Glamping close to Portola, California offers camping experiences at elevations between 4,800-6,000 feet in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains. The camping season typically runs from late April through mid-October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during daytime hours and dropping to 40-50°F at night. Water levels at reservoirs like Lake Davis fluctuate seasonally, affecting shoreline camping areas and water access points throughout the region.
What to do
Fishing spots year-round: Lake Davis provides excellent trout fishing opportunities with shoreline and boat access. "Great fishing...Not so great for swimming. Opaque, green water from tall grass. A bit grimy..Great spot over all," notes a camper about Grasshopper Flat.
Paddleboarding on alpine lakes: Several small lakes offer calm waters ideal for paddling. A visitor to Sardine Lake states, "Lower lake is accessible by 4x4 but high clearance is necessary and good understanding of lines is recommended."
Hiking nearby trails: Many campsites connect to trail networks with various difficulty levels. "Trail to the upper lake is a nice steady incline. About an hour there and back. Little shade so wear a hat," mentions a Sardine Lake camper.
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse bird species and woodland animals. "AWESOME for birding - Bald Eagles, Pelicans, woodpeckers, chickadees & ravens - this is the Sierra after all," shares a visitor to Grasshopper Flat.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and common areas. "Very clean and well maintained! A quiet and relaxing place to stay. The staff was friendly," reports a camper at Little Bear RV Park.
Swimming access: Natural swimming holes provide relief during warm summer days. "Lower sardine lake. Busy on the weekends. Booking advised. Facilities are good," notes a camper about Sardine Lake.
Quiet atmosphere: Campers appreciate the peaceful settings away from crowded destinations. "Beautiful, quiet and clean campground. Gorgeous lake, great for swimming. Convenient launch for boaters," shares a visitor to Grasshopper Flat.
Dog-friendly areas: Many sites welcome pets with designated play spaces. A Little Bear RV Park camper mentions, "Nice dog large area without enclosed fencing. All short term campers are located in the center very cozy."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak season. "Campground is situated nicely with perfect trees for our hammocks and bathrooms were tidy," notes a visitor to Sardine Lake.
Generator restrictions: Some campgrounds limit generator hours to preserve quiet atmosphere. "Lots of generators in use during the day (the only reason I can't give it 5 stars, since we were tent camping), but all seemed to abide by hours posted for operation," shares a camper at Grasshopper Flat.
Weather considerations: Mountain weather can change rapidly with temperature swings. "We were lucky to get a FF spot and spent three nights. Clean restrooms and campground," reports a Grasshopper Flat camper.
Dump station fees: RV services may require additional payment. A camper at Lake Davis Dump Station notes, "Not bad. Did not realize it was $15 for dump until in the queue for a single side, single point dump site."
Tips for camping with families
Pack insect repellent: Mosquitoes can be prevalent near water in early summer. "Bugs were minimal, a far cry from about 3 weeks ago at a nearby site," mentions a camper at East Meadow Campground.
Prepare for temperature changes: Nights can drop below 50°F even in summer months. "We had great time at sardine lake campground. Great place for active families. Gorgeous view of sardine lake and sand pond in walking distance," states a Sardine Lake visitor.
Check water conditions: Swim areas vary in water quality throughout the season. "Aspen filled Creek just a small walk south of campground," notes a visitor to Laufman Campground.
Bring bear-resistant containers: Active bear populations require proper food storage. "This is bear country so be advised. The lake has two islands, and boat access," warns a camper about Long Point Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Some campgrounds have limited large rig access. "Super place, hosts are friendly & helpful! Some spots are tricky to back in, but easy walk to the reservoir for beach/water time," advises an East Meadow Campground visitor.
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality and clearance requirements. "Road is gravel, one large pot hole in the middle of the road made it difficult for a compact or large RV to get into campground. Easy for a 4wd or high clearance rig," notes a Laufman Campground camper.
Water availability: Not all sites offer water hookups. "It appeared that this campground hadn't seen much traffic recently, some of the sites were very overgrown. There were pit toilets that seemed like they hadn't been maintained," shares a visitor about Laufman Campground.
Local services: Limited services require planning ahead. "If the campground was full then you would be able to see just about everyone there from any site so zero privacy," advises a camper about Laufman Campground.
