Looking for the best campgrounds near Portola, CA? Portola is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Portola, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.
Grasshopper Flat Campground (5,886 feet) is one of three family campgrounds located in the Lake Davis Recreation Area. Campground loops around in the hills overlooking the lake providing most campsites with sweeping views of the lake's crystal blue water. Pine forest gives most campsites plenty of afternoon shade. A boat ramp and RV dump station are nearby. A trailhead for 7 mile long Lake Davis Trail is less than half a mile away.
In addition to camping, the area offers a wide variety of popular water-related activities, including fishing, boating and swimming. Numerous fishing access points are located around the perimeter of the lake. Free trout fishing days are hosted by state agencies in June and September. Mountain biking, hunting and wildlife viewing are also available in the area. During winter months visitors enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.
The 4,000-acre Lake Davis was created in 1967 for recreational opportunities, as well as to rejuvenate fish populations in nearby rivers and supply water to the town of Portola. The lake offers 32 miles of shoreline and is surrounded by tall pine trees. A variety of wildlife make its home near the campground. Tall mountain peaks offer backdrop to lake views.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.
The closest town is Portola, California, which is home to one of the largest railroad museums in the western United States. A state game refuge borders the lake to the east and the south.
$100 / night
Sardine Lake Campground is located in the North Yuba River area, near the beautiful Sardine Lakes. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and gold panning. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes and Sand Pond. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals, lodging, and a restaurant. A large network of trails is available in the area, including Deer Lake and Tamarack Lakes Trails and the Pacific Crest Trail.
The campground stretches along a wet meadow at the base of the scenic Sierra Buttes. A forest of lodgepole pine offers partial shade. Beautiful high mountain lakes and rugged peaks can be found throughout the surrounding area.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 265-4531.
Lakes Basin offers many opportunities for boating, fishing and hiking. Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes, less than a mile to the west. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin. A more developed boat ramp is located at Gold Lake and accomodates launching of larger boats. Over 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack branch out across the area and the Pacific Crest Trail can be accessed at a few spots in the Lakes Basin area. The historic towns of Sierra City and Downieville offer historic and cultural attractions, restaurants, shops, churches, and vistor information.
No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). * No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.
$24 / night
$27 - $40 / night
East Meadow Campground is located alongside the scenic Jackson Meadow Reservoir, in the Tahoe National Forest. Its location provides for a great base camp, allowing visitors to enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including boating, fishing, hiking and hunting. East Meadow Campground is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
The adjacent 1,000-acre lake offers excellent opportunities for boating, canoeing, water skiing, swimming and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow and brown trout. A boat ramp is located at Pass Creek Campground. A designated swim beach is nearby. The lake is an irrigation source, meaning its level will drop as the season progresses. A portion of the Pacific Crest Trail meanders along the east side of the lake. It is open to hiking and horseback riding and provides opportunities for viewing wildlife. Hunting and biking are popular activities in the surrounding area.
Jackson Meadow Reservoir is situated in a rolling forested valley, where visitors are awarded beautiful views of the Sierra Crest and English Mountain. The campground lies on the northeastern shore of the lake, in a forest of pine and fir trees. Some sites have a view of the lake, and boats can be moored nearby.
For facility specific information, please call (530) 994-3401.
$24 / night
Lake of the Woods is a nice small lake. It can be quite popular especially on weekends. There are approximately 15 camping spots with fire pits and picnic tables situated along the shoreline. There is no piped water available. This lake generally opens later in the spring as it sits at a high elevation and takes longer for winter snows to melt to gain access. Camping is free and on a first come - first served basis. The lake has both public and private property. Fire restrictions may be different depending on where you locate your camp.
Upper Little Truckee Campground is located on Highway 89, about 12 miles north of Truckee. Its location makes it a great base camp for a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, hunting, hiking and biking. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
Fishing for rainbow and brown trout in the Little Truckee River is a popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the area. The surrounding area offers hiking and biking trails.
The campground is situated on the banks of the Little Truckee River, at an elevation of 6,200 feet. A forest of lodgepole pine, aspen and juniper trees covers the area, offering partial shade. A few sites overlook the river.
The town of Truckee, 10 minutes south, offers all the amenities of a year-round recreational mountain town including top notch restaraunts, resorts, hotels, grocery stores, gas stations, shopping, and historic sites. Lake Tahoe is located an additional 30 minutes south and offers excellent boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and scenic driving opportunities as well as dining, shopping and lodging options. Stampede Reservoir and recreation area is a 35-minute drive southeast of the campground. Sardine Lakes, within beautiful Lakes Basin, is a 40-minute drive northwest, via the Golden Chain/Highway 49. Other recreational opportunities include Donner Camp Interpretive Trail, Donner Memorial State Park, Overland Emigrant Commemorative Trial, and numerous hiking, mountain biking, and OHV trails.
