Tent camping near Portola, California offers opportunities in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains at elevations ranging from 4,800 to 6,500 feet. The camping season typically runs May through October, with July and August bringing the most consistent weather conditions. Forest Service roads north and east of Portola provide access to multiple designated campgrounds and dispersed camping areas within Plumas and Tahoe National Forests.
What to do
Fishing access points: Lake of the Woods provides excellent kayak fishing opportunities with a small lake perfect for paddling. According to Samantha T., "Spots are first come first served and can fill up quickly. Small lake perfect for kayak fishing."
Meadow exploration: Crocker Campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the adjacent meadow system. "There is a beautiful meadow that goes for miles right next to the campground. Crocker Meadow," notes Jeannette H., who visited during field work in July 2020.
High mountain swimming: From Pioneer Campground (Sierra Campground), hikers can access remote alpine lakes. "We found our way up to deadman's lake about 1 mile south south east. A completely remote high mountain lake. It was a refreshing swim after a steep hike up," shares Reese F.
River activities: The Yuba River provides water recreation options near Loganville Campground. Julie D. explains, "There is a path down to the Yuba River, where you can get in the water or float on a tube. The best part about this campground is the river."
What campers like
Lakeside camping: Campsites surrounded by water on multiple sides are particularly valued. One camper at Goose Lake Campground described the experience as "Pull right off the 'highway' into the campground surrounded by a lake on three sides!! Camp right on the edge of the lake with a view of the sierra buttes."
Late spring access: Many campers appreciate knowing exactly when seasonal roads open. Aaron A. reported about Lake of the Woods: "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."
Secluded options: Less-visited campgrounds offer solitude-seeking campers peaceful experiences. Beck W. found Conklin Park Campgrounds especially quiet: "It took a while for us to find this spot in the dark, but once we did, we were the only ones there... we could hear the little creek and the wind through the burned trees."
Clean facilities: Basic but well-maintained amenities matter to tent campers. Beck W. also noted at Conklin Park: "There was one clean vault toilet at the site and a nice concrete picnic table and a container to keep your things safe from bears at each campsite."
What you should know
Road conditions: Many campgrounds require navigating rough roads. At Conklin Park Campgrounds, Chelsea D. advises: "Bring a spare tire & call ahead of time to make sure it's open... as long as you can hang with the long rocky, bumpy dirt road to get there."
Vehicle clearance requirements: Several campgrounds have access limitations. Bill B. warns about Goose Lake Campground: "High ground clearance vehicles only. Two poorly marked entrances... Large rocks in road to drive over and trees to avoid. Class C RV over 16 ft not advised."
Wildlife awareness: Bear activity requires proper precautions throughout the region. One camper visiting Loganville noted, "There was a bear in the area one year, I didn't see it myself, but a friend said he saw one on the other loop from where we were staying."
Seasonal facilities: Water availability varies by location and season. Robert notes that Lake of the Woods has "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."
Tips for camping with families
Water temperature planning: Shallow lakes warm faster than deeper ones. Jesus R. shares about Lake of the Woods: "The lake is shallow in some areas with white sand. It got a bit windy at night and the mosquitoes were gone by the morning."
Supply needs: No services exist near most camping areas. When visiting Crocker Campground, Patricia N. explains: "The campground offers pit toilets, tables and fire rings, no trash service or water, pack in pack out. It is first come first serve."
Town proximity: Sierra City provides resupply options for longer tent camping trips near Portola. Julie D. notes about camping near Loganville: "Not too far away is Sierra City, which has some restaurants and a general store for supplies. Lots of PCT hikers stop to restock there."
Weather preparation: Early fall brings excellent camping conditions. Lily G. reports about Loganville: "The weather was perfect in early October! It was not busy, there was one other occupied campsite not too close to where we were."
Tips from RVers
Dump station fees: Know service costs before arrival. Ron G. shares about Lake Davis Dump Station: "Not bad. Did not realize it was $15 for dump until in the queue for a single side, single point dump site. Has water points for spraying out dump hose, spigot for connecting to black tank flush."
Campsite layouts: Some sites have unusual configurations affecting setup. At Goose Lake Campground, Michele B. reports: "Dry camping with space between sites. Great for kayaking and tents. Some sites require high clearance vehicles. Beautiful views."
Site privacy considerations: Camper placement affects experience. A visitor to Black Mountain Lookout found that some campers create issues: "We were not able to camp because of two campers who placed solar panels in the road so we could not pass. They just stood by their trailers knowing we were forced to back out."
