Shawn S.
Legend
LegendHoney Lake Campground
Very small and close to the hwy.
Tent Camping near La Porte, CA
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Tent camping options near La Porte, California offer a mix of established sites and secluded locations within Tahoe and Plumas National Forests. Fiddle Creek Campground provides walk-in tent sites with basic amenities, while Goose Lake Campground offers more primitive tent camping experiences with lakeside views. Carlton Flat Campground features tent-only sites accessible by short hikes from parking areas.
Most primitive tent campgrounds in the region provide pit toilets but limited or no potable water, requiring campers to bring their own supplies. Tent campsites at Fiddle Creek include bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings, though campfires may be restricted during dry seasons. Bowman Lake tent sites require high-clearance vehicles to access, with one camper noting the road is "rough and can be treacherous driving on a cliff side." Walk-in tent sites typically offer more privacy, though mosquitoes can be prevalent near water sources. Sites at higher elevations like Goose Lake may not be accessible until snow melts, typically by late May.
Tent camping areas around La Porte provide opportunities for hiking, swimming, and fishing. The primitive tent campsites at Bowman Lake offer direct lake access for kayaking and swimming, with campsites situated among trees providing natural shade. Early fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds to many tent-only sites in the region. Sites near creeks and lakes offer refreshing swimming options during summer months, though they tend to attract more visitors. A review for Fiddle Creek mentioned that "the river is cold and refreshing. People pan for gold and some walk up the road to Jackson Hole to float down." Many backcountry tent sites require campers to properly store food in bear canisters or provided bear boxes, particularly in the Tahoe National Forest areas.
Best Tent Campgrounds near La Porte (85)
1. Fiddle Creek
"Tent only. You park and walk to you camping which is with other camps right by. It's not too bad and if you get a group you can get your own little slice of the campground to yourself. "
from $24 / night
Check Availability2. Carlton Flat Campground
"After your hike you can sit on the picnic table enjoy your lunch and watch the woodpeckers and birds fly pass you. This place does get crowded during the summer and during hunting season."
3. Golden Trout Campground
"This campground had riding trails that could bring you to Sly Creek and secret camping sites that a quad or 4 wheel drive could find. It's closed until 2023 due to the fires."
4. Goose Lake Campground
"Dry camping with space between sites. Great for kayaking and tents. Some sites require high clearance vehicles. Beautiful views."
"Pull right off the "highway" into the campground surrounded by a lake on three sides!! Camp right on the edge of the lake with a view of the sierra buttes. It doesn't get ANY better than that."
5. Loganville
"The weather was perfect in early October! It was not busy, there was on other occupied campsite not to close to where we were. It has water, bathrooms and a bear box. Beautiful trees and clean sites."
"The campground itself is pretty standard, sites are decent size, and lots of shade. There is a path down to the Yuba River, where you can get in the water or float on a tube. "
from $24 / night
Check Availability6. Bowman Campground
"There are several primitive campgrounds to choose from. Some right near the lake. There is a pit toilet, but no water or fire rings. The drive is long and fairly rough."
"The road is rough and can be treacherous driving on a cliff side. You will need good clearance on your car. Pit toilet only with no water. lots of hiking, good fishing, great kayaking."
7. Tooms Vehicle Campground
8. Tooms Vehicle Campground
9. Bowman Lake Dispersed
"There are tent sites above the boat ramp with bear boxes and fire rings. Left side of tent sites is very loud due to the rushing river."
"The trail will take you off road for quite some time , but it's well with the adventure."
10. Tahoe National Forest Ramshorn Campground
from $20 / night
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Drive Time
- 1 hr 17 min from Yuba City, CA
- 2 hrs 6 min from Reno, NV
- 2 hrs 30 min from Carson City, NV
Recent Tent Camping Photos near La Porte, CA
34 Photos of 85 La Porte Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near La Porte, CA
669 Reviews of 85 La Porte Campgrounds
Juliana J.
RangerGrouse Ridge Campground
Beautiful spot - diverse camping options
Well worth the drive - definitely suggest AWD if you choose to go all the way up to the hiking point. Stunning views as you continue to climb up. Good amount of people present, but I snagged an awesome and secluded spot. I had I believe a bar of service. My site was clean. Bear scat present and I heard other campers bang pots around me, indicating there was definitely potential to run into a black bear. Rock fire pit was present. I believe there were spots with picnic tables and grills and maybe a bathroom a bit farther down, but I chose seclusion over everything.
- BBryan G.
TravelerLodgepole Campground
Expensive
This site does not recognize any state or federal pass the rate starts for 40 a day then they charge per person and per pet grand total for a one night stay with hookups 62$ for one RV one person one dog . 
Ray D.RangerThousand Trails Lake of the Springs
Lake of the Springs
Very nice 1970 style park most spots only has water and electricity. Section X is full hook ups and close to all amenities. Lots of deers and gray squirrels playing about the park. Nice beach area with rental boats. Restrooms and laundry areas in good shape. This is a nice area to camp.
- MMrs. S.Traveler
Indian Valley
Gorgeous campground
Incredible campground! All campers were super respectful of the quiet hours and the campground hosts were great. They work very hard to keep the campground clean. The river isn’t super easy to access but there’s a rope to help you down to the river access spot. The section of the river throughout the campground is claimed so no panning. We loved our stay and can’t wait to go back.
