m
mike R.
Scout
ScoutFrench Meadows
Clean
The campground was clean and quiet
Camping near La Porte, CA
338 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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Campgrounds around La Porte, California center on Little Grass Valley Reservoir, offering a mix of forest and waterfront settings in the northern Sierra Nevada. Running Deer, Wyandotte, Red Feather, and Little Beaver campgrounds provide established options with varying amenities. Sites typically accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several campgrounds featuring flush toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and boat access. The surrounding Plumas National Forest lands also support dispersed camping opportunities for those seeking more remote experiences away from developed sites.
The camping season in this region runs primarily from May through October, with most facilities closing during winter months due to snow and freezing conditions. Several campgrounds including Wyandotte feature boat launches, dump stations, fish cleaning stations, and beaches for swimming. Roads to some sites like Red Feather can be challenging, requiring careful navigation even when towing trailers. Cell service is limited or nonexistent throughout much of the area, though the small town of La Porte offers a general store for basic supplies and firewood. "This campground is located on Little Grass Valley Reservoir near La Porte, CA. It is one of many campgrounds along the reservoir that includes a boat launch, dump station, fish cleaning station, bathrooms with flush toilets, and a beach for swimming in the reservoir," noted one visitor.
Water access represents a major draw for campers, with Little Grass Valley Reservoir providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. The nearby town of La Porte has limited services but offers essential supplies through its general store, which also houses a pay phone for emergencies given the lack of cellular coverage. Campers report finding plenty of site availability even during peak season, though reservations are recommended for weekend visits. Public lands in the surrounding Plumas National Forest create opportunities for hiking and exploration beyond the campgrounds. A review mentioned, "The drive scenery was beautiful. You get to drive through some little cute towns," highlighting the scenic journey to the area that takes visitors through small mountain communities.
Best Campgrounds near La Porte (338)
1. Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
"Situated out in the Sierra Buttes in California. This bad boy was shown to me by my father. A place to really escape the busy city life, let alone people."
"Warning - this site requires a high clearance vehicle with good off road tires. Low profile tires and trucks modified for street use, you WILL destroy your vehicle."
2. Black Rock Campground
"Very pretty views of the valley from the campground, and having hiking trails start from the campground was really nice. Only complaints are very close neighbors and little shade."
3. Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground
"My all Time favorite spot maybe because I grew up in the area and there are lots of wonderful hikes lakes and waterfalls. This park is nice well taken care of lots of redwood trees."
"Went to Wade's Lake in Plumas NF on July 5th & 6th. Easy to moderate climb; one from the trailhead at Jaimison Mine and the second to get up to Wade's."
from $35 - $250 / night
Check Availability4. Red Feather Campground
from $22 / night
Check Availability5. Little Beaver Campground
6. Indian Valley
"I love this campground and this area of California. It is not directly situated on the Hwy, and abuts the Yuba River, which is clear and gorgeous and draws a lot of birds and wildlife."
"We were looking for a spot next to the Yuba River and found this gem. Only 17 campsites so it’s not crowded. It’s also away from any road noise."
from $24 - $48 / night
Check Availability7. Running Deer Campground
"Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline."
from $23 - $25 / night
Check Availability8. Wyandotte Campground
"This campground is located on Little Grass Valley Reservoir near La Porte, CA."
from $23 / night
Check Availability9. Little Beaver A Campground
"The hosts here in 2017 were quite nice, and the lake is lovely (it's a perfect swimming lake and should be pretty chill for kayakers as well)."
from $23 - $25 / night
Check Availability10. Sly Creek Campground
"Great walking trails group sites are great love it"
"With pristine wilderness surrounding your tent, you can camp alongside the beautiful reservoir."
from $20 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Yuba City, CA
- 2 hrs 6 min from Reno, NV
- 2 hrs 30 min from Carson City, NV
Recent Camping Photos near La Porte, CA
299 Photos of 338 La Porte Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Recent Reviews near La Porte, CA
726 Reviews of 338 La Porte Campgrounds
Ryan F.
GuideUpper Little Truckee
Beautiful. Peaceful. Secluded
Spent two nights in site 13, it was the site directly across from the camp host. Host was kind, very present and always cleaning and ensuring the camp was spotless! DO NOT take a trailer beyond the little gate to the “back” of the camp ground, the northern most part. We took our 32’ trailer through the gate because satellite images show a cul-dê-sac like turn around area. It is still present, however it is also a campsite and with people occupying the site, turning around is impossible. We had to back our trailer back down the road and into the main area again.
Bathrooms are clean! River nearby was refreshing and has a few small human made dams that allow for wading and safe play areas for kiddos. Chilly nights and hot days!
- JJack D.Guide
Oroville-Feather Falls Casino KOA
Clean
They let us check in early it is all paved but not level!