$66 / night
This dump station is located across from the Grizzly Campground in the Lake Davis Recreation Area.
Laufman Campground is a six unit campground located four miles southeast of the small town of Milford, California. Each campsite has a table and fire ring. A vault toilet is provided. There is no water or garbage service.
Long Point Campground is one of three in the Antelope Lake Recreation Area. It is situated on the lakes southwestern side, providing clear water views at nearly every location within the campground. Antelope Lake is one of the more remote, quiet lakes in the Sierra Nevadas Plumas National Forest, making it a popular destination for anglers and explorers of all abilities. Natural Features: The campground is situated at an elevation of 5,000 ft. and is shaded with plentiful pine and fir trees. It is nestled in the beautiful northern Sierra Nevada mountain range, offering forested woods and scenic vistas as far as the eye can see. Recreation: Due to its prime location on the lake, Long Point is known for great bass fishing. Sailing and other boating activities are also popular at Antelope Lake. Some sites are very near to shallow water and are ideal for wading near the campground; other sites are near deeper water, allowing visitors the opportunity to anchor their boats nearby. Facilities: The campground offers multiple single-family and larger group campsites, accommodating both tent and RV camping. With Antelope Lake adjacent to the campground on three sides, most sites have a view of the water. Tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as well as vault toilets and drinking water. Nearby Attractions: Campground is located about 30 miles from the small town of Taylorsville. ACTIVITIES Biking Fishing Swimming Site
$28 / night
Guide
One night stay. Well maintained and clean. Great landscaping and keeps it watered. Laundry just $1.50 a load and nice laundromat. Almost level site. Awesome and friendly owner...since 2022. Nice bathrooms. Great views and quiet.
Guide
I thought this campground was pretty decent for being NPS run and due to its large size. 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?) for one large loop of campsites. Check-in was a breeze. Nearby visitor center and camp store was convenient. There were hiking trails nearby. Be bear aware!
Traveler
North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024.
It took some digging on this information as the USFS website is wrong.
I camp here on the South campground at least once every year. For the 2024 season, they CLOSED it at the last second.
The North campground is OPEN, but you cannot reserve it. First Come First Served (FCFS).
Boat ramp is at the North campground, but if you just have a paddleboard or kayak, you can just walk to the water by just waking down the road and launch at the edge of the lake.
There is a General Store within walking distance and restaurant/bar right on the lake too. I highly advise reservations for dinner on the deck.
Traveler
Sites are free, first come first served. There was still snow blocking the road the Memorial Day weekend but by June 6th, the road was clear and passable with my Honda Fit. Great, free campground. If the road is blocked with snow part way up there are a few dispersed pull off spots available also.
GuideIt's one of our favorite places to camp. Amazing Giant Sequoia Trees. Small creek/river runs through the campground where you can fish. The place is clean and has flush toilets. Within a short drive, you can partake on some amazing hikes. You have to see, in person, the General Sherman Tree. It's just a beautiful place to camp.
Scout
Although by myself if not had a spot here yet. I have visited many that have and is all had raving reviews. I for one and looking for a little piece and quiet. Although I do come with my RV which requires me to run the generator every once in awhile to go ahead and put power in the battery so that I can be silent at night, which is what we all like to hear the crickets cricket away. But all in all I think it's time for me to take my place and get a space there and I will be doing another reviews after that, which I'm more than positive is going to be a very positive and raving review.
TravelerLodgepole is our favorite campground we have been to thus far! The site are all big enough that you dont feel cramped. There are plenty of places to fill up potable water, recycle and dump trash.
Be careful when booking as some sections of the campground dont allow generators which we unfortunately missed when booking. Also two of the rangers that came by weren't the friendliest but everyone else was sufficiently nice. We had two picnic tables that had seen better days but we were able to use the one right by the firepit.
There are lots of fallen trees but I expected no different from camping in the forest. The stream that runs through the campground is great and a true highlight. The marketplace by the campground is a great place to pickup anything needed or left behind.
We will definitely be coming back here again!
Guide
Amazing host! Kids had the best time fishing we caught 2 little guys. So nice to fall asleep to the river sound and yes you can hear the traffic on 89, but not terrible.
Traveler
The campground was very nice however the restrooms and showers were dirty on a Sunday through Tuesday morning.
