Victoria C.
Scout
ScoutElam Campground
Elam campground
This campground is amazing we come here often just for the stunning tranquility and amazing fishing ❤️
Camping near Janesville, CA
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The northeastern California landscape surrounding Janesville features diverse camping options 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 (175)
1. 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."
2. Susanville RV Park
from $60 - $65 / night
Check Availability3. 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."
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. 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 Availability7. 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 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. 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."
10. Boulder Creek (CA)
"You are within minutes of a lake and also tons of fishing spots. There is a pool and hot tub on site which was nice for the kids to burn off some steam."
from $36 / night
Check Availability
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
90 Photos of 175 Janesville Campgrounds
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Merrill Campground
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Greenville Campground - CLOSED
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Christie Campground
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Recent Reviews near Janesville, CA
391 Reviews of 175 Janesville Campgrounds
- N
Nicole V.
GuideButte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park
Big but spread out
Great CG, bigger than expected but spots are spread out. Cool pine forest, pretty lake, Cinder Cone Hike worth the sweat for the views. Stayed in site 8, not super level for a van, but made it work.
- JJenny L.
TravelerWest Eagle Campground
Beautiful Location- Park is dated
Location is unbelievably beautiful. Has cool camper/cabin locations. Pay showers and laundry near the marina. Good fishing access around the Lake. The 30 amp plug at my site was broken around the ground plug, although still functional. Grass around the pad was tall enough to reach my slide out, so could use a bit of a trim down around the pad but I totally understand leaving the natural look around the camp though. Site was clean and ready to go by the camp host. Wood bundles and ice are available for purchase at the marina.
Glyn P.GuideTahoe National Forest Diablo Campground
One of the best campgrounds for MTB!
We've stayed here several times over the years, usually in June. This is great jumping off point for getting a shuttle or doing some sort of MTB ride. Some of the spots are less private, but typically never been a problem with light or noise.
Joletta B.GuideLaufman Campground
In the woods and empty!
We stayed here on a Saturday night and there was only one other camper there. Easy to get level in our truck camper. Great little spot, only $10, clean vault toilet, our site was huge, would definitely camp again!
- AAshleigh Z.Guide
North Wilson Lake
Peaceful and Quiet
We took a chance coming since there weren’t any reviews yet. About a mile long dirt road in with some fallen trees so be on the lookout (burn scar area). We got the first spot by the water and from what I could tell, the only spot. It looks like the road goes further past the lake where other campers could go but we didn’t check. Also saw what could be dispersed campsites on the way in. There were a lot of birds to watch on the lake which was so still and peaceful. Only 2 cars went by while we were here. Only downfall is when the sun started to set the mosquitoes got really bad, which by the water isn’t too surprising. Overall we enjoyed it. Very clean and a little camp fire spot set up (which right now you need a permit for).
- RRon C.Guide
East Eagle Lake
Quite, convenient,pretty views
Spent just one night. Great place to relax, soak up the lake view, and get a good night sleep.
Bruce E.GuideBradys Campground
Great scenery
Looking for seclusion and found it! Nice clean area equipped w/ pit toilets that were as clean as a pit toilet can be. Picnic tables, bear boxes, and 2 fire pit/ BBQ at all 6 sites. Nice lil hike up to the fire lookout and creek for water. No RV access and trailers, well maybe a small tow behind. Pretty tight and no turn around.
Vince N.GuideRed Rock Road Pull Out
A place to sleep
A couple places to pull off and settle down for the night. Can’t beat free! It is a little noisy being right by the highway but really dies down after dark besides the occasional truck and train that’ll past through. Great views of the Klamath mountains.
A small pile of trash nearby but like I said, can’t beat free.
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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