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.
$24 / night
"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. "
"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."
"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."
"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."
$24 / night
"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. "
"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."
"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."
$20 / night
GuideThere are only a few campsites here, 12, I think, and a rough road getting (SUV or truck recommended) into the campground. Once you reach camp, you’ll be rewarded with serene and beautiful surroundings. Lots of lakes and hiking in the area. Mosquitos can be a problem so come prepared. Vault toilet. No trash service, no piped water. There are picnic tables and fire rings.
GuideWe stayed for two nights during the end of June 2018. Despite being summer, the temperature drops significantly at night. Even with cold weather sleeping bags, my son and I were really cold. There’s no electricity or bath houses, so charge all your devices and shower before your visit, lol. The potable water pumps are tricky to learn how to use at first, and the water is very cold.
The sites are large and relatively flat, so tent camping is easy. While there are some sites that cannot be reserved online, I highly recommend that you do not rely on getting one that is first come, first serve. We saw three trucks filled with families trying to go after the last non-reservable site. So, reserve yours online!
Be aware that there might be bear that get close to your sleeping quarters as the area is full of them. I was never scared, but my son swore that he saw one while he was going to bed. I was still up chit chatting with neighbors, so I did not see anything. Earlier that day, the Forest Ranger came through the camp to do an interpretive by showing everyone various mammal furs, two of which were bears. He told us that they have learned to be attracted to ice chests (coolers) and plastic boxes; they know these can contain food, so cover them with blankets or towels when secured in your car or around the campsite. Of course, food should be locked away at night and when not being prepared.
This campground is located next to Prosser Reservoir, so there are beautiful views of the lake. The sites on the back side of the grounds have the best views. Even if you don’t get a lake view, do not worry as there are plenty of places to hike with lots of spectacular views! Pick up a copy of ‘Lake Tahoe’s Spectacular Wildflower Trails’ by Julie S. Carville, and pick a trail! Sagehen Creek Trail (Hike #12 in the book, I believe) is very close by Prosser Family Campground.
The coolest thing about this place is that you can drink while enjoying the natural views! Wahoo!
GuideWe rolled in here after midnight and most of the spots were still empty, and they're far enough apart that we were able to set up camp without being too disruptive. There's a vault toilet, picnic tables, fire rings, and some gorgeous scenery. What more could you need?
TravelerNestled against salmon creek and among the gold lake area, just outside of Bassetts. Very large sites, with some hike in with shallow creek crossing. Lush fields and forests. Great views. Can here traffic on ridge. Bear boxes at every site Trash and Recycling receptacles Picnic Tables at every site Fresh water available Bathrooms throughout
ScoutForest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.
Traveler• Large croup camp site with lots of flat places to pitch a tent. • Clean pit toilets. • 3x Bear food and 4x trash/recycling bins. • 2 (or 3?) water spigots • 4 big picnic tables • Some shade • Uneven terrain around sites and lots of fallen trees • Lots of parking, including triller/RV parking. Parking is paved and flat.
• Walking distance to the river • Big fire pit
We enjoyed this site! Excellent for a big group. I think we had 18 people. There could an additional bear bin to support as much food/scented items as a group of 25 would need. We ended up using the extra bear-proof trash bins as overflow scented item/food storage. Worked well.
TravelerGranite Flat is a great way to get out and camp without worrying too much about forgetting something. Now, I know no one WANTS to head back into town for the ice, eggs, or brew they forgot. But if you do, you're only 2 miles from the grocery store.
This campground is right along the Truckee river! It is RV/Camper, tent & dog friendly. Though there are very few "tent only" sites.
They have non-flushing restrooms with TP! (fancy outhouses)
You can park up to 2 cars per site
There is fresh, clean water located at pumps thruought the campground
PLENTY of space to pitch a tent
Bear boxes provided (we were lucky enough to see a mama and two cubs across the river from us!)
Fire pits and picknick tables
Super friendly camp hosts
We stayed here at 3 tent only sites, the night after our wedding with a group of friends! We all loved it and will definitely be back. You can float from one end of the campground down to the other end or keep going if you can find a ride (Uber) back to the campground! I hear the fly fishing on the Truckee river is fantastic as well. Due to the fact that we JUST got married the day before, we actually had our DJ come the the campsite and spin there. The people in the nearby sites were totally cool with it and we were respectful of quiet hours. So, as you'll see in the video, we had music. But typically the festival DJ doesn't come with the campsite. ;)
One negative to this campground is that the highway is right next to it. The Tahoe region is EXTREMELY popular so I'd suggest booking early if you can (though it seems you can find sites last min too) and know that if you're next to the highway, you'll hear cars/trucks passing through. By no means did any of my party feel that the vehicle noise was intrusive on our experience though. But it's food for thought.
Lastly, again you're near town and can head into Truckee for some tasty brew and food at many local breweries, breakfast, & BBQ spots! Plus the town of Truckee is super cute and should be explored of you haven't been.
TravelerThis lake is a quiet getaway, with waterfront access and a warm lake. Short hike in but has picnic tables and bear boxes.
ScoutOur campsite was nice! There was no formal check in process and ours was a little away from everyone else. Fire ring, picnic table, and bear box, established toilet with tp in campsite. Few bugs but nothing crazy. Small creek nearby. Pretty lake and nearby hike if you go up the road about a mile.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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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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