Camping near Plumas National Forest

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.

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Best Camping Sites Near Plumas National Forest (336)

    1. Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

    10 Reviews
    Graeagle, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    "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."

    2. Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Graeagle, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2380

    $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."

    3. Sardine Lake

    9 Reviews
    Sierra City, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 478-6253

    $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."

    4. Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park

    8 Reviews
    Clio, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2375

    "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."

    5. Red Feather Campground

    2 Reviews
    La Porte, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    $22 / night

    6. Running Deer Campground

    1 Review
    La Porte, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    $23 - $25 / night

    "Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline."

    7. Black Rock Campground

    3 Reviews
    Yucca Valley, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    "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."

    8. Little Beaver Campground

    1 Review
    La Porte, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    9. Wyandotte Campground

    1 Review
    La Porte, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 534-6500

    $23 / night

    "This campground is located on Little Grass Valley Reservoir near La Porte, CA."

    10. Little Bear RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Blairsden-Graeagle, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2774

    $39 - $47 / night

    "If the first place you think of when you hear “the Sierra Nevada mountains” is Tahoe or Yosemite, I would strongly encourage you to explore points north of Truckee/Tahoe in the Plumas National Forest."

    "Close to Graeagle, Ca. Lakes and fishing nearby."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 336 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Plumas National Forest

744 Reviews of 336 Plumas National Forest Campgrounds


  • M
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

    First time here

    What a great camp site. We used site 31, with a tent. While it was a little rocky the site was great. Located near the restroom but not to close (if you know what I mean). The site is while in five to 15 mins of several lakes and breathtaking water falls. The walking trails being the grounds are easy and shady for those hot summer days.

  • Mar S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park

    Cute but small

    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 bothering your neighbors.

  • J
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area

    Excellent

    The gravel road in was as smooth as the hwy. Clean bathrooms (outhouse), picnic tables, fire pit, and a great panoramic Mountain View sunset.

  • M
    Aug. 28, 2025

    North Fork Campground

    Nice quiet campground and river

    I stopped by here to check out the campground and found it to be very nice quiet and clean. There is a nice river running along the side with a waterfall and a few nice deep swimming holes. I got the only FCFS site and it was nice.

  • jay B.
    Aug. 27, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Great spot to dry camp near Tahoe

    This campground is a hidden gem—just 10 minutes from Truckee and about 20 minutes to Tahoe. We stayed in site #6, which was a first-come, first-served spot. According to the camp host, weekdays are usually easy to snag a site, but you’ll definitely want a reservation if you're planning to stay Friday through Sunday. Most sites offer beautiful views of the lake, and many are on level ground, making setup easy. One tip: avoid site #8 unless you're in a pinch—it’s surrounded by other sites (island spot) and doesn’t offer much privacy, but it would work for a quick overnight stay. The campground feels spacious, peaceful, and scenic. Just keep in mind there are no showers or running water, so come prepared for dry camping. That wasn’t an issue for us since our camper is set up for boondocking. All in all, an awesome spot—we’ll definitely be back!

  • Greg C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    Kyburz Flats

    Quiet woods and fields

    Road is rough, especially after first mile to interpretive site. Looks like a few spots there you could camp. The last mile gets rougher. Was fine in my 2wd van but have high clearance and was dry. Might be worse if muddy or low clearance vehicle. Also, coordinates lead to historic sheep camp site. Can probably camp next to it but better spots just beyond though road gets even rougher.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 24, 2025

    White Cloud

    Beautiful but LOUD

    Awesome spots to camp, it’s just insanely close to the 20 so you’ll hear non-stop traffic.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Scotts Flat Lake

    Pricey but nice

    Paid $68 for a tent site with no hookups. Showers take quarters too. Price is a bit steep IMO but the site was nice, a quick walk to the lake to cool off.

  • HThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2025

    Lakeside Campground

    Stay-cation Perfection!

    Perfect place for spacious campsites, lake views and stunning sunsets. Camp Host was so helpful and hospitable.


Guide to Plumas National Forest

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.

What to do:

  • Fishing: Many campers enjoy casting a line. At Collins Lake Recreation Area, one visitor mentioned, "The lake is stocked with fish," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Plumas-Eureka State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "There’s a trailhead for hiking to a few secluded lakes," perfect for those who love to hike.
  • Water Sports: If you’re into boating or kayaking, East Meadow Campground is a hit. One camper noted, "Excellent paddleboarding & kayaking," highlighting the fun on the water.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. At Bidwell Canyon Campground, a visitor said, "Super clean camp grounds, with an amazing view when near the water."
  • Friendly Staff: Many reviews mention helpful staff. At Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park, one guest remarked, "Friendly office staff made the check-in process easy and enjoyable."
  • Scenic Views: Campers love the views. A reviewer at Gold Lake 4x4 Campground said, "The view of the lake was beautiful!"

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Bowman Campground, lack basic facilities. A camper warned, "There is a pit toilet, but no water or fire rings."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect busy weekends. A visitor at Grasshopper Flat noted, "If you get there on a weekend, get there early because sites fill up fast."
  • Wildlife Awareness: Be cautious of wildlife. At Sardine Lake, a camper advised, "Make sure you bring bear spray!"

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits. A reviewer at Collins Lake Recreation Area noted, "Spot 73 is an okay spot," but mentioned issues with water drainage.
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. At Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park, one guest said, "The park is immaculately maintained."
  • Be Prepared for Rough Roads: Some campgrounds require high-clearance vehicles. A visitor at Gold Lake 4x4 Campground warned, "This site requires a high clearance vehicle with good off-road tires."

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.