Best Tent Camping near Loyalton, CA

Searching for a tent campsite near Loyalton? Find the best tent camping sites near Loyalton. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near Loyalton, CA (67)

    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    1. Donner Memorial State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    47 Photos
    233 Saves
    Truckee, California

    Donner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for Donner Lake camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. Visitors are welcome year-round at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake of the Woods

    2. Lake of the Woods

    4 Reviews
    7 Photos
    62 Saves
    Sierraville, California

    Lake of the Woods is a nice small lake. It can be quite popular especially on weekends. There are approximately 15 camping spots with fire pits and picnic tables situated along the shoreline. There is no piped water available. This lake generally opens later in the spring as it sits at a high elevation and takes longer for winter snows to melt to gain access. Camping is free and on a first come - first served basis. The lake has both public and private property. Fire restrictions may be different depending on where you locate your camp.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin
    • Glamping
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Campground

    3. Bowman Campground

    7 Reviews
    19 Photos
    176 Saves
    Sierra City, California

    Bowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground with limited services. There are 7 campsites with tables, fire rings and bear proof food lockers. There is no trash service. Bowman Lake is a large lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and scattered pines that are great for fishing and swimming. A few islands are found within the lake. Car top boat launch only. The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous. There are several stretches of the road where it is impossible for two vehicles to pass around each other and so if traffic is coming from both directions, someone will need to back up. Despite the difficult access, Bowman Lake is a popular, heavily used area.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Campground

    4. Bear Valley Campground

    2 Reviews
    2 Photos
    18 Saves
    Sierraville, California

    Bear Valley Campground is a remote, small campground with 10 campsites suitable for tents or RV's. It is popular with OHV enthusiasts wanting to use the nearby Bear Valley OHV area. The campground is located six miles east of Little Truckee Summit on the Cottonwood Creek Road. Elevation: 6700 feet. Non-potable water, treat before drinking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Goose Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Goose Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Goose Lake Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Goose Lake Campground

    5. Goose Lake Campground

    4 Reviews
    4 Photos
    49 Saves
    Graeagle, California

    Goose Lake Campground has 13 campsites that include table, fire ring, food locker, vault toilets and parking. Access to some campsites is via rough unpaved road. Some of the features of this area include breathtaking scenery and over 20 scenic lakes to hike, bike or horse ride to.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Creek Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Creek Campground

    6. Canyon Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    2 Photos
    95 Saves
    Sierra City, California

    Canyon Creek Campground is located on Canyon Creek in a mixed conifer forest, near Faucherie Reservoir. It is a remote campground with 20 campsites, vault toilets, bear proof food lockers, paved parking, and no trash service (pack it in, pack it out.) The road to the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow, requiring high clearance; towing/trailers not recommended.

    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table
    Camper-submitted photo from Faucherie Lake Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Faucherie Lake Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Faucherie Lake Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Faucherie Lake Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Faucherie Lake Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Faucherie Lake Group Campground

    7. Faucherie Lake Group Campground

    3 Reviews
    16 Photos
    90 Saves
    Emigrant Gap, California

    NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS. Recreation Facilities Natural Features ADA Access: N

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash
    • No image available

      8. Crocker Campground

      1 Review
      3 Saves
      Portola, California
      • Pets
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
      Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Grouse Ridge Campground

      9. Grouse Ridge Campground

      4 Reviews
      24 Photos
      136 Saves
      Emigrant Gap, California

      Grouse Ridge Campground is located at the top of Grouse Ridge, spectacular vistas of granitic boulders, many alpine lakes, scattered pines, and wildflowers in the summer. Often late opening due to snow banks on access road. Hiking and biking trails lead off of ridge to the Grouse Lakes Area located at the base of the ridge. There are 9 campsites with tables and fire rings. 5 campsites have space for small trailers.There is a vault toilet, but no trash service; pack it in pack it out!

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Tents
      • Group
      • Standard (Tent/RV)
      • Trash
      Camper-submitted photo from Conklin Park Campgrounds
      Camper-submitted photo from Conklin Park Campgrounds
      Camper-submitted photo from Conklin Park Campgrounds

      10. Conklin Park Campgrounds

      4 Reviews
      3 Photos
      41 Saves
      Milford, California

      This campground sustained severe damage from the Dixie Fire in 2021. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

      This nine unit campground is located approximately eight miles northwest of Frenchman Lake. This is a quiet campground situated along a small creek. Vault toilets, tables, fire rings and food lockers are provided. There is no water or garbage service. Pack out all trash.

      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Tents
      • Picnic Table
      • Toilets
    Show More
    Showing results 1-10 of 67 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews in Loyalton

    727 Reviews of 67 Loyalton Campgrounds


    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM next to Truckee River, in Mustang
      Dec. 17, 2024

      BLM next to Truckee River, in Mustang

      Good in a pinch.

