Best Campgrounds near Milford, CA
Camping areas near Milford, California span across Plumas National Forest and surrounding public lands, offering a mix of established campgrounds and dispersed options. Laufman Campground provides tent and RV sites directly in Milford, while Black Mountain Lookout offers cabin accommodations with both drive-in and hike-in access. The Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area, located about 15 miles southeast, provides free dispersed camping with basic amenities like picnic tables and vault toilets. Several campgrounds cluster around Antelope Lake Recreation Area approximately 12 miles west of Milford, including Long Point and Lone Rock campgrounds.
Road conditions and seasonal availability significantly impact camping options in the region. Many forest service roads become difficult to navigate during winter and spring, particularly at higher elevations. A visitor commented, "The dirt road into the campground was fairly smooth. We were the only people there that night. If the campground was full then you would be able to see just about everyone there from any site so zero privacy." Most established campgrounds operate from mid-April through mid-October, with some like Long Point Campground open only from late May through early September. Cell reception is limited throughout the area, with reviewers noting spotty or nonexistent coverage for major carriers. Campers should prepare for significant temperature variations, with cold nights even during summer months.
The Plumas National Forest campgrounds provide varying levels of amenities and natural features. Laufman Campground offers basic facilities with picnic tables and fire pits, though some sites are described as overgrown. A camper wrote, "Just outside of Milford, CA in Plumas National Forest is this tiny campground right off of the Milford Grade. There are about 6 sites but some were so overgrown that they would not be pleasant to stay at." Honey Lake Campground provides more developed facilities with electric hookups, showers, and water access. Campgrounds near Antelope Lake feature water recreation opportunities, with boat-in access available at some sites. While many campgrounds allow pets, fire restrictions vary seasonally, and campers should check current regulations before planning trips. The region's mix of forest and lake settings attracts visitors seeking both water activities and mountain scenery.