Best Tent Camping near Portola, CA
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Portola? The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Portola. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Portola, CA (66)
1. Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Truckee, California18 Reviews•47 Photos•232 SavesDonner Memorial State Park offers the summer vacationer opportunities for Donner Lake camping, picnicking, boating, fishing, water-skiing, and hiking. In winter, visitors can cross-country ski and snowshoe on trails and enjoy the season's beauty. Visitors are welcome year-round at the Donner Memorial State Park Visitor Center and at the Pioneer Monument, built to commemorate those who emigrated to California from the east in the mid-1800's. The Visitor Center features compelling new exhibits that tell the stories of the Emigrant Experience, the Donner Party, the Land of the Washoe, Chinese construction of the railroad, and early motoring adventures over Donner Pass.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Trash
$35 / night
2. Goose Lake Campground
Graeagle, California4 Reviews•4 Photos•49 SavesGoose Lake Campground has 13 campsites that include table, fire ring, food locker, vault toilets and parking. Access to some campsites is via rough unpaved road. Some of the features of this area include breathtaking scenery and over 20 scenic lakes to hike, bike or horse ride to.
- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
3. Bowman Campground
Sierra City, California7 Reviews•19 Photos•176 SavesBowman Lake Campground is a very remote campground with limited services. There are 7 campsites with tables, fire rings and bear proof food lockers. There is no trash service. Bowman Lake is a large lake surrounded by rocky cliffs and scattered pines that are great for fishing and swimming. A few islands are found within the lake. Car top boat launch only. The road to access the campground is very rough, rocky, and narrow. A high clearance vehicle is needed, and towing boats or trailers is very difficult and dangerous. There are several stretches of the road where it is impossible for two vehicles to pass around each other and so if traffic is coming from both directions, someone will need to back up. Despite the difficult access, Bowman Lake is a popular, heavily used area.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
4. Conklin Park Campgrounds
Milford, California4 Reviews•3 Photos•41 SavesThis campground sustained severe damage from the Dixie Fire in 2021. Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices
This nine unit campground is located approximately eight miles northwest of Frenchman Lake. This is a quiet campground situated along a small