Shawn S.
Legend
LegendHoney Lake Campground
Very small and close to the hwy.
Camping near Janesville, CA
178 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Camping near Janesville, CA ranges from lakeside tent sites to full-hookup RV parks, set within the shadow of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges. Antelope Lake Recreation Area and Honey Lake Campground provide lakeside settings with both tent and RV accommodations, while Plumas National Forest offers several established campgrounds including Lone Rock and Boulder Creek. Merrill Campground at Eagle Lake, approximately 35 miles northwest of Janesville, stands out with water and electric hookups, a rarity for Forest Service campgrounds. Several private RV parks including Days End RV Park in Standish and Susanville RV Park provide year-round options with full hookups for travelers seeking more amenities. The region's camping areas typically operate between May and October, with a few facilities maintaining year-round access.
Road conditions vary significantly throughout the area, with many forest campgrounds requiring travel on gravel or dirt roads that can become challenging in wet conditions. As one camper noted about Silver Bowl campground, "The last 6 miles will be on some pretty rough road, especially early in the season." Seasonal openings depend heavily on snowmelt, with higher elevation sites sometimes remaining closed until July in heavy snow years. Summer temperatures can fluctuate dramatically, with daytime highs reaching 90°F while nighttime temperatures drop significantly. Cell service is limited or nonexistent at most forest and lakeside campgrounds, with spotty Verizon coverage reported at some locations. Fire restrictions are common during late summer and fall, requiring advance planning for cooking arrangements.
Lakeside camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Eagle Lake and Antelope Lake. "We saw bald eagles daily," reported one Merrill Campground visitor, highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities. Fishing access drives much of the camping activity, with trout season significantly affecting campground occupancy. "As it was the last week before trout season opened on the lake, our side of the campground was nearly empty," noted another camper. Pine forest settings provide natural shade at many campgrounds, though some lakeside sites offer limited tree cover. Hiking trails connect many campgrounds to scenic viewpoints, with paved paths at Eagle Lake accommodating both walking and biking. Visitors frequently mention the spacious sites at forest campgrounds, with many accommodating larger groups or providing significant privacy between neighbors.
Best Campgrounds near Janesville (178)
1. Susanville RV Park
from $60 - $65 / night
Check Availability2. Honey Lake Campground
"We stayed in our camper van and our spot had water and elec for $35, and a beautiful view of the lake and mountains. Bathrooms were warm and had lots of hot water."
"At first I was a bit disappointed the lake was across the highway but over all I enjoyed my stay. It was quiet. The campground was at least 3/4 full."
3. Antelope Lake Recreation Area
"Mind you this lake isn’t far from Reno, NV and surrounding valleys so it can get quite rowdy at night during peak season. Would not recommend for families looking for a quiet, serene getaway."
"The lake is perfect for fishing, kayaking, and splashing around."
4. Days End RV Park
"The only reason I didn’t give it a 5 star rating is that there is nothing around to do. General store across the street with gas and diesel, some food and drink."
5. Lone Rock Campground
"Plenty of lake access of access roads and you get definitely find isolated areas. Rocks for jumping off too."
from $36 / night
Check Availability6. Merrill Campground
"Grew up camping here as a child and have so many great memories of Eagle Lake. Unfortunately things have changed quite a bit due to the shift in climate in the area."
"Stayed one night and loved Eagle Lake. Rare USDA campground with power and water. Lovely forest area shades the camp. Lots of families with bikes and dogs all on leashes."
from $35 - $80 / night
Check Availability7. Long Point Campground
"This is one of three campgrounds on Antelope Lake near Susanville CA. Several of the sites are near the lake. All sites are well shaded with fir and pine trees. Great fishing and wildlife watching."
"The lake has two islands, and boat access."
from $36 - $85 / night
Check Availability8. Laufman Campground
"The surrounding Forest is gorgeous. No one else here. We stayed 2 nights to hike a nearby peak hike Shallow Grave Trail."
"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."
9. Antelope Mountain Dispersed Camp
10. Boulder Creek Campground
"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."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 13 min from Reno, NV
- 1 hr 37 min from Carson City, NV
- 2 hrs 2 min from Redding, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Janesville, CA
92 Photos of 178 Janesville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near Janesville, CA
421 Reviews of 178 Janesville Campgrounds
- Shawn S.Legend
Susanville RV Park
Great for big rigs.
- Shawn S.Legend
Susanville Dispersed Camping
Small lot off hwy but great overnight. Traffic noise
- Shawn S.Legend
Antelope Mountain Dispersed Camp
Small l gravel lot.
Meredith M.
