The Sierra Buttes area near La Porte, California sits at elevations ranging from 4,000 to 8,000 feet, creating a diverse camping environment with dramatic temperature changes between day and night. The region features a mix of coniferous forests and alpine terrain with numerous lakes and streams. Camping options remain accessible from late May through mid-October, when snowfall typically closes many access roads in this high-elevation zone.
What to do
Fishing spots along the Feather River: The North Fork Feather River provides excellent trout fishing opportunities near Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs. Several campers note the lake's accessibility for shoreline fishing. One visitor shared, "Kids loved fishing from the shore," while another mentioned the lake is "beautiful for swimming, fishing and small boats."
Alpine lake swimming: During summer months, the numerous alpine lakes offer refreshing swimming options with varying water temperatures. Collins Lake Recreation Area provides lakefront camping with easy water access. A camper explained, "We stayed in spot 110 with a lakefront view," while another noted the "beautiful camping grounds with access to sandy beaches from your tenting spots."
Hiking to Sierra Buttes: The hiking trails connect campgrounds to scenic viewpoints with minimal crowds even during peak season. The terrain ranges from moderate forest paths to steep rocky climbs near summits. A visitor at Black Rock Campground described, "Having hiking trails start from the campground was really nice. Very pretty views of the valley from the campground."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campsites offer excellent wildlife spotting, particularly at dawn and dusk. At Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs, families can observe local wildlife up close. As one camper noted, "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!"
Quieter alternatives to Tahoe: The Plumas National Forest area provides similar alpine beauty with significantly fewer crowds than popular destinations. A camper at Little Bear RV Park shared, "If the first place you think of when you hear 'the Sierra Nevada mountains' is Tahoe or Yosemite, I would strongly encourage you to explore points north of Truckee/Tahoe in the Plumas National Forest... Plumas is what Tahoe was like in the 1950's."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain exceptionally clean facilities despite remote locations. Campers frequently mention well-maintained bathrooms and common areas. A visitor to Inn Town Campground reported, "They have dish washing stations and the absolute nicest, cleanest bathrooms/showers I've ever seen in a campground."
What you should know
Limited cellular connectivity: Most campsites have minimal or no cell service, requiring advance planning. A camper at Lake of the Springs noted, "No cell service in any of the loops and WiFi isn't great," while another mentioned "cell coverage is nonexistent outside of one small area."
Seasonal reservation requirements: Campgrounds fill quickly during summer months, especially at Sardine Lake. One camper advised, "Busy on the weekends. Booking advised," while another mentioned "Family filled campground with many spots."
Weather variability: Even during summer months, temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night, requiring layered clothing and appropriate sleeping gear. Access roads to higher-elevation campgrounds may close after early October snowfall. A visitor to Sardine Lake pointed out the "Trail to the upper lake is a nice steady incline. About an hour there and back. Little shade so wear a hat."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities for children: Several lakes offer kid-friendly swimming areas with gradual entry points. East Meadow Campground provides convenient water access from campsites. A camper described, "Some campers moored their boats/jet skis just off the campground. Gravelly shore and bottom, excellent paddleboarding & kayaking."
Campgrounds with amenities: Facilities with additional amenities can make family camping more comfortable. Collins Lake Recreation Area offers multiple conveniences, as one visitor described, "They also have a great ice cream parlor. Don't miss out on that if you do decide to camp here!!!"
Wildlife education opportunities: Encourage children to observe local wildlife respectfully. Lake of the Springs campers frequently mention deer encounters, providing natural learning experiences. One camper noted, "We were just happy to get out and camping. It's definitely a place I'll put on my list to camp at again."
Tips for RVers
Site accessibility considerations: Many campgrounds have specific limitations for larger RVs or challenging access roads. At Lake Francis Resort, full hookup sites accommodate larger vehicles, but availability is limited. A camper noted, "A bit out in middle of nowhere! But once inside park it's really nice if you can get a full hook up spot... those are limited!"
Yurt camping options for La Porte, California: For those seeking alternatives to traditional RV camping, several resorts offer yurt accommodations. Little Bear RV Park provides deluxe yurts with kitchenettes near the Feather River. These permanent yurt camping structures near La Porte, California give campers a unique glamping experience while still enjoying the outdoors.
Electrical reliability concerns: Some campgrounds experience power issues during peak season. A Lake of the Springs visitor warned, "There wasn't a single day when some campsite didn't have electrical issues, in fact they turned a lot of their RV sites into Tent Sites because of electrical issues."
