Nestled within Plumas County at around 3,500 feet elevation, Meadow Valley provides access to numerous campgrounds throughout the surrounding Plumas National Forest. Summer temperatures typically range from 45-85°F with cool evenings even during July and August. Winter camping options remain limited as most facilities close from late October through April due to snowfall and freezing conditions.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: From Sardine Lake, access hiking paths leading to Sierra Buttes where panoramic vistas await. "We were able to hike up to volcano lake from our campsite as well as sardine lake and upper sardine lake," shares Erika B. about her Sardine Lake experience.
Fishing in stocked lakes: Collins Lake offers reliable trout fishing throughout the camping season. "Great Lake and RV Park. We stayed in spot 110 with a lakefront view," notes Daniel S. from Collins Lake Recreation Area, where fishing access is available directly from waterfront campsites.
Mountain biking on forest roads: The paved Eagle Lake Recreation Trail extends approximately 6 miles through pine forests. According to Lori T., "We enjoyed walking the paved Eagle Lake Recreation Trail to both Christie Campground and the marina. Each direction is about a 4 mile out and back."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Meadow Valley area campgrounds vary in site spacing. James W. appreciates Merrill Campground noting, "The sites are spread out and offer a lot of privacy. Full hookups $35, water and electric $30. Dry camp $20."
Lake swimming access: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas. At Little Bear RV Park, Lisa T. found it "very clean and well maintained! A quiet and relaxing place to stay," though she wished for "easier access to the river."
Night sky viewing: With minimal light pollution, stargazing opportunities abound. Gilad S. at Plumas Pines Resort recommends "stargazing when you roam a bit outside the lights of the camp."
What you should know
Seasonal closures affect planning: Most campgrounds operate May through October. At Grasshopper Flat, Ron G. visited in different seasons noting, "Had a great time - large area to spread gear out in, easy walk to semi-private cove on lake."
Mosquitoes can be intense: Insects peak during early summer months. Will M. warns about Merrill Campground: "The bad 🦟 Tons of mosquitoes! The Good- Great campsite in a nice remote area to take in nature."
Reservations essential for weekends: Popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. Jennifer Q. shares, "We were lucky to get a FF spot and spent three nights" at Grasshopper Flat.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for children: Sand Pond near Sardine Lake offers family-friendly swimming. Hannah O. recalls, "My family has been camping here since before I was born and we love it! It's definitely a gem of the Sierras. The lake is beautiful and Sand Pond is great for swimming."
Kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds feature additional facilities for children. At Golden Trout Campground, Elaina S. notes the appeal for families: "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."
Family-friendly glamping close to Meadow Valley, California: For families seeking glamping options near Meadow Valley, Nathaniel S. recommends Little Bear RV Park: "This clean, quiet, and very family friendly campground offers a mixture of full and partial hookup sites, plus cabins."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When choosing RV sites, consider terrain and shade availability. Susan R. shares about her experience at Plumas Pines Resort: "This place is amazing for trailer camping. The sites are close to each other, but every site has a small balcony you can back up next too."
Hookup availability varies: Check specific campground amenities before booking. At Almanor, Kurt T. provides updated information: "North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024... The North campground is OPEN, but you cannot reserve it. First Come First Served (FCFS)."
Seasonal water levels affect access: Lake levels change throughout the season. Ed E. observed at Collins Lake Recreation Area: "In the Spring, the water level is much higher so the water line is closer to the campsites. In the fall, pre-winter, the water level is much lower. It was about a 50 yard walk down to the water from #116 camp site."