GuideFort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
Beautiful views and plenty of space
Arrived at around 5pm on a Tuesday and there were plenty of spots available. Beautiful views. Bathrooms are absolutely spotless!
Cynthia E.
ScoutPonderosa Flat Campground
Horrible Experience
We paid for 5 nights, and left after four. The first day we were immediately approached by the host who rudely lectured about us leaving a phone number off of the pay envelope. The envelope had no designated spot for a phone number. She then handed us a list off rules: No dogs of leash, no generator off the blacktop, no outdoor showers, no chainsaw, and on and on. We were the only ones who kept our dog on a leash. She sold us two bundles of pine firewood the first night then proceeded to tell us the next day the water would be off and we couldn’t have a campfire. Friday night comes around and starting at 11 pm a woman is screaming and our tent is lit up by spotlights. She continues her drunken screams until 12:30 which we figure out she is calling a dog. The spotlights stayed on until 2am. The host lives way above the campground and there is no possible way she can hear the goings on at night. We also have no way of contacting her. Saturday morning we are told the water will be off and this time we are not allowed to use our stove or lanterns. We were forced to cut our trip short because we had no way to cook our meals or have adequate lighting once it got dark. I initially planned to stop payment on the check I wrote but felt that wouldn’t be right because we had a few good days. I contacted them and was told we were not forced to leave left on our own so we wouldn’t be getting a refund. The host was very overbearing she even knocked on our neighbors camper door accusing him of leaving the toilet seat up in the outhouse. Our vacation was ruined
Kurt T.
TravelerAlmanor
Not a positive review
SAFETY HAZARDS: So many trees cut down with branches and debris left over and not picked up by the contractor or the USFS that could cause injury or death. Imagine tripping or falling in a hole and being punctured by pointy branches. I am sure this was not inspected after the contractor left or prior to departure.
HEALTH: Womens bathroom was open on Saturday 12 Sep 26, but then it was locked on Sunday 13 Sep 26. Water spigots were also turned off outside. The RV dump station down the street was also closed too. Not sure what happening here as it is not the end of the season yet.
SITES: Images online are not current/out-of-date, don't trust it. Many sites including mine had a lot of trees and now it has 1 or 2, with many stumps and debris left behind. Many sites have zero trees now. Our 20ft campervan barely fit on the asphalt pad and many were only about 10-15 feet long and then others were over 50. I guess you take a chance on what is real and what is not.
SIDEBAR: Over at the North campground, I saw cleanup crews with chainsaws doing work within 10-15 feet of a family who was camping and eating breakfast at the table. I would think this would be a not only a noise issue but also flying debris issue. I guess the USFS does not care about safety of the paying public.
OVERALL: I understand fire prevention, but when you cut down living trees and leave behind the branches and such to dry out, now that is a new fire hazard along with the safety hazard. So sad to see such nice campgrounds being turned into such eyesores and hazards. If you have small children, senior citizens or pets, I would strongly urge you not to make a reservation here. If you just need to a place to park your camper(not tent) then it would be okay as long as you are away during the day as there is very limited shade now. Oh, I forget to say my parents raised me here and they lived here after I went in the Navy and this is an embarrassment to the Almanor Ranger District in Chester.
- MMarina T.Traveler
Rocky Point East
Good views and open
Not crowded, has two bathrooms, boat access, great selection of spots, and great views from the trees onto the lake. Great stargazing too. Easy access for our 17ft camper trailer
- cchris O.Guide
Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area
Great place for the night!
We got here around midnight and were the only ones here. GPS took us right here. The roads were wide and well maintained. I couldn’t hear the noise from the road and it was very peaceful. It also had a nice 360° view. There were bathrooms, picnic tables, fire pits, and grills. Plenty of room for a bigger rig.
Guide to Janesville
Camping near Janesville, California offers access to mountain lakes within Plumas National Forest and surrounding public lands at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 5,000 feet. The region's volcanic history has shaped unique lake formations like Antelope Lake and Eagle Lake, with the latter being the second-largest natural lake entirely within California. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 45-55°F at night, creating significant daily temperature swings.
What to do
Fishing for trout: Eagle Lake at Merrill Campground offers excellent fishing, especially early or late in the season. "We stayed here for 4 nights and loved it. The lake is appropriately named as we saw bald eagles daily," notes one visitor. Trout season significantly affects campground occupancy.
Water sports: Kayaking and boating are popular at Antelope Lake Recreation Area. A camper reports: "This campground is a super fun place to spend a weekend with friends. Several group sites available. Water is warm enough to swim June-August. Great fishing!"
