Little Bear RV Park in Blairsden and Sardine Lake in Camptonville house some of the area's most distinctive glamping accommodations within Plumas National Forest region. The safari-style canvas tents at Little Bear feature comfortable queen beds with luxury linens, electricity, and private outdoor decks overlooking the Feather River. For those seeking more substantial structures, Sardine Lake offers wood-framed glamping cabins with kitchenettes, climate control systems, and rustic-chic furnishings. Both locations provide hot shower facilities, flush toilets, and communal fire pits while maintaining proximity to hiking trails and alpine lakes. Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs expands accommodation options with their collection of well-appointed yurts featuring skylights for stargazing. "This clean, quiet, and very family friendly campground offers a mixture of full and partial hookup sites, plus cabins. It's right on the Feather river, with a refreshing swimming hole walking distance from the campground," one guest shared.
Access to pristine alpine lakes sets these glamping resorts apart from typical outdoor stays. The Sierra Buttes provide a dramatic backdrop for glampers at Sardine Lake, where private beach access allows for swimming, fishing, and paddleboarding directly from the property. Little Bear glamping sites connect to extensive trail systems including sections of the Pacific Crest Trail, offering day hikes to hidden waterfalls and panoramic vistas. Seasonal considerations influence availability, with most luxury canvas accommodations open from May through October. Winter glamping options remain limited due to heavy snowfall in the higher elevations. Resort dining options range from on-site restaurants at Little Bear to communal outdoor kitchens at smaller glamping outposts. A visitor noted, "There's no cell service and no services at the campsite so pick up firewood from the one motel/cafe/gas/market on the way in." Advance reservations are essential, particularly during summer months when these unique accommodations book quickly.
"The typical Sierra granite spires around the lake make for the scenery. There's a bar/shack on the water at the resort which is so cute and fun too."
"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 full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $48 / night
"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."
"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."
"Surprised how well maintained and friendly staff assisting with set up. Nice dog large area without enclosed fencing. All short term campers are located in the center very cozy."
from $39 - $47 / night
"So remote and private but everything you need at the campground with water access within walking distance. Sites are great with picnic tables and bathrooms near by."
"Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site. We were in Site 16, which has the ‘camp’ side opposite of our camper door - only reason we gave 4 stars & not 5."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $24 - $48 / night
"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. It's closed until 2023 due to the fires."
"*pros: great little market, very nice staff, clean, great views *cons: rocky watch your step, especially at the beach and a long the shore."
"We’ve been to Collins Lake a few times and we love it! Lots of different camping spots and the lake is stocked with fish. Ice cream at the store is a must."
"There was tons of shade, common area bathrooms and no fees for adding a second vehicle to a site. We were able to share a site which helps with cost."
"Had a great time here - terrific proximity to lake & decent sized camping sites. Nearby Portola, & easy drive from the Reno area."
Campground full next weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $38 - $100 / night
"The common house has a fully stocked kitchen so you can camp without having to bring supplies! The campground is exceptionally clean and meticulously maintained."
"It’s clean, has great amenities (pool, showers, kitchen, bathrooms), and it’s a nice walk away from town. It has a spot for everyone - RVs, glamping tents, and the standard tent sites (my style)."
"It’s definitely a place I’ll put on my list to camp at again, especially when they figure out their electrical issues."
"WiFi is very very limited- drive to top of hill or lodge( very sporadic) Great Lake for swimming, fishing and small boats. Store on site. Clean swimming pool. Ideal for Tent or RV."
"Everything is paved, and all of the sites are within walking distance of the reservoir. This campsite is extremely family-friendly, and I will be bringing my family back here in the future!"
"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?)"
from $32 / night
TravelerThis site does not recognize any state or federal pass the rate starts for 40 a day then they charge per person and per pet grand total for a one night stay with hookups 62$ for one RV one person one dog . 
RangerVery nice 1970 style park most spots only has water and electricity. Section X is full hook ups and close to all amenities. Lots of deers and gray squirrels playing about the park. Nice beach area with rental boats. Restrooms and laundry areas in good shape. This is a nice area to camp.
TravelerSAFETY HAZARDS: So many trees cut down with branches and debris left over and not picked up by the contractor or the USFS that could cause injury or death. Imagine tripping or falling in a hole and being punctured by pointy branches. I am sure this was not inspected after the contractor left or prior to departure.