      Just off of 80 @ the Mustang exit, east bound side. Industrial area, so trucks going by, mostly during the day, but occasionally throughout the night. Good, clean spot to rest for a night. Adjacent to the river

    • JThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from East of Pyramid Lake
      Dec. 16, 2024

      East of Pyramid Lake

      BLM land east of Pyramid Lake

      So quiet and peaceful. Nobody else was here but me. Barely hear minimal traffic from the road. Sadly an overcast while I stayed one night, but I got to see the last full moon, winter moon, of the year rise from behind the mountain ridge in the north. Looked like the sun rising. I will be returning to star gaze on clear skies. Oh yeah, definitely weird rock formations to check out.

    • Bobby S.
      Camper-submitted photo from Donner Memorial State Park Campground
      Dec. 6, 2024

      Donner Memorial State Park Campground

      Great Trip!

      I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun. Me and my friends were up there and there was conveniently a campground available in there same campsite. We went in the summer and the water was perfect! We went fishing and caught crawfish in a trap underneath the bridge near the front. Overall the staff were really nice and it was a great trip. I recommend it!

    • Tyler C.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Reno View Dispersed
      Nov. 2, 2024

      Reno View Dispersed

      amazing view

      okay. let’s be real. the road is a beast. I would not drive it with any vehicle other than SUV/Truck. DO NOT bring up an RV/Trailer. you’ll regret it. we stayed and car camped. an awesome view of the lights of Reno. can be very windy but if you get between some of the trees it’s not to bad.

    • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
      Oct. 12, 2024

      BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed

      Not easily accessible

      The two closest roads coming in from the West are blocked off and labeled no unauthorized vehicles. This is due to the construction of the new neighborhoods and they probably annexed the area. You could probably access it from the East but I have no idea how many miles it would be in from where you would come in.

    • ron R.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
      Oct. 12, 2024

      Peavine Road Dispersed Camping

      Complete trash dump

      It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.

    • Mason W.
      Camper-submitted photo from Zephyr Cove Resort
      Oct. 9, 2024

      Zephyr Cove Resort

      Simple, clean, but loud

      Very simple and clean park but it is right next to the highway with very limited amenities. Their “amenities” they list online are not accurate but again it’s nice and clean. Also make sure you have a secondary form of transportation since this place is secluded due to private neighborhoods so there is no access to town via bike or on foot.

    • Paxton B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp
      Sep. 30, 2024

      Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp

      The road is terrible

      Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone

    • Raymond V.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Zephyr Cove Resort
      Sep. 25, 2024

      Zephyr Cove Resort

      Tight spaces but close to lake

      Tight spaces but close to the lake if you want to enjoy the water and beach. Toilets and showers where filty but okay. Lots of chipmunks to enjoy..

    • Patricia N.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground
      Sep. 24, 2024

      Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground

      South Feather and Power water company campground

      Sly Creek Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake with several campsites along a small portion of the lake.

      There is a boat ramp and ATV riding on the forest roads in the area.

      The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025.

      Passes are honored.

    • Noel L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Days End RV Park
      Sep. 15, 2024

      Days End RV Park

      Awesome park

      One night stay. Well maintained and clean. Great landscaping and keeps it watered. Laundry just $1.50 a load and nice laundromat. Almost level site. Awesome and friendly owner...since 2022. Nice bathrooms. Great views and quiet.

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Logger Campground
      Sep. 12, 2024

      Logger Campground

      Beautiful campground with lake views.

      Love our stay at Logger Campground, very clean vault toilets, and facility. Most of the spots are very tight, narrow spaces. Make some when you book, you get the right size spot. Pay dump just offsite.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Carson RV Resort
      Sep. 11, 2024

      Carson RV Resort

      Worthy of the resort title!

      We normally prefer wilderness parks, and generally avoid RV parks. We’ve stayed in a few though and this one is by far the absolute nicest one we’ve ever stayed in!! It recently changed ownership and the new owners have invested in a first-class place! We had to find a last minute place on a Sunday due to the Davis Creek Regional park fire. We pulled in here and were helped by a wonderful young woman in the office. What I liked most about this place was that it is more spacious than typical RV parks. Also, more importantly, the bathrooms were amazing and deserving of the “resort” name. While there may have been a few rigs here longer term, their sites were neat and orderly. The location is by a highway (and behind Costco), but the noise wasn’t bad at all. The pool area is beautiful and includes outdoor grills and a gas fire pit. There is minimal shade as the trees are all new. The laundry rooms (2!) were lovely. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. Beautiful and well run facility. Does it compare to a state or National park, no. But for what it is it is outstanding!

    • rThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation
      Sep. 10, 2024

      Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation

      Nice USFS campground

      All camp sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Please ensure fires are permitted before starting a fire. The campground was clean and quiet. Pit toilets were clean and well stocked. Please note that I was there during the week. I imagine that during summer weekends it can get quite noisy with boat and jet ski traffic being so close to Reno. I would definitely stay again.

