Plumas National Forest is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Plumas National Forest. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Plumas National Forest and user-submitted reviews.
"Situated out in the Sierra Buttes in California. This bad boy was shown to me by my father. A place to really escape the busy city life, let alone people."
"Warning - this site requires a high clearance vehicle with good off road tires. Low profile tires and trucks modified for street use, you WILL destroy your vehicle."
$35 - $250 / night
"My all Time favorite spot maybe because I grew up in the area and there are lots of wonderful hikes lakes and waterfalls. This park is nice well taken care of lots of redwood trees."
"Went to Wade's Lake in Plumas NF on July 5th & 6th. Easy to moderate climb; one from the trailhead at Jaimison Mine and the second to get up to Wade's."
$24 - $48 / night
"We had great time at sardine lake campground. Great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance and lots of other lakes around the area."
"Campground was situated nicely with perfect trees for our hammocks and bathrooms were tidy."
"Very pretty views of the valley from the campground, and having hiking trails start from the campground was really nice. Only complaints are very close neighbors and little shade."
"It’s a cute RV park, it’s clean and close to a little town the bad thing is that every space is so close to each other, you have next to you their services and it’s impossible to access your storage without"
"Secured large dog area with running creek within walking distance. A number of lower RV spaces within walking pathways to creek. Most were 30 amps and upper level had some 50 amps."
$24 - $48 / night
"Site 8 is the access to it, so beware if you don't like people walking through. Great mtn biking, fishing, rafting, floating and swimming."
"We stayed at 7A which had zero shade, but did have access to the swimming hole. Our kids loved this campground. The swimming hole was awesome. This campsite is about 15 minutes from Downieville."
$23 - $25 / night
"Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline."
"It was a great RV park to stay at in Graeagle, California. The staff is very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere is great. The town is only 1 mile from the RV park and you can easily walk there."
"Short walk to town for a morning of mini golf. Even though the park is close to the road, I didn't hear anything. Memorial day weekend George hosted camp-wide dinner of BBQ tri-tip and kielbasa."
Travelerbeen there many times in the 90s, good gold panning results
ScoutGreat LOOKING site, but me and my friends had to not camp there because it wasn’t open sense the beginning of October
RangerThis is as isolated as it gets. There are a number of pullouts and sites along the road up to Grouse Ridge CG - they're all excellent. Don't expect water or cell reception or toilets. In this area, you're on your own. If the road is muddy, you may not want to take the risk as the mud is slick and getting stuck out here is a true disaster. Even in June, there was still mud, and it even snowed on me which was a thrill to wake up to a white wonderland. Did I mention that you're on your own? Have fun.
RangerIf getting away is on your list, then Independance Hill is one place to go. 1 bar Verizon and a small creek (if you continue on up the road). It's really about 2 miles from the village of Iowa Hill, but it is remote. I scared two black bears as I was walking (don't I wish I had that on film...). And yes, that's his footprint on my van door - he was checking out the bag of garbage I had stored on my roof. No services, but there are at least 6 good sites, including a large flat area that can take any size RV. This is my second favorite spot in this area. I'll go again many times :-)
GuideA two loop campground in a beautiful area. I stayed here in October of 2024. Aside from the host and a forest crew, I was the only camper. It was quiet and lovely. I walked the adjacent trail in the morning, which was very pretty. The pit toilets are old style and smelly, but clean.
GuideCampsites, along the shores of the reservoir are small and close together. The other sites are larger and have more privacy. All of the sites have shade. Elevation is about 6000 feet. I camped here 9/17/25.
ScoutClean and cute, rv sites are level and spacious
GuideThe turn off to the dirt road was 300 ft past where the app said it was. Once we got deeper into the forest my gps wasn’t on the the route depicted on Dyrt, but it’s a fun trail. We went in about a mile in our RAM Promaster converted van then turned around and took a big flat spot closer to the road.
ScoutRoad is well maintained gravel, no potholes. Sites are nicely spaced, large and maintained. Vault toilets were super clean. Sites have a table and bbq. Got lucky and no loud parties, neighbors were respectful. We arrived just after dark and only stayed 1 night so cant comment on the daytime or weekend vibes.
Camping near Plumas National Forest, California, offers a mix of stunning scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into fishing, hiking, or just soaking up nature, there’s something for everyone.
Camping near Plumas National Forest, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best hiking trails in Plumas National Forest?
Plumas National Forest offers diverse hiking experiences across its expansive terrain. Near Gold Lake 4x4 Campground, you'll find phenomenal trails that provide spectacular overlooks of the Sierra Buttes. The hiking paths surrounding the Sierra Buttes area offer some of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Northern California. For water-adjacent hiking, the trails near Little Bear RV Park showcase the beauty of the northern Sierra Nevada mountains with less crowding than more famous areas like Tahoe or Yosemite. Many trails connect to various lakes and streams throughout the forest, with difficulty levels ranging from easy family walks to challenging mountain ascents. Most trails are best hiked from late spring through early fall when snow has melted.
Where are the best campgrounds in Plumas National Forest?
Plumas National Forest offers several exceptional campgrounds. Yellow Creek Campground provides a peaceful alternative to busier spots, with stunning views of Humbug Valley and beautiful pine surroundings. For lakeside camping, Silver Lake Campground features hiking trails right off the lake and is less crowded than other Sierra Nevada destinations. Other notable options include Gold Lake 4x4 Campground for those seeking seclusion, Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground for more amenities, and Little Beaver Campground for a more rustic experience. Most campgrounds in the forest operate seasonally (typically May through October), with fees ranging from $15-25 per night depending on amenities and location.
Are there any free camping areas in Plumas County?
Yes, Plumas County offers several free camping options. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout much of Plumas National Forest, though Rogers Cow Camp (note: currently impacted by wildfire damage) was historically a popular dispersed camping area. Another budget-friendly option is Laufman Campground, which while not free, offers an affordable alternative at approximately $15 per night without amenities like water or trash service. When dispersed camping in Plumas County, follow forest regulations: camp at least 200 feet from water sources, use existing fire rings (when permitted), pack out all trash, and check current fire restrictions. Most dispersed camping areas require high-clearance vehicles to access and lack facilities, so come prepared with all supplies including water.
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