HEALTH: Womens bathroom was open on Saturday 12 Sep 26, but then it was locked on Sunday 13 Sep 26. Water spigots were also turned off outside. The RV dump station down the street was also closed too. Not sure what happening here as it is not the end of the season yet.
SITES: Images online are not current/out-of-date, don't trust it. Many sites including mine had a lot of trees and now it has 1 or 2, with many stumps and debris left behind. Many sites have zero trees now. Our 20ft campervan barely fit on the asphalt pad and many were only about 10-15 feet long and then others were over 50. I guess you take a chance on what is real and what is not.
SIDEBAR: Over at the North campground, I saw cleanup crews with chainsaws doing work within 10-15 feet of a family who was camping and eating breakfast at the table. I would think this would be a not only a noise issue but also flying debris issue. I guess the USFS does not care about safety of the paying public.
OVERALL: I understand fire prevention, but when you cut down living trees and leave behind the branches and such to dry out, now that is a new fire hazard along with the safety hazard. So sad to see such nice campgrounds being turned into such eyesores and hazards. If you have small children, senior citizens or pets, I would strongly urge you not to make a reservation here. If you just need to a place to park your camper(not tent) then it would be okay as long as you are away during the day as there is very limited shade now. Oh, I forget to say my parents raised me here and they lived here after I went in the Navy and this is an embarrassment to the Almanor Ranger District in Chester.
GuideSpent two nights in site 13, it was the site directly across from the camp host. Host was kind, very present and always cleaning and ensuring the camp was spotless! DO NOT take a trailer beyond the little gate to the “back” of the camp ground, the northern most part. We took our 32’ trailer through the gate because satellite images show a cul-dê-sac like turn around area. It is still present, however it is also a campsite and with people occupying the site, turning around is impossible. We had to back our trailer back down the road and into the main area again.
Bathrooms are clean! River nearby was refreshing and has a few small human made dams that allow for wading and safe play areas for kiddos. Chilly nights and hot days!
Scout5 stars for the campground itself. I've been camping at Lodgepole in Sequoia National Park since 1984, when I was just 20 years old. I have loved every camping trip since(at least 30 plus times)! The campsites are great, the grounds, and trails are well-maintained, and safe. I love that the general store is easy to get to and has ice and extras that we may have forgotten to bring. However, we have noticed over past few years that the restrooms in the campground have become increasingly filthy. I get that people walk in with dirt all over their shoes, so of course the floors will be dirty, but it's unacceptable to allow the toilets to be so gross! I will leave out the unpleasant details! I asked a young park ranger how often the restrooms are cleaned and he said every day. Apparently they source out the cleaning. It's obvious that all they do is sweep the floors, empty the trash and provide more TP. The sinks, and floors look like they haven't been scrubbed in a long time, and I noticed the toilets looked as bad the day we got there to the day they left. I remember in the 80's and 90's seeing rangers doing a very thorough cleaning each morning. We would walk in and could smell the cleaning chemicals, and the floor would be wet from mopping. Also, the showers are dirty too. They removed the benches in the individual shower stalls so there's no place to put your clean clothes. Do better Lodgepole!
TravelerSimply put, I am embarrassed to say that this one was opened with major safety issues. I was even told by a person at the Almanor Ranger Office in Chester that they were forced to open this campground.
Safety issues:
-Trees were fell and slash was left behind without cleanup by contractor.
-Boulders were moved and above mentioned slash was covering the holes left by the moved boulders creating major safety trip/fall hazards. These hazards could cause twisted and/or broken legs and feet and more.
-Fire Hazard: Above mentioned slash was left behind everywhere for it to dry out an become a major fire hazard. Yes, the camp site around the table and fire ring was cleared, but only by about 10-15 feet.
-Limited walking areas: As the slash was left behind, areas for walking or the kids playing was like walking in a minefield. Even on the paved drive path, there is holes and to move out of the way for trucks/campers requires movement onto the above ,mentioned slash that was not cleaned up.
I grew up in this area and after being gone in the military for over 30 years, I came home. This poor campground is a disgrace and I am deeply saddened by the condition the USFS and it's contractor left it in. If I was in charge, I would not have let it open for public use due to the safety issues.
What a shame.
GuideVery popular in the summer!! Amazing lake front campsites with incredible views. Also kind of pricey. There’s onsite security and a big store with delicious icecream. Totally incredible fishing opportunities.
