Camping options near Portola, California range from lakeside sites to high-elevation forest retreats at 4,500-5,000 feet. The region experiences significant temperature variations with summer days reaching 85°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to 40-45°F even in July and August. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from late spring through mid-fall, with limited winter access due to snow conditions.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: From Sardine Lake campground, access trails leading to scenic destinations. "There's a bar/shack on the water at the resort which is so cute and fun too. It's not open but for like a couple hours before each dinner seating but it's still fun none the less," notes one camper. Another mentions "Trail to the upper lake is a nice steady incline. About an hour there and back. Little shade so wear a hat."
Bird watching: The meadows and lakes provide excellent opportunities for spotting diverse bird species. At Grasshopper Flat, one visitor reported "AWESOME for birding - Bald Eagles 🦅, Pelicans, woodpeckers, chickadees & ravens - this is the Sierra after all." Another camper at Gold Lake mentioned seeing "a Bald Eagle dive and grab a fish."
Swimming in clear mountain waters: Sand Pond near Sardine Lake offers excellent swimming opportunities. "Sand Pond is great for swimming," reports a camper. Grasshopper Flat provides "easy access to the lake from this site where you can paddle board and kayak in peace," according to a recent visitor.
What campers like
Spacious camping areas: Many campsites provide ample room for equipment and activities. A Grasshopper Flat visitor noted they had a "large area to spread gear out in, easy walk to semi-private cove on lake." Another mentioned, "Site 23 was shorter than expected which upped the parking challenge but squeezed in okay."
Clean facilities: Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground maintains well-kept amenities. "Our campsite (52) was towards the back, so it felt like we had a good amount of privacy even though there were many other campers," reports one visitor. Another noted, "At the campground, there are flushing toilets, water spigots, showers, and dumpsters."
Peaceful environment: The remote location provides quiet camping experiences. A visitor to Crocker Campground observed, "It is quiet with a couple pit toilets. There was only one other camper when I was there so we had most the place to ourselves." Plumas-Eureka campers appreciate that "Campground was full but very quiet."
What you should know
Vehicle requirements: Access to some campgrounds requires appropriate vehicles. At Gold Lake 4x4 Campground, "The trail in isn't very challenging, the first rock section is a good 'gatekeeper' if you will. My 4runner made it in fine, small lift and 33's. Never touched sliders, but the wheels & skids got some new scratches."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity is minimal throughout the region. One camper at Plumas-Eureka State Park highlighted "the best..no cell phone coverage!!" This makes the area ideal for disconnecting but requires advance planning for navigation and emergencies.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly. A camper at Grasshopper Flat noted their visit included both perfect conditions and challenging weather, recommending layered clothing and rain gear even in summer.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park offers options for families with children. "Kid friendly with activities and play areas. Pet park for off leash play! Clean and friendly staff!" one camper reports. Another notes "The kids scootered and rode bikes along the camp roads, and drivers were cautious and patient."
Weekday visits recommended: For quieter experiences and better site selection, avoid weekends during peak season. A Sardine Lake camper noted, "Busy on the weekends. Booking advised." Gold Lake 4x4 Campground visitors suggested "if you get there on a weekend get there early because sites fill up fast."
Educational opportunities: Plumas-Eureka State Park offers historical learning experiences. "There's a museum on site at the check-in area," notes one visitor, making it an excellent option for families looking to combine outdoor recreation with educational activities.
Tips from RVers
Site positioning considerations: At Movin' West RV Park, RVers should consider privacy factors. "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," reports one camper.
Dump station access: Several RV parks in the area offer full hookups, but not all have dump stations. Little Bear RV Park visitors appreciate that "the bathroom/shower was closed and I wish there had been easier access to the river but other than that it was a great place to stay."
Level site availability: Many campgrounds feature level pads that simplify setup. A Clio's Rivers Edge visitor noted "The sites are level and the scenery is breathtaking," while another mentioned "Check in was super easy with the host George escorting us to our site."
