Campground

    Does the job, excellent camp host

    This campground was just another quick layover for me.

    Sites were well maintained, picnic tables, fire rings and bear boxes.  

    Running water, flush toilets and at every spigot there was a gallon jug filled for you to use to extinguish your fires.

    Bathrooms were clean and well stocked, the camp host walked around to check the sites and be sure everyone had paid.

    Was a nice quite site but I was toward the back part of the campground.  I'm sure if you were toward the front part there would be road noise.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 16, 2021

    Alpine Meadow Campground

    Super detailed and clean

    We camped in site #20 and did not need to level the trailer! There are logs lining the roads and the campsites. There are stones circling small plants. There are bear boxes at each campsite and also bear poles for hanging food. There are fire rings and also bbqs at each campsite. The whole area was tidy! The bathrooms were very clean. It was quiet - only a few other campers. I believe there are 24 sites, including the tent sites. I would imagine this campground fills up pretty fast in the summer. It was May when we camped here and lightly snowing. There is an airport nearby and heard one small jet engine aircraft take off in the morning.

  • Dani P.
    Jul. 12, 2019

    Laufman Campground

    Quiet and shaded campground

    Road is gravel, one large pot hole in the middle of the road made it difficult for a compact or large RV to get into campground. Easy for a 4wd or high clearance rig. Small sites but big enough for RVs. Aspen filled Creek just a small walk south of campground. To keep this place looking beautiful, do not forget to pack out your trash and follow Leave No Trace ethics. This is a free campground, and to keep it that way we must take care of it.


Guide to Doyle

Camping near Doyle, California offers sites at elevations between 3,900-7,200 feet, with most Forest Service campgrounds situated around 5,000 feet. During summer months, daytime temperatures typically reach 75-85°F, while nights cool significantly to 40-50°F. Winter access is limited, with most remote campgrounds closing by mid-October due to snowfall that can accumulate 2-4 feet at higher elevations.

What to do

Fishing at mountain lakes: Access Antelope Lake from Boulder Creek Campground, where summer water temperatures make for comfortable swimming. "Antelope Lake is always gorgeous though and worth the trip," notes one camper who visited in late season.

Stargazing from elevated sites: The Black Mountain Lookout offers exceptional night sky viewing away from light pollution. "360 degrees of breathtaking vistas! Honey Lake to the north, a gorgeous vale/meadow to the south," according to a visitor who noted the unique panoramic night views.

Kayaking and paddling: Lake Davis facilities provide water access for non-motorized boats. The nearby Frenchman Lake area offers additional options for water activities during summer months when water levels remain steady. Pack your own vessels as rental options are extremely limited in this remote region.

What campers like

Solitude and seclusion: Conklin Park Campgrounds offers isolation for those willing to navigate rough roads. "We were the only ones there. That + the fact that the forest clearly had a large fire within the past couple of years made it a little spooky. But it was actually very peaceful! We could hear the little creek and the wind through the burned trees," reports a camper who appreciated the quietness.

Basic but functional amenities: Most sites feature concrete picnic tables, fire rings (when restrictions allow), and bear-resistant storage containers. "There was one clean vault toilet at the site and a nice concrete picnic table and a container to keep your things safe from bears at each campsite," notes a visitor to Conklin Park.

Self-sufficient camping: Laufman Campground offers tent camping without crowds. "It appeared that this campground hadn't seen much traffic recently, some of the sites were very overgrown. There were pit toilets that seemed like they hadn't been maintained but they were there nonetheless," shares a camper who found peace in the undeveloped setting.

What you should know

Access challenges: Many tent camping areas near Doyle require high-clearance vehicles. "Be sure to bring a spare tire & call ahead of time to make sure it's open," advises one Conklin Park visitor, highlighting road conditions that can damage standard vehicles.

Limited cell service: Most remote campgrounds have minimal or no cellular coverage. When staying at Crocker Campground, campers should expect disconnection from networks. Areas near communication towers (like Black Mountain) may be exceptions.

Wildlife precautions: Bear activity requires proper food storage at all sites. "Respect that WE are the visitors in their home, not the other way around," reminds a camper about the importance of wildlife awareness in this mountain region.

Seasonal limitations: Most facilities close by mid-October. "We stayed 2 nights to hike a nearby peak hike Shallow Grave Trail," notes a Laufman visitor who took advantage of the short season when trails are accessible.

Tips for camping with families

Plan for temperature swings: Pack clothing layers for dramatic day-to-night temperature changes, especially at higher elevations. During summer, daytime temperatures can reach 80°F while dropping below 50°F after sunset.

Water considerations: No potable water exists at most tent sites near Doyle. "Pack in all water needed for cooking, drinking and minimal cleaning," is essential advice for families visiting these remote locations.

Simple activities: Fish Ladder Beach provides opportunities for young explorers despite sparse surroundings. "Yes, it looks barren, but it attracts tons of birds and the water sports and fishing are fun. Sunsets are out of this world," notes a visitor about the unexpected family-friendly features.

Limited facilities: Prepare children for vault toilets and rustic conditions. Most sites lack flush toilets, hot water, or shower facilities. Some toilets serve dual purposes as one visitor noted: "When I went to use the toilet, the door was open and I thought, great I don't have to touch the handle... I then noticed a bird nest with babies above the door."

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most Forest Service campgrounds near Doyle accommodate smaller RVs only. "Took in a 19 foot trailer - there were 3 sites we could easily use," reports a Laufman Campground visitor, indicating size limitations.

Dump station planning: Limited waste facilities exist in the immediate area. "Not bad. Did not realize it was $15 for dump until in the queue for a single side, single point dump site," notes a visitor about Lake Davis Dump Station, one of the few options within reasonable distance.

Road condition awareness: RVers should verify road conditions before attempting access. "Road is gravel, one large pot hole in the middle of the road made it difficult for a compact or large RV to get into campground. Easy for a 4wd or high clearance rig," warns a camper about access challenges.

Self-contained requirements: Bring all necessary supplies including ample water. No hookups exist at most sites, requiring RVs to operate entirely on internal systems during stays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Doyle, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Doyle, CA is Black Mountain Lookout with a 4.7-star rating from 3 reviews.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 37 tent camping locations near Doyle, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.