Hiking and biking: Paved trails near Eagle Lake provide accessible recreation options. "We enjoyed walking the paved Eagle Lake Recreation Trail to both Christie Campground and the marina. Each direction is about a 4 mile out and back," shares one Merrill Campground visitor.
What campers like
Lake access: Many sites at Long Point Campground offer proximity to water. "This is one of three campgrounds on Antelope Lake near Susanville CA. Several of the sites are near the lake. All sites are well shaded with fir and pine trees," explains one camper.
Privacy between sites: The forest campgrounds typically offer good spacing. At Boulder Creek Campground, "Antelope Lake is always gorgeous though and worth the trip," though one camper notes recent price increases to $30 per night for basic facilities.
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife, particularly birds. At Merrill Campground, "We saw bald eagles daily," making the lake true to its name. Another camper mentioned, "Not sure that will be the case now," regarding the campground's tranquility after trout season opened.
What you should know
Service limitations: Cell coverage is minimal at forest campgrounds. Lone Rock Campground offers complete disconnection: "This is an amazing campground. There is no cell reception so great to disconnect," mentions one visitor.
Road conditions: Access to lakes often requires travel on winding mountain roads. "We found this campground just about 20 miles outside of Susanville—the road is winding, but paved all of the way," notes a camper about Merrill Campground.
Seasonal crowds: Weekends and fishing season bring increased activity. "Mind you this lake isn't far from Reno, NV and surrounding valleys so it can get quite rowdy at night during peak season. Would not recommend for families looking for a quiet, serene getaway," warns one Antelope Lake visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Plan for variable temperatures: Even summer evenings get cool, requiring warm clothing. Daytime temperatures at Eagle Lake can reach the 80s while dropping dramatically at night.
Pest protection: Mosquitoes can be problematic, especially near water. One Merrill camper noted the downside: "The bad - Tons of mosquitoes!" despite loving the campground's other attributes.
Swimming options: Honey Lake Campground offers family-friendly camping with lake views. One visitor appreciated "charming clean and the manager a dear showers laundry and lots of space. The rv spaces look out over the lake tent camping in the back but you still have lake views."
Tips from RVers
Year-round options: When forest campgrounds close for winter, RV parks remain open. Days End RV Park in Standish offers full hookups throughout the year. "Well maintained and clean. Great landscaping and keeps it watered. Laundry just $1.50 a load and nice laundromat. Almost level site," reports one RVer.
Hookup availability: Eagle Lake's Merrill Campground offers uncommon Forest Service electric/water hookups. "National forest camping with power and electric, Wow!!! The price with a National Forest pass was only $32," notes one surprised camper.
Dump station access: For partial hookup sites, plan for dump station visits. "Well whether you dry camp or partial hook-ups across from Merrill entrance is the RV dump station with full cleaning hoses at a reasonable price," explains one RVer staying at Eagle Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best camping spots near Janesville?
Where are the best camping spots near Janesville?
The Janesville area offers excellent camping options with varied landscapes and experiences. Merrill Campground at Eagle Lake provides both water and power hookups with shaded forest sites and paved bike paths along the lake. It's popular for families and water activities. Butte Lake Campground in Lassen Volcanic National Park is another great option, accessible via a well-maintained gravel road and featuring spacious, well-maintained sites. The campground accommodates larger trailers (30+ feet) and provides a perfect base for exploring Lassen's volcanic features and hiking trails.
Is there free or dispersed camping available near Janesville?
Is there free or dispersed camping available near Janesville?
Yes, free and dispersed camping options exist near Janesville for those seeking a more primitive experience. Gold Lake 4x4 Campground offers free dispersed camping, though it requires high-clearance, off-road capable vehicles to access. The Sierra Buttes area provides fishing and hiking opportunities for those willing to navigate the rugged terrain. Ramhorn Springs Campground is another quieter option located down a gravel road that's accessible even with compact cars. The surrounding Lassen and Plumas National Forests also offer dispersed camping following Forest Service rules - camp at least 200 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings when possible, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
What amenities are available at Janesville campgrounds?
What amenities are available at Janesville campgrounds?
Campgrounds near Janesville offer various amenities to enhance your stay. Christie Campground features paved walking paths, smaller sites ideal for tent camping or modest RVs, and proximity to Eagle Lake. Yellow Creek Campground provides a quieter alternative to busier locations, with pine forest surroundings and scenic views of Humbug Valley. Many area campgrounds include vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Some lakeside options offer boat launches and fishing access. Depending on the campground, you may find potable water, RV hookups, and access to nearby hiking trails, though amenities vary seasonally with some facilities closed during winter months.
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