Glamping in Goodyears Bar, California sits at the intersection of the Tahoe and Plumas National Forests, typically with summer temperatures ranging from 75-85°F daytime and 45-55°F at night. The region's campgrounds span elevations from 2,500 to 7,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect seasonal availability. Most camping areas close between mid-October and late May due to snow conditions at higher elevations.
What to do
Hiking the Sierra Buttes: From Sardine Lake Campground, take the trail to the Sierra Buttes for panoramic views. "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," notes Nikki R. about Sardine Lake.
Fishing at multiple lakes: Collins Lake Recreation Area offers stocked fishing opportunities for families. "The lake is beautiful and Sand Pond is great for swimming. There is plenty of hiking and fishing around and it is such a peaceful place to relax and read a book," shares Hannah O. about the Collins Lake Recreation Area.
Swimming in natural water features: Pack water shoes for the rocky shores at Jackson Meadows Reservoir. "Super place, hosts are friendly & helpful! Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time. Some campers moored their boats/jet skis just off the campground. Gravelly shore and bottom, excellent paddleboarding & kayaking," explains Ron G.
What campers like
Clean facilities: East Meadow Campground maintains flush toilets and accessible amenities. "This is a small hidden little gem of a campground. 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," mentions Julie B. about East Meadow Campground.
Private camping spots: Several campgrounds offer sites with natural barriers. "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," reports Aliona C.
Amenities for extended stays: Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs offers additional comforts for longer visits. "Clean and Rustic. WiFi is very very limited- drive to top of hill or lodge (very sporadic). Great Lake for swimming, fishing and small boats. Store on site. Clean swimming pool. Ideal for Tent or RV," says Tamara P. about Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds in the area operate from May to October only. "Our site was great, but didn't have very much shade. It was nice to be able to hike up to volcano lake from our campsite as well as sardine lake and upper sardine lake," advises Erika B.
Water access varies: Sites near water may require walking. "Back again for the first time since the Sierra winter. Reservoir is pretty high, and not too busy this weekend with boaters. Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site," reports Ron G. about East Meadow.
Reservations recommended: Book well in advance for summer weekends at Inn Town Campground. "The Inn Town Campground is unlike any other campground I've ever been to. We have stayed in one of the glamping tents, and have also brought our RV. The common house has a fully stocked kitchen so you can camp without having to bring supplies!" explains Amanda M.
Tips for camping with families
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Bring binoculars for deer spotting. "We had such a fun time at this campground. Our site was in Section A on a dry creek bed. Dry in August at least. Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands," recalls Nicole G.
Child-friendly water areas: Sand Pond near Sardine Lake offers gentle swimming. "Great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance and lots of other lakes around the area," says Jekaterina M.
Pack for mosquitoes: Bring repellent, especially for evening hours at Little Bear RV Park. "If the first place you think of when you hear 'the Sierra Nevada mountains' is Tahoe or Yosemite, I would strongly encourage you to explore points north of Truckee/Tahoe in the Plumas National Forest. And, a great place to stay while exploring the area is Little Bear RV park," recommends Nathaniel S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Check campground maps before booking. "It's definitely a place I'll put on my list to camp at again, especially when they figure out their electrical issues. From what I could tell when driving around the majority of the sites were level; we had 4 spots and all were easy to back in," mentions Eric P.
Limited hookup availability: Many sites offer partial services only. "We camped here TWICE in 2019. First time in mid April and 2nd time on the first weekend of November. Both times were AWESOME!!! Both campsites, #66 and #116 had power, water and sewage. They were both lake front campsites," shares Ed E.
Consider alternative locations: Nearby options provide better amenities. "Very well maintained! A quiet and relaxing place to stay. 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," notes Lisa T. about Little Bear RV Park.
