Best Camping near La Porte, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, La Porte, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near La Porte, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Camping Sites Near La Porte, CA (328)

    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake 4x4 Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

    1. Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

    10 Reviews
    24 Photos
    165 Saves
    Graeagle, California

    Overview

    Gold Lake 4x4 campground in northeast Plumas County, CA lies at 6,400 feet in elevation within the Plumas National Forest. The mountains, forest and lake setting provide a picturesque landscape for relaxation, adventure and exploration. A popular location with access to the backcountry, visitors should carefully review what this facility provides. This campground is not a luxury destination and may not meet your comfort level. This is a rustic campground with no utilities, water, hookups, trash service, or restroom facilities. Campers must pack out all their sanitation and trash. Families may decide one of the other campgrounds nearby is better suited to meet their needs and expectations. Visitors staying at the 4x4 campground will be within the Lakes Basin Recreation Area that requires camping within developed campsites. For those seeking a more dispersed experience, campers must ensure they are well outside the boundaries of the recreation area. The Lakes Basin & Sierra Buttes Map illustrates where boundaries and forest roads are found. These maps are available at the USGS Store online or from Plumas National Forest Offices.

    Recreation

    Visitors often use this campground as a home base to enjoy water sports, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting and a host of other activities. The OHV access road continues beyond the campground and onto the adjacent Tahoe National Forest. From here, other roads lead north toward "A-Tree", LaPorte and Plumas Eureka State Park, southwest towards Downieville and Sierra City and south toward Packer Lake and Sardine Lakes. Make sure to take a suitable vehicle, a map, and extra food and water.

    Natural Features

    As the Lakes Basin Recreation Area name implies, the region has many crystal clear alpine lakes to explore. Glacial carved granite peaks and ridges, sunrises and sunsets reflected in the waters over Gold Lake, the whisper of pines rustling in the wind or a glimpse of a shy doe will leave an indelible memory and entice you to return again and again. The region is rich in history that includes Native American use, gold discovery, westward migration, forestry, railroads, grazing, and agriculture. You may even find evidence of those that travelled here decades or centuries before you.

    Nearby Attractions

    Though in a remote location, Gold Lake 4X4 Campground is near several attractions worth visiting. Mills Peak Fire Lookout is manned during fire season and welcomes visitors. Mills Peak Trail, a premier mountain bike trail, descends from the lookout towards the community of Graeagle. Pan for gold and explore the hard rock mining history or attend one of the other interpretive activities at Plumas Eureka State Park. Try not to miss the spectacular views of and from the Sierra Buttes and its lookout. All aboard! Take a ride on the rails while checking out the Railroad Museum in Portola. The Reid Cattle Company can offer cowboys and cowgirls trail rides at the outlet of Gold Lake or from their Graeagle location.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Collins Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Collins Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Collins Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Collins Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Collins Lake Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Collins Lake Recreation Area

    2. Collins Lake Recreation Area

    20 Reviews
    79 Photos
    293 Saves
    Oregon House, California

    Collins Lake is a favorite Northern California destination for families. This 1,600 acre recreation area offers LAKEFRONT RV& TENT camping with excellent fishing and wakeboarding. Collins Lake has California’s largest private trophy trout planting program of any lake north of Sacramento and equally famous for bass, crappie& catfish. Facilities include RV hookups, cabins, hot showers, laundry, marina, rental boats, sandy beach, playground, store with huge ice creams& espresso drinks. Family friendly with movies under the stars and live music every summer summer. Located only 70 miles northeast of Sacramento at 1200’ elevation. Family owned and operated since 1972.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Sardine Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sardine Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sardine Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sardine Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sardine Lake
    Camper-submitted photo from Sardine Lake

    3. Sardine Lake

    9 Reviews
    32 Photos
    181 Saves
    Sierra City, California

    Overview

    Sardine Lake Campground is located in the North Yuba River area, near the beautiful Sardine Lakes. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and gold panning. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.

    Recreation

    Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals, lodging, and a restaurant. A large network of trails is available in the area, including Deer Lake and Tamarack Lakes Trails and the Pacific Crest Trail.

    Natural Features

    The campground stretches along a wet meadow at the base of the scenic Sierra Buttes. A forest of lodgepole pine offers partial shade. Beautiful high mountain lakes and rugged peaks can be found throughout the surrounding area.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (530) 265-4531.

    Nearby Attractions

    Lakes Basin offers many opportunities for boating, fishing and hiking. Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes, less than a mile to the west. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin. A more developed boat ramp is located at Gold Lake and accomodates launching of larger boats. Over 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack branch out across the area and the Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed at a few spots in the Lakes Basin area. The historic towns of Sierra City and Downieville offer historic and cultural attractions, restaurants, shops, churches, and vistor information.

    Charges & Cancellations

    No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). * No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $24 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground

    4. Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    15 Photos
    90 Saves
    Graeagle, California

    Jamison Creek Campground (sites 1-70)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $35 - $250 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Inn Town Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Inn Town Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Inn Town Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Inn Town Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Inn Town Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Inn Town Campground

    5. Inn Town Campground

    12 Reviews
    155 Photos
    40 Saves
    Nevada City, California

    Located on an historic 15 acre site, just under two miles from downtown Nevada City. We offer tent camping, RV spots with hookups, and glamping in canvas tents. Our sites, plus a range of convenient and welcoming amenities make Inn Town Campground a great place to get outside.

    Info@InnTownCampground.com 530-265-9900

    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Tent Cabin
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

    6. Bidwell Canyon Campground — Lake Oroville State Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    24 Photos
    112 Saves
    Oroville, California

    Bidwell Canyon Campground is part of the Lake Oroville State Recreation Area and is a great place for Lake Oroville camping. The campground is located near the Bidwell Marina on the south side of the lake, adjacent to the boat launch ramps. Bidwell Canyon Campground features 75 campsites divided into two loops on either side of the marina - Big Pine Campground (sites 1-39) and Gold Flat Campground (sites 40-75). The sites accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. All the sites have full hook-ups. Reservations can be made for your chosen campsite.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Trash

    $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park

    7. Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park

    7 Reviews
    9 Photos
    65 Saves
    Clio, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Schoolhouse Campground (CA)
    Camper-submitted photo from Schoolhouse Campground (CA)
    Camper-submitted photo from Schoolhouse Campground (CA)
    Camper-submitted photo from Schoolhouse Campground (CA)
    Camper-submitted photo from Schoolhouse Campground (CA)
    Camper-submitted photo from Schoolhouse Campground (CA)

    8. Schoolhouse Campground (CA)

    7 Reviews
    17 Photos
    64 Saves
    North San Juan, California

    Overview

    Bullards Bar Reservoir is located on the North Yuba River at an elevation of 2000 feet. It is located approximately 21 miles north of Nevada City, California. It has a maximum surface area of 4,760 acres and a length of over 16 miles and shoreline of more than 60 miles.

    Recreation

    Activities include wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, boating, water skiing, and other water sports. Swimming opportunities are limited because of the steep slopes; however boaters will find numerous opportunities for swimming in various locations around the reservoir. The reservoir provides yearlong fishing opportunities for both warm and cold water fish species. Supplies are available at the marina as well as the nearby communities of Camptonville, North San Juan, and Dobbins.

    Natural Features

    The sides of the reservoir are generally steep and public access for boating and recreation is limited. The reservoir is surrounded by both conifer and hardwood forests with numerous brush species. There is plenty of shade at the campsites

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (530) 265-4531.

    Nearby Attractions

    There is a beautiful non- motorized trail system in the area, with 5 different trails to choose from. Bullards Bar Trailhead is 14 miles, 7 Ball Trial is 1 mile, 8 Ball Trail is 3.8 miles, Rebel Ridge Trail is 1.6 miles and Schoolhouse Trail is 0.7 miles. Maps are available at the North Yuba Ranger Station just a couple miles east of the reservoir on Marysville Road.

    Charges & Cancellations

    No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). * No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $48 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground

    9. Bowman Campground

    7 Reviews
    19 Photos
    176 Saves
    Sierra City, California

    Bowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground with limited services. There are 7 campsites with tables, fire rings and bear proof food lockers. There is no trash service. Bowman Lake is a large lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and scattered pines that are great for fishing and swimming. A few islands are found within the lake. Car top boat launch only. The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous. There are several stretches of the road where it is impossible for two vehicles to pass around each other and so if traffic is coming from both directions, someone will need to back up. Despite the difficult access, Bowman Lake is a popular, heavily used area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Bear RV Park

    10. Little Bear RV Park

    5 Reviews
    3 Photos
    66 Saves
    Blairsden-Graeagle, California
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $39 - $47 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 328 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near La Porte

Recent Reviews in La Porte

657 Reviews of 328 La Porte Campgrounds


  • Paxton B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp
    Sep. 30, 2024

    Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

    The road is terrible

    Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Grizzly Creek Campground
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Grizzly Creek Campground

    Nestled in the trees

    This campground is a very quiet spot after Labor Day, it is small, only 10 sites total and it is only open until September 30, which I don't understand since there is no snow here until November.

    When we were there only one other camper was staying here and he was a deer hunter.

    The water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared. This campground has two sites that will take a 30' trailer and the remaining sites will take smaller trailers, tents or campers.

    One site has a new picnic table but all sites have tables, fire pits and plenty of room between sites. Pit toilets are near the entrance and only one was clean when we stayed here.

    Not to far from Bucks Lake if you want to camp and then drive to the lake.

    Fees have changed, they are $25 a night and $12.50 if you have the pass.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rogers Cow Camp
    Sep. 26, 2024

    Rogers Cow Camp

    CLOSED

    This was a beautiful campground, primitive in the Plumas National Forest but it is burnt to the earth after the North Complex Fire and it will never reopen.

    We drove up on 9.25.24 to see if any of the down trees have been cleared and only some have been. You can pull into the camp but large dead and down trees prevent access to the campground.

    The pit toilet is also damaged and it is unlikely the USFS will make any repairs.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground

    South Feather and Power water company campground

    Sly Creek Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake with several campsites along a small portion of the lake.

    There is a boat ramp and ATV riding on the forest roads in the area.

    The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025.

    Passes are honored.

  • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ponderosa Flat Campground
    Sep. 24, 2024

    Ponderosa Flat Campground

    PGE campground

    This campground and the one to the south, Cool Springs, are both run by Pacific Gas and Electric Utility company. 

    There are campground hosts at both campgrounds and late in September half of Ponderosa Flat closes. The entire campground closes at the end of September. 

    There was plenty of water in the Reservoir and it could be okay for a boat but you have to look out for all the snags in the water, and there are a lot of them.

    Campground is quiet but tight to get a large trailer in, ours is 26 feet and it was tight. The spaces in the closed portion of the campground were a bit more spacious. 

    Fire rings, tables and pit toilets. It was $30 a night with no power, power sites are more expensive. 

    If you have a cool campground host you can ride your ATV or Side by side out onto the dirt road and ride for miles. Just be mindful it is not really supposed to be a ride out campground.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Logger Campground
    Sep. 12, 2024

    Logger Campground

    Beautiful campground with lake views.

    Love our stay at Logger Campground, very clean vault toilets, and facility. Most of the spots are very tight, narrow spaces. Make some when you book, you get the right size spot. Pay dump just offsite.

  • H
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Campground
    Sep. 10, 2024

    Bear Valley Campground

    Remote Forest Camping

    FCFS OHV campground that can be approached from a couple of rough dirt roads,  high clearance helpful,  4wd not needed.   Not all sites are flat.  People from the area (i guess)  seemed to be "reserving"  sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs...  they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility.  Took a hike.  Very pretty.  No OHV noise,  but a copter was circling the area in the middle of the night.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground
    Sep. 7, 2024

    Lodgepole Campground

    Perfectly Situated in the Sequoias

    I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Sep. 6, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Lake side Campsites

    If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.

  • Joey C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Lake Recreation Area
    Aug. 28, 2024

    Antelope Lake Recreation Area

    Beautiful

    We had a great time up at Antelope Lake. It is a very pretty lake and would definitely recommend going. However, the camp host there was very rude and very unaccommodating. I booked 6 campsites for two nights, when I showed up on Friday, the campground was not full so I moved to my trailer to a different site because it was close to friends and family. The site I moved to was first come first serve. The camp host was hounding me - saying I must pay for the site I moved to even though the campground wasn't full. Originally, I paid close to $500 for all 6 sites and the camp host made me pay for the extra site that wasn't even taken/reserved. Be careful of this guy! I think this guy might be pocketing the money.

  • OThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Nevada County Fairgrounds
    Aug. 22, 2024

    Nevada County Fairgrounds

    Quiet camping

    It’s $30 a night for dry camping and goes up from there depending on what hookups you need. Very peaceful and the fairgrounds are open during the day to walk around.

  • Julie M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Ranch RV Park
    Aug. 16, 2024

    Sycamore Ranch RV Park

    Clean, comfortable spot

    Very clean campground with a helpful host. Bathrooms/showers for paid guest have a code to get in. The day use area has porta potties. This place is dark at night so really good for star watching.

  • a
    Camper-submitted photo from Haskins Valley Campground
    Aug. 6, 2024

    Haskins Valley Campground

    Nice, easy access to lake

    It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Quail Ridge RV Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Quail Ridge RV Park

    Serene RV Trailer Park?

    Place wasn’t too bad. Very nice people, very peaceful, and quiet, however, there were many people here who are permanent residents of the park, some of their areas are a little trashy looking for lack of a better word. Definitely not a bad spot if you’re on the way to another campground, but there are probably better ones to head to, especially if you have children with you. We were also looking for a place to camp with two days notice and this was all we could find. Cheap too!

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lindsey Lake Campground
    Jul. 25, 2024

    Lindsey Lake Campground

    So nice!

    Stayed 6 days with friends and dogs. Sites were rustic but clean. We had direct access to lake to launch and swim. Jake, site host, very kind and professional as he answered questions and gave advice when a group member popped a tire coming up to the lake. We will be back!

  • Chris N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Bowman Lake Dispersed

    Great Late Spring Escape

    This place was a slice of heaven, but only accessible by way of 4 x 4 with decent clearance. The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure. Traction boards and a winch could help you through unexpected obstacles and are recommended to have on hand, but you most likely won't need them. No running water, but there are restroom buildings, fire rings and bear boxes to use. Mosquitoes are abundant here. Don't forget your repellent. The lake is gorgeous, a great fishery, and there are plenty of inspirational views and solitude to be had.

  • Sharon B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Collins Lake Recreation Area
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Collins Lake Recreation Area

    Lakeside

    *pros: great little market, very nice staff, clean, great views *cons: rocky watch your step, especially at the beach and a long the shore. Recommend water shoes, although this may only help a little as the rocks are quite large and when can trip over them as much as step on them. they are not round river rocks, but pointy and painful to traverse. *my stay: I was only here for two nights and on the second morning some people pulled in and pitched a tent at 4:30 in the morning. They weren’t particularly loud, but they did curse and had their flashlight bright enough that it shone into my site and RV. Overall, it was still a very pleasant stay for the two nights.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cool Springs Campground
    Jul. 17, 2024

    Cool Springs Campground

    Secret Place Near Lake Almanor

    Just try to get a last minute camp spot on Memorial Day weekend most places.  We were fortunate to discover Butt Lake near Lake Almanor.  Only one small burn area far from the campgrounds.  Friday was opening day for Cool Springs campground.  A PG&E operated facility, it was in great shape and ready for the season.  We did three nights, departing on Monday.  On Friday night we were one of only a few guests.  Saturday and Sunday were full, but the feeling was vary spacious.  The lake is a reservoir with no actual inlet.  Rather it is fed by a pipe from Lake Almanor with a hydroelectric plant just prior to the water entering Butt Lake.  Oddly for a PG&E lake there is not hydroelectric plant at the outlet dam.  Did some bike riding to check out the dam, Ponderosa Flat campground, Pioneer cemetery, and east shore of the lake.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lookout Campground
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Lookout Campground

    Fantastic Crystal Peak

    This site is really close to Reno, except for the time it takes on the dirt road.  We went in one way and out the other.  Our way in was from 395 at Bordertown north of Reno on Long Valley Road.  Once on the dirt the first couple of miles were bad washboard.  Slow going.  Then, the rest of the trip had some challenging driving with rocks and ruts.  We went really slow and everything was fine.  We left via Dog Valley Road and hit the pavement again in Verdi.

    We visited for a night mid-week.  Only one other campsite was occupied.  The trail from the campground to Crystal Peak was great.  It's more like Crystal knoll.  The history of Cristal Peak is amazing, and the crystals are everywhere.  Really nice views from atop the knoll too.  Many people visit just for the day to collect crystals.

  • Jeff B.
    Camper-submitted photo from Movin' West RV Park
    Jul. 14, 2024

    Movin' West RV Park

    A great place to stay in Graeagle, CA

    It was a great RV park to stay at in Graeagle, California. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is great. The town is only 1 mile from the RV park and you can easily walk there. I highly recommend the Graeagle Outpost for coffee, ice cream, and more.

    It would be even better if there was more space between each RV spot. It feels like your neighbor is right there in your business all the time. They put up fences to give some semblance of privacy but it doesn't really help because they are only partial fences.

  • Rich R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lakeside (truckee)
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Lakeside (truckee)

    Nice big quiet lake

    Clean and easy to get to with 27ft class a. Some sites weren't as flat as others. First come first served worked well.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
    Jun. 30, 2024

    Grouse Ridge Campground

    Amazing spot for a campground.

    The last five miles to get to this campground was narrow and rocky. Once we got to the campground, I realized narrow and rocky are okay. We were there last weekend in June and there was still snow on the ground. Woot! It was awesome. Quite a few sites there with fire rings, beat up, bear boxes that didn't open and picnic benches that were in bad shape. They had two pot toilets. This was a very busy campground. Lots of traffic on and out, I'm sure to beat the heat. It was 25 degrees cooler up there than in Sacramento. We loved this campground. I can't wait to go back.

  • VanHowling The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Granite Flat
    Jun. 26, 2024

    Granite Flat

    Nice enough if you’re passing through

    Pulled in late and it was easy enough to navigate in the dark. Bathrooms were mediocre. Site was level. Campground was quiet.

  • Kurt T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Almanor
    Jun. 24, 2024

    Almanor

    North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024

    North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024.

    It took some digging on this information as the USFS website is wrong.  

    I camp here on the South campground at least once every year.  For the 2024 season, they CLOSED it at the last second.  

    The North campground is OPEN, but you cannot reserve it.  First Come First Served (FCFS).

    Boat ramp is at the North campground, but if you just have a paddleboard or kayak, you can just walk to the water by just waking down the road and launch at the edge of the lake.  

    There is a General Store within walking distance and restaurant/bar right on the lake too.  I highly advise reservations for dinner on the deck.

  • Deb H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Jun. 16, 2024

    Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    Nice Campground

    We spent 2 nights midweek here in early June. Nice and quiet. The campground is pretty with big Jeffrey Pines and large boulders. Clean bathrooms. The showers were nice but a couple of them didn’t have hot water. The memorial and the museum were very interesting. Most of the sites are nicely spaced apart but you can still see other campers.



Guide to La Porte

Camping near La Porte, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful lakes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different preferences.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy casting a line in the nearby lakes. One visitor at Collins Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "The lake is stocked with fish," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails around the area. A reviewer at Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground noted, "There’s a trailhead for hiking to a few secluded lakes," perfect for those who love to hike.
  • Water Sports: If you’re into kayaking or paddleboarding, East Meadow Campground is a great choice. Campers have enjoyed "excellent paddleboarding & kayaking" at the nearby reservoir.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One visitor at Bidwell Canyon Campground said, "Bathrooms were top notch clean!" which adds to the overall experience.
  • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have staff that go above and beyond. A reviewer at Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park shared, "Friendly office staff made the check-in process easy and enjoyable."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the beautiful surroundings. One camper at Gold Lake 4x4 Campground mentioned, "The view of the lake was beautiful!" which is a common sentiment among visitors.

What you should know:

  • Rocky Terrain: Some campgrounds have rocky areas that can be tricky to navigate. A visitor at Collins Lake Recreation Area warned, "Rocky watch your step, especially at the beach," so water shoes might be a good idea.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have markets or stores nearby. A camper at Sardine Lake advised, "Pick up firewood from the one motel/cafe/gas/market on the way in."
  • Crowded in Summer: Some campgrounds can get busy during peak season. A reviewer at Grasshopper Flat noted, "If you get there on a weekend, get there early because sites fill up fast."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with activities for kids. One family at Inn Town Campground enjoyed, "The pool area was really nice," making it a hit for families.
  • Space for Tents: Choose campgrounds with spacious sites. A camper at Bowman Campground mentioned, "Great open sites that are maintained," which is perfect for family setups.
  • Safety Precautions: Always be cautious about wildlife. A visitor at Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground reminded others to "use the bear box properly," especially if camping with kids.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Grasshopper Flat mentioned, "We were lucky to get a FF spot," indicating that some sites can be tricky for larger RVs.
  • Bring Water: Some campgrounds don’t have water hookups. A camper at Gold Lake 4x4 Campground advised, "Bring water or filter water from the lake," which is essential for RVers.
  • Plan for Off-Roading: If you’re heading to more remote spots, ensure your vehicle is ready. A visitor at Bowman Campground warned, "Make sure you have an off-road vehicle," as the terrain can be rough.

Camping near La Porte, California, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. With the right preparation, you can enjoy everything this beautiful area has to offer!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near La Porte, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, La Porte, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 328 campgrounds and RV parks near La Porte, CA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near La Porte, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near La Porte, CA is Gold Lake 4x4 Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 10 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near La Porte, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near La Porte, CA.

  • What parks are near La Porte, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near La Porte, CA that allow camping, notably Plumas National Forest and Martis Creek Lake.