- CCheryl G.Scout
Lodgepole Campground
Filthy restrooms and showers!
5 stars for the campground itself. I've been camping at Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park since 1984, when I was just 20 years old. I have loved every camping trip since(at least 30 plus times)! The campsites are great, the grounds, and trails are well-maintained, and safe. I love that the general store is easy to get to and has ice and extras that we may have forgotten to bring. However, we have noticed over past few years that the restrooms in the campground have become increasingly filthy. I get that people walk in with dirt all over their shoes, so of course the floors will be dirty, but it's unacceptable to allow the toilets to be so gross! I will leave out the unpleasant details! I asked a young park ranger how often the restrooms are cleaned and he said every day. Apparently they source out the cleaning. It's obvious that all they do is sweep the floors, empty the trash and provide more TP. The sinks, and floors look like they haven't been scrubbed in a long time, and I noticed the toilets looked as bad the day we got there to the day they left. I remember in the 80's and 90's seeing rangers doing a very thorough cleaning each morning. We would walk in and could smell the cleaning chemicals, and the floor would be wet from mopping. Also, the showers are dirty too. They removed the benches in the individual shower stalls so there's no place to put your clean clothes. Do better Lodgepole!
- mmegan L.
TravelerGreenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake
Expensive but decent
We got a pretty secluded site at Cabana 12 but the rest of the sites are kinda stacked on top of each other or out in the open right next to each other. If you want some more privacy then do C12. Being near the lake was great and having a camp store and bathrooms. Showers cost 50¢ for 5 min which isn’t bad but since the campsite is so expensive it would have been nice for them to be free.
Kurt T.TravelerAlmanor
For the North Campground, what a shame and serious safety issues for all.
Simply put, I am embarrassed to say that this one was opened with major safety issues. I was even told by a person at the Almanor Ranger Office in Chester that they were forced to open this campground.
Safety issues:
-Trees were fell and slash was left behind without cleanup by contractor.
-Boulders were moved and above mentioned slash was covering the holes left by the moved boulders creating major safety trip/fall hazards. These hazards could cause twisted and/or broken legs and feet and more.
-Fire Hazard: Above mentioned slash was left behind everywhere for it to dry out an become a major fire hazard. Yes, the camp site around the table and fire ring was cleared, but only by about 10-15 feet.
-Limited walking areas: As the slash was left behind, areas for walking or the kids playing was like walking in a minefield. Even on the paved drive path, there is holes and to move out of the way for trucks/campers requires movement onto the above ,mentioned slash that was not cleaned up.I grew up in this area and after being gone in the military for over 30 years, I came home. This poor campground is a disgrace and I am deeply saddened by the condition the USFS and it's contractor left it in. If I was in charge, I would not have let it open for public use due to the safety issues.
What a shame.
- LLandon R.Traveler
Webber Lake Campground
Nice campsite, but nothing crazy
6 was the best campsite by far
- MM C.Scout
Lone Rock Campground
Beautiful lake and area but disappointing female host
Camped here a few days ago and the campground host named Yvonne smelling like liquor came into our camp telling us we had to pay $5 extra for a vehicle parking when we already paid , wouldn’t check that we had paid but was persistent we paid her. The second night we were there my husband went to ask her to shut her generator off at 11:30 at night because it was loud and keeping us up and she told him no she’s not shutting it off because it keeps the bears away. I think whoever runs these campgrounds needs to really look into who they are hiring because this was such a disappointment. We brought these issues to the campground manager there and he apologized to us for her behavior.
Jason M.TravelerSnag Lake Campground
Definitely could be worse..
Right off the road, rough to get into, in a flight path, lake is muck and stumps. But sites are free, first come first serve, water adjacent, sites spread out.
Guide to La Porte
Camping opportunities near La Porte, California center around a series of lakes and reservoirs at elevations between 5,000-6,000 feet in the northern Sierra Nevada. The area experiences warm summer days with cool evenings, typically with nighttime temperatures dropping into the 40s even during July and August. Most campgrounds in this region require navigation on gravel or dirt roads of varying quality.
What to do
Hiking from campsites: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access to alpine lakes. At Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground, "We hiked up to Jamison Lake, which was a good 3 miles each way starting from the campground" according to Luna F., who noted the perfect weather conditions in early June.
Off-road adventures: The Gold Lake 4x4 Campground requires high-clearance vehicles to access. Jake R. advises: "The trail in isn't very challenging, the first rock section is a good 'gatekeeper' if you will. My 4runner made it in fine, small lift and 33's." The payoff is worth it with exclusive lakeside campsites away from RV crowds.
Water activities: Kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities abound on the still waters of local reservoirs. Samantha V. from Gold Lake 4x4 Campground notes, "The lake is calmest in the early morning and at sunset, perfect for a SUP." Many campgrounds offer direct water access, though swimming areas are often rocky rather than sandy.