    • H
      Camper-submitted photo from Bear Valley Campground
      Sep. 10, 2024

      Bear Valley Campground

      Remote Forest Camping

      FCFS OHV campground that can be approached from a couple of rough dirt roads,  high clearance helpful,  4wd not needed.   Not all sites are flat.  People from the area (i guess)  seemed to be "reserving"  sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs...  they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility.  Took a hike.  Very pretty.  No OHV noise,  but a copter was circling the area in the middle of the night.

    • KThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Davis Creek Regional Park
      Sep. 8, 2024

      Davis Creek Regional Park

      It was on fire 9/7

      My 1-star review is only because, sadly, a fire started at this campground and was out of control by the time we arrived. It grew to 1,500 acres and destroyed 6 structures. I was really looking forward to staying at this park. Sadly, it has likely been destroyed.

    • Anna B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Moon Rocks Camp
      Sep. 8, 2024

      Moon Rocks Camp

      Camping on Mars

      (September 28th, 2023) Got here after dark and found an empty clearing to park in for the night. The moon and the stars were so bright, it felt like we were on another planet. Got to explore the area in the morning, such a cool spot! Very quiet when we were there.

    • T
      Camper-submitted photo from Lodgepole Campground
      Sep. 7, 2024

      Lodgepole Campground

      Perfectly Situated in the Sequoias

      I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. The campsite was close to other campers, but not right on top of them. The location is ideal. Bathrooms were the least favorite part, only one bathroom (with 4 stalls?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!

    • SThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bowman Lake Dispersed
      Sep. 6, 2024

      Bowman Lake Dispersed

      Lake side Campsites

      If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.

    • Joey C.
      Camper-submitted photo from Antelope Lake Recreation Area
      Aug. 28, 2024

      Antelope Lake Recreation Area

      Beautiful

      We had a great time up at Antelope Lake. It is a very pretty lake and would definitely recommend going. However, the camp host there was very rude and very unaccommodating. I booked 6 campsites for two nights, when I showed up on Friday, the campground was not full so I moved to my trailer to a different site because it was close to friends and family. The site I moved to was first come first serve. The camp host was hounding me - saying I must pay for the site I moved to even though the campground wasn't full. Originally, I paid close to $500 for all 6 sites and the camp host made me pay for the extra site that wasn't even taken/reserved. Be careful of this guy! I think this guy might be pocketing the money.

    • Blue Tansy D.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park
      Aug. 9, 2024

      Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park

      Couldn’t make it in time…

      Sadly we were delayed and would not have arrived at Pyramid Lake until 2am so we didn’t stay. We did however visit the lake and museum and visitor center and it was well worth it! We will definitely be back to try and camp here again. We spoke with the locals and they confirmed that once you purchase the camping permit ($15) then you just drive to the lake and find a spot - very rustic, very cool! The lake itself is absolutely beautiful. We can’t wait to come back… maybe during a full moon and fishing season! Be sure to visit the museum and definitely stop at the INDIAN TACO spot on the way to the lake… it was delicious!

    • BThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Truckee River RV Park
      Aug. 6, 2024

      Truckee River RV Park

      Website states switched to permanent tenants

      I have not stayed here but the website states switched to permanent residents. Likely hard to find a spot.

    • jThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground
      Aug. 5, 2024

      Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground

      Boca Rest

      I spent nine days camping at Boca rest, it is a beautiful campsite. I was there before memorial day weekend so it was fairly empty. The fishing and the little Truckee and the lake was outstanding.


    Drive Time


    Guide to Loyalton

    Nestled in the scenic Sierra Nevada, Loyalton, California, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for adventure and tranquility.

    Tent campers like these nearby activities

    • Enjoy hiking and kayaking at the beautiful Bowman Campground, where you can explore trails and take in stunning lake views.
    • Experience the rich history of the area by visiting the nearby Donner Memorial State Park, which features a museum and trails leading to Donner Lake from Donner Memorial State Park Campground.
    • For those seeking solitude, Canyon Creek Campground offers a secluded spot perfect for kayaking and enjoying nature away from the crowds.

    Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $35

    • Camping at Lake of the Woods is free and offers a serene environment with swimming opportunities.
    • The well-reviewed Bear Valley Campground provides a peaceful setting with amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, typically costing around $25 per night.
    • For a more rustic experience, Goose Lake Campground offers dry camping with beautiful views, generally priced at about $20 per night.

    Explore these specific local activities

    • Fishing and swimming are popular at Lake Davis Dump Station, where you can enjoy the scenic views while relaxing by the water.
    • Take a hike to discover the stunning landscapes surrounding Merrill Valley Dispersed Camp, perfect for those looking to escape into nature.
    • Visit the nearby Sagehen Creek Campground for a rustic camping experience with access to fishing and hiking along the creek.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Loyalton, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Loyalton, CA is Donner Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Loyalton, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 67 tent camping locations near Loyalton, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.