Ricky R.RangerGates Group Campground
Nice RV Park in edge of FairPlay
We got a full hookup 50 amp back in site next to the trout pond. Sites are level and the park is easy to navigate. Park has laundry, showers and a dump station with water fill. Walking distance to grocery and dining. Access to hike/bike trails. Although close to highway the back of the campground was pretty quiet.
- JJeff H.Ranger
Dingerville USA
Looks great and friendly
I didn't stay here but I went to buy a camper shell. All the management were very friendly and cheerful. They went it off their way to be helpful. As we left we saw some people passing and the place looked well kept.
Byron S.
GuideIndependence Hill Dispersed
Big dirt pad, dirt bowl.
A freshly worked dirt lot. Like a freshly plowed field. Tractor tire tracks make walking difficult. There is no signage at all. I'm not sure I'm not on private property. May be the sketchiest road I've ever driven. I intended to stay a week. Instead, I got here at sunset, I'm leaving at first light. Somehow, it has mosquitoes.
Tim S.TravelerGreenhorn Capground at Rollins Lake
Satisfactory
We stayed in mid September 26. There was only one family camping the first few days we were there and then we had the entire campground to ourselves. Location was beautiful and it was extremely quiet with exception to the wildlife. Lots of deer, geese, ducks and squirrels. Possible one bear sure to a dumpster dive with shredded garbage on our last day. We were in a 28' RV. Rv camping is a no frill experience. No hook-ups but water spigot at each site. RVs have to parallel park at the top of the hill area. They campers have the difficulty of finding a level spot because most of the tent camping is on a slope. Flush toilets are available. Spotty cell service on Verizon's visible service but we were still able to stream entertainment on our phone's hotspot. Overall, we loved it stay due to the scenery and the obvious peacefulness due to an empty campground. Our 3 night stay midweek with no hook-ups was just over $200.00 which is to me absolutely outrageous but we needed a place to stay on short notice. Aside from the cost, we had an absolutely wonderful peaceful experience watching the wildlife and beautiful scenery.
Guide to La Porte
Tent camping options around La Porte, California stretch across several national forests, with most sites sitting at elevations between 5,000 and 6,000 feet. Campgrounds typically open from late April through October, though access depends on seasonal snowmelt and road conditions. Many campsites require visitors to travel on unpaved forest roads with varying degrees of maintenance.
What to do
Kayaking on mountain lakes: Goose Lake Campground offers excellent kayaking opportunities with sites positioned around three sides of the lake. "Great for kayaking and tents. Some sites require high clearance vehicles. Beautiful views," notes camper Michele B.
Hiking to waterfalls: The region offers numerous waterfall hikes accessible from campgrounds. At Bowman Campground, visitors can "hike to the waterfalls at the creek at the end of the lake if you can," according to David L., providing a rewarding day trip from the lake.
Gold panning: Several creeks and rivers in the area have historical gold mining significance. Many campers bring simple panning equipment to try their luck in the streams near campgrounds. Carlton Flat offers access to waterways where visitors occasionally find small gold flakes.
What campers like
Secluded lake access: Loganville Campground provides direct access to the Yuba River. "The campground itself is pretty standard, sites are decent size, and lots of shade. There is a path down to the Yuba River, where you can get in the water or float on a tube. The best part about this campground is the river," reports Julie D.
Wildlife viewing: The forested setting supports diverse bird and animal populations. At Carlton Flat Campground, one visitor noted it's an "awesome place for bird watching, hanging up your hammock and enjoying nature. Wonderful views of the mountains and sunset. Also best place for a long hike."
Off-season tranquility: Many campers prefer visiting in spring or fall for increased solitude. "The weather was perfect in early October! It was not busy, there was one other occupied campsite not too close to where we were," writes Lily G. about her experience at Loganville.
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require traveling on rough forest roads. At Golden Trout Campground, "The road to the old campground is largely washed out but some still find their way down to enjoy the more private and primitive camping," according to Elaina S.
Insect considerations: Mosquitoes can be prevalent, particularly in early summer near water. "Beware there are TONS of mosquitoes!!" warns one Golden Trout visitor, while others recommend bringing appropriate repellent, especially for evening hours.
Toilet facilities: Most campgrounds offer only basic facilities. At Goose Lake, there's a "Permanent pit toilet, but no running water. Nearest water is 5 miles down the hill," reports Scott, highlighting the need to bring sufficient water supplies.
Tips for camping with families
Best swimming spots: Several campgrounds offer safe swimming areas for children. Loganville provides "a path down to the Yuba River, where you can get in the water or float on a tube," making it suitable for supervised water play.
Wildlife awareness: Proper food storage is essential in bear country. "We've never had issues with animals or bugs at Bowman Lake," notes David L., though bear boxes are available at many sites and should be used consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near La Porte, CA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near La Porte, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near La Porte, CA is Fiddle Creek with a 4-star rating from 2 reviews.
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tent camping near
La Porte, CA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near La Porte, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 85 tent camping locations near La Porte, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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