What campers like
Quieter camping options: For those seeking peace away from busier areas, Indian Valley offers a more secluded experience. Kathy K. describes it as "beautiful and peaceful" and notes "Only 17 campsites so it's not crowded. It's also away from any road noise."
Wildlife viewing: The area supports diverse wildlife including eagles and bears. At Wyandotte Campground, Haley C. observed that "half of the sites were closed due to nesting Bald Eagles," highlighting the conservation efforts in the area while noting "there was plenty of site availability" despite the closures.
Night sky experiences: With minimal light pollution, stargazing is exceptional. One Gold Lake 4x4 camper remarked on "the moonlight that night was insane! We had full shadows," describing the pristine dark sky experience that makes evening camping memorable.
What you should know
Road conditions: Access to many campgrounds requires navigating unpaved, sometimes difficult roads. Stacie L. warns about Red Feather Campground: "The drive into the campground is nerve wracking... towing a trailer I was surprised to find the drive in was partially on a gravel road. We kept thinking we were going the wrong way!"
Bear safety: Bears are active throughout the area. Kimberly M. from Little Beaver A Campground cautions: "It's definitely bear country, and a site close to ours was stupid enough to leave their food out at night (guess what happened!!)" Most campgrounds provide bear boxes, and proper food storage is essential.
No connectivity: Cell service is nonexistent at most campgrounds. Ross H. at Plumas-Eureka State Park embraced this, noting "no cell phone coverage!!" as a positive feature. For emergency communications, Haley C. points out "the general store also has a pay phone for use" in the town of La Porte.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming spots: Look for campgrounds with protected swimming areas. At Sly Creek Campground, Renee A. recommends: "We enjoyed our camping trip immensely and enjoyed getting into our kayaks and on to the water." The reservoir provides safe water recreation options for children.
Site selection strategy: For family groups, strategic site selection is important. Kimberly M. advises: "There are a lot of large groups and families that come here (seems like they'll take up a big part of a loop by reserving multiple sites), so the sites at in the farthest corners will be your best bet if that's not what you want."
Kid-friendly activities: Beyond swimming, families can explore historic sites. Luna F. mentions "There's a museum on site at the check-in area" at Plumas-Eureka State Park, providing educational opportunities during inclement weather or between outdoor activities.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven sites challenging for RVs. Kimberly M. notes: "Be aware that there are several sites in the loop we stayed at (including ours) that have an entrance with significant grade, so you'll be backing up a camper/trailer up a hill."
RV size limitations: Most campgrounds in the area cannot accommodate large rigs. Little Beaver, Running Deer, and other sites on Little Grass Valley Reservoir have tight interior roads. Stacie L. observed at Red Feather: "Once we got in there, the roads inside the grounds are tight so not sure how bigger rigs would handle it."
Dump station availability: Limited dump stations exist in the area. Wyandotte Campground is one of the few facilities with a dump station, making it a strategic stop when planning longer stays in the region with multiple campground visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is La Porte campground located in California?
Where is La Porte campground located in California?
La Porte is located in Plumas County in Northern California's Sierra Nevada mountains. The area features several campgrounds in the surrounding region. Yellow Creek Campground is nestled in the pines bordering Humbug Valley, offering some of Northern California's best views while being less crowded than nearby Lake Almanor sites. Butte Meadows Campground is situated along a river within walking distance to local businesses and about an hour from Lake Almanor. The La Porte region is known for its scenic beauty, with several campgrounds situated along reservoirs, lakes, and rivers throughout the area, making it an excellent base for exploring this part of the Northern Sierra.
When is the best season to camp at La Porte, California?
When is the best season to camp at La Porte, California?
The best season to camp in the La Porte area is late spring through early fall (May-October). Summer offers ideal conditions with warm days perfect for swimming at Wyandotte Campground, which features a beach at Little Grass Valley Reservoir. Fall brings spectacular colors but cooler temperatures, especially at higher elevations. Spring camping can be beautiful but may have lingering snow at some sites. Avoid winter unless prepared for snow conditions, as many campgrounds close seasonally. Late summer and early fall typically provide the most reliable weather while avoiding peak crowds. Check road conditions before traveling, as some access roads may require high-clearance vehicles, particularly at more remote sites.
What amenities are available at La Porte campground?
What amenities are available at La Porte campground?
Campgrounds in the La Porte area offer various amenities depending on the specific location. Wyandotte Campground on Little Grass Valley Reservoir provides boat launch facilities, a dump station, fish cleaning station, flush toilets, and a swimming beach. Many sites include standard amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and nearby access to water. Sly Creek Campground offers water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly for RV campers. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic facilities like pit toilets or vault toilets, though some may have flush toilets. Water availability varies by location and season, so it's advisable to check current conditions before your trip, especially during late summer when some water sources may be limited.
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