Best Campgrounds near Portola, CA

First time backpacking out here and it was such an awesome experience. I’m super excited to go back. I will say the hike up was a bit difficult with a heavy backpack due to all the rocks you have to climb over on the trail, but the view of the lakes at the top makes it all worth it. I’d start early in the day to make sure you get good parking as this is a very popular trail, and so that you can get a good campsite and enjoy the lakes for as much time as possible. Bugs there were virtually nonexistent as I don’t think I got bit by any. I did read though that last week there were some rattlesnake sightings, so just be cautious of snakes.

Date of Stay: July 31 – August 1, 2025 Location: Shamrock RV Park – Reno, NV Type of Site: Overflow lot, no sewer, limited shade, unusable Wi-Fi

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We are full-time RV travelers and Good Sam Elite members who chose this park based on its affiliation and proximity to the police department. We paid for a full week in advance and expected a safe, respectful experience.

Instead, we were met with aggressive behavior, bait-and-switch pricing, and verbal abuse from a staff member (appeared to be maintenance, not management). • We were quoted $490 over the phone, but in person, my disabled-veteran partner was told $790. • The park refused to honor both Good Sam and veteran discounts, even though both are listed. • We were charged $52 for propane that was never disclosed before the service. • When we calmly said we were getting the funds to pay, the staff member came to our RV yelling, then threatened to call the police—even after we paid. • He screamed in my face, called me names, and got physically close. Only when I pulled out my phone to record did he calm down. • Two other staff members began filming us, mocked us, and offered no support or apology. • We now feel unsafe staying the remaining 6 days we’ve paid for, but have no other options as all other parks are booked.

This was one of the most traumatizing experiences we’ve ever had while camping. We’ve filed a formal complaint with Good Sam and have video evidence of the staff member’s behavior shift once he realized he was being filmed.

I would not recommend this park to anyone—especially solo travelers, families, or veterans. You deserve to feel safe where you stay.

What a serene little campground off 395. You can hear a bit of traffic, but the trees swaying in the wind muffled it pretty well! It has a great view of the lake and has tent, RV, and trailer sites- many that seem to be permanent. The hostess is a wonderfully kind lady and her little store had everything you need. I stayed overnight at a tent site for $27.50, which is a bit steep for me but had all the amenities. Tent sites are not private and I’m fortunate I was the only one. It did have parking at the site, a picnic table, garbage can, and water. The bathroom/shower was clean and tidy. There was wifi but my T-Mobile was plenty anywhere I went around camp. The wind and temps were spectacular just coming off a thunderstorm. I’d be happy to stay here a night or two- maybe three, but then be on my way.