GuideRight near bike trails and not to far from Town
Guide
It's ok, if you're into the casino activities and other hotel activities.
Guide
Back again for the first time since the Sierra winter. Reservoir is pretty high, and not too busy this weekend with boaters. 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. Otherwise outstanding!
GuideWe were lucky to get a FF spot and spent three nights. Clean restrooms and campground. Super easy access to the lake from this site where you can paddle board and kayak in peace.
Guide
Getting the right site is important, most of the sites on the river are right up next to each other. Still, it is a nice location and sleeping with the sounds of the river is pretty sweet.
ScoutI’ve stayed here many times, It’s the best! Just know that here on The Dyrt, the location on the map for some reason shows it as being many miles away from Kidder Ct: it’s marked as if it is at Higgins Corner, halfway to Auburn? Whereas it is in reality only a mile away from downtown Nevada City, off the Gold Flat exit. So I marked an edit to have this corrected on 4/8/2023; the moderators are to check that, and correct the map after veryifying.
ScoutGreat staff and wonderful atmosphere. The prices are reasonable but you do have to pay a 19 dollar resort fee bummer!!!! Other then that we've had peace and quiet. Not a lot to look at within the
park but the rivers right there and the mountains are beautiful to look at. Great place so far! They have a laundry room also which is awesome. Showers and restrooms.... enjoy!!!!
Legend
Despite the beautiful Joshua trees this campground is not a great to stay. The roads are in terrible condition, trash is strewn throughout, and staff is less than friendly or helpful. Roads are terribly narrow and sites are small and very uneven. Not a great place for a trailer nor class A. No direct access to park via road. Is next to neighborhood
ScoutWe arrived after dark and it took a bit to find the right site as the numbers don’t stand out well and there are several hundred sites. We checked in at the front desk after office hours and the person who helped us was highly pleasant, however directiobs were limited. There is a sign pointing to the RV lot on the periphery of the parking lot. We appreciated the designated dog area filled with sandy gravel. The park itself is not anything special to look at. There isn’t much privacy or vegetation to speak of. It is a bit of a walk to get to the resort. We walked to the pool entrance which appeared to be the closest public access point from the park.
Traveler
As a beginner RV-er/camper this site was great. Great staff, easy to get to and find your spot, and convenient spots with decks and hookups.
The neighbors were also awesome, and helped us with questions and guidance.
Lots of RV's but didn't feel crowded at all, as most of them were not there(seasonal spots).
The marina and rental folks were super friendly, helpful and accommodating. we rented a boat for fishing, and the guys slowly explained and guided us (yes... first time fishing as well).
So much to do around - hiking, water sports, geo-caching, and stargazing (when you roam a bit outside the lights of the camp).
GuideSuper 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, but be aware this is a water sports lake - so expect powerboats & jet skis.
TravelerNot even worth stopping for the night! Head to boomtown
Guide
I am a member of Thousand Trails and that being said this is one of my favorite TT spots in California. Family friendly, great little Lake for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding. RV sites have partial hook ups.  Thousand Trails does not reserve campsites so it can be quite a scene to find a site especially in the summer. Only one dump station was open (there are 3) so waited 30 + minutes to dump, hopefully management is working on that… they do offer a honey wagon service for $40.00 available 2 times a week.
GuideNice campground at great lake. Nice water for swimming. Fire rings and benches for each site. A dirt road to get to the campsite, but doable for experienced drivers or high clearance cars. Pit toilet.
GuideYou know what im talking about. Nothing better than mingling before and post burn. It's not pretty where you park, but it's a place to park with access to resort amenities. Worth it if you already have a place to lay your head, or....
Guide
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.
GuideThe spots have almost zero shade and most have no grass. The bathrooms/showers close from midnight to 6 am. But, they have a bowling alley, swimming pool, casino, escape rooms, movie theater, arcade, fitness center, Starbucks, more than 5 restaurants, and it goes on. I recommend staying if you want to gamble, eat, drink, and have stuff for the kids to do. You really never need to leave.
Scout
Nice place, has a pool, easy access to town if you need items.
If your into camping close to others or having people around you this works. For me this is to close to the town and all though I am surrounded by trees trully not an experience of actually being in a more natural habitat. I can see my neighbors easily and I prefer space plus quite time starts at 9pm.
Camping shouldn’t feel regulated other than controlled fire of course.
There is no live fire here either only propane.
Camping near Portola, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for everyone.
Camping near Portola, California, provides a mix of adventure and relaxation, making it a great destination for families and RVers alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Portola, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Portola, CA is Grasshopper Flat with a 4.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Portola, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 26 glamping camping locations near Portola, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