RangerLovely spots, no hookups, close to the highway but far enough off we couldn’t hear it. Stream is lovely, wish we had more time to spend.
GuideWe stayed here on a Saturday night and there was only one other camper there. Easy to get level in our truck camper. Great little spot, only $10, clean vault toilet, our site was huge, would definitely camp again!
Plumas National Forest spans over one million acres at elevations ranging from 2,000 to 7,500 feet across the northern Sierra Nevada mountains. The forest contains over 100 lakes, 1,000 miles of streams, and diverse ecosystems from pine forests to alpine meadows. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing in higher elevations with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, requiring campers to prepare for significant temperature fluctuations even in peak season.
Hiking to alpine lakes: From Sardine Lake Campground, trails lead to stunning water features with minimal crowds. "There's plenty of hiking and fishing around and it is such a peaceful place to relax and read a book. I would recommend hiking up to the Buttes if you're looking for a challenge," notes Hannah O.
Wildlife viewing: The forest hosts diverse bird populations that campers can observe from campground locations. At Grasshopper Flat, visitors report exceptional birding opportunities. "AWESOME for birding - Bald Eagles, Pelicans, woodpeckers, chickadees & ravens - this is the Sierra after all," writes Ron G.
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Calm lakes provide ideal conditions for non-motorized watercraft. "Super place, hosts are friendly & helpful! Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time. Some campers moored their boats/jet skis just off the campground. Gravelly shore and bottom, excellent paddleboarding & kayaking," shares Ron G. about East Meadow Campground.
Privacy at higher elevations: Campers appreciate the less crowded experience compared to other Sierra destinations. "So remote and private but everything you need at the campground with water access within walking distance. Sites are great with picnic tables and bathrooms near by," reports Aliona C. about East Meadow Campground.
Convenient lakeside locations: Many campgrounds offer direct lake access, making water activities easily accessible. "The waterfront spots are amazing if you can score one!" says Erika B. about Grasshopper Flat.
Off-grid experience: Inn Town Campground offers a comfortable introduction to glamping close to Plumas National Forest. "The Inn Town Campground is unlike any other campground I've ever been to. We have stayed in one of the glamping tents, and have also brought our RV. The common house has a fully stocked kitchen so you can camp without having to bring supplies!" notes Amanda M.
Limited cell coverage: Many campgrounds have minimal or no connectivity. At Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs, "No cell service in any of the loops and WiFi isn't great," reports Nicole R.
Seasonal limitations: Most luxury camping accommodations operate during a limited window. "We spent 5 nights here and while I love the more 'famous' Sierra attractions, I have to say: I didn't miss the crowds. Plumas is what Tahoe was like in the 1950's," remarks Nathaniel S. about Little Bear RV Park.
Supply planning: Advance preparation is necessary for remote sites. "There's no cell service and no services at the campsite so pick up firewood from the one motel/cafe/gas/market on the way in," advises Danielle B. about Sardine Lake.
Swimming options: Locate campgrounds with safe swimming areas for children. "The lake is beautiful and Sand Pond is great for swimming. There is plenty of hiking and fishing around and it is such a peaceful place to relax and read a book," recommends Hannah O. about Sardine Lake Campground.
Wildlife encounters: Family-friendly wildlife viewing opportunities abound. At Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs, "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!" shares Nicole G.
Glamping alternatives: For families new to outdoor experiences, luxury camping provides an accessible introduction. Collins Lake Recreation Area offers cabin options for families wanting glamping comfort. "The campground also rents different types of boats and cabins at this campground," mentions Ed E.
Site selection considerations: Choose level sites with adequate clearance for larger vehicles. "It's pretty tight spaces and not a lot of privacy. We ended up moving to site 4, had more room and our door was facing our camp," advises Ron A. about East Meadow Campground.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites can be limited at popular locations. "A bit out in middle of nowhere! But once inside park it's really nice if you can get a full hook up spot.... those are limited!" notes Betty K. about Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs.
Weather preparation: Temperature fluctuations require planning for heating and cooling needs. "We were in Site 23 was shorter than expected which upped the parking challenge but squeezed in okay. Had a great time - large area to spread gear out in, easy walk to semi-private cove on lake," shares Ron G. about his Grasshopper Flat experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Plumas National Forest?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Plumas National Forest is Sardine Lake with a 4.9-star rating from 9 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Plumas National Forest?
TheDyrt.com has all 30 glamping camping locations near Plumas National Forest, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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