Best Campgrounds near La Porte, CA

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near La Porte, California (325)

    1. Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

    10 Reviews
    Graeagle, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    "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

    3 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    "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

    7 Reviews
    Graeagle, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2380

    $35 - $250 / night

    "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."

    4. Red Feather Campground

    2 Reviews
    La Porte, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    $22 / night

    5. Little Beaver Campground

    1 Review
    La Porte, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    6. Running Deer Campground

    1 Review
    La Porte, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    $23 - $25 / night

    "Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline."

    7. Wyandotte Campground

    1 Review
    La Porte, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    $23 / night

    "This campground is located on Little Grass Valley Reservoir near La Porte, CA."

    8. Little Beaver A Campground

    1 Review
    La Porte, CA
    5 miles
    Website

    $23 - $25 / night

    "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)."

    9. Sly Creek Campground

    2 Reviews
    Strawberry Valley, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    $20 / night

    "Great walking trails group sites are great love it"

    "With pristine wilderness surrounding your tent, you can camp alongside the beautiful reservoir."

    10. Indian Valley

    2 Reviews
    Camptonville, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $24 - $48 / night

    "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."

    "Easy access to water (creek) and firewood. Definitely a lot of mosquitoes, but once the fire kicks in they scatter. Not much hammocking options. Go with a tent."

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Showing results 1-10 of 325 campgrounds

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Recent Reviews near La Porte, CA

667 Reviews of 325 La Porte Campgrounds


  • M
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

    First time here

    What a great camp site. We used site 31, with a tent. While it was a little rocky the site was great. Located near the restroom but not to close (if you know what I mean). The site is while in five to 15 mins of several lakes and breathtaking water falls. The walking trails being the grounds are easy and shady for those hot summer days.

  • Mar S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park

    Cute but small

    It’s a cute RV park, it’s clean and close to a little town the bad thing is that every space is so close to each other, you have next to you their services and it’s impossible to access your storage without bothering your neighbors.

  • M
    Aug. 28, 2025

    North Fork Campground

    Nice quiet campground and river

    I stopped by here to check out the campground and found it to be very nice quiet and clean. There is a nice river running along the side with a waterfall and a few nice deep swimming holes. I got the only FCFS site and it was nice.

  • jay B.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Great spot to dry camp near Tahoe

    This campground is a hidden gem—just 10 minutes from Truckee and about 20 minutes to Tahoe. We stayed in site #6, which was a first-come, first-served spot. According to the camp host, weekdays are usually easy to snag a site, but you’ll definitely want a reservation if you're planning to stay Friday through Sunday. Most sites offer beautiful views of the lake, and many are on level ground, making setup easy. One tip: avoid site #8 unless you're in a pinch—it’s surrounded by other sites (island spot) and doesn’t offer much privacy, but it would work for a quick overnight stay. The campground feels spacious, peaceful, and scenic. Just keep in mind there are no showers or running water, so come prepared for dry camping. That wasn’t an issue for us since our camper is set up for boondocking. All in all, an awesome spot—we’ll definitely be back!

  • Greg C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Kyburz Flats

    Quiet woods and fields

    Road is rough, especially after first mile to interpretive site. Looks like a few spots there you could camp. The last mile gets rougher. Was fine in my 2wd van but have high clearance and was dry. Might be worse if muddy or low clearance vehicle. Also, coordinates lead to historic sheep camp site. Can probably camp next to it but better spots just beyond though road gets even rougher.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    White Cloud

    Beautiful but LOUD

    Awesome spots to camp, it’s just insanely close to the 20 so you’ll hear non-stop traffic.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Scotts Flat Lake

    Pricey but nice

    Paid $68 for a tent site with no hookups. Showers take quarters too. Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Stay-cation Perfection!

    Perfect place for spacious campsites, lake views and stunning sunsets. Camp Host was so helpful and hospitable.

  • John L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Collins Lake Recreation Area

    Family Friendly Campgrounds

    This is our second time camping at Collins Lake, and we loved it just as much as the first! We stayed at site 60A Lake Front View, which had stunning water views and a spacious setup 🤩👌🏽. The site gets a lot of sun in the morning and afternoon, so bring a popup canopy for shade—it made a big difference for us! Overall, the campground is clean, peaceful, and perfect for a relaxing getaway. Highly recommend!


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

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?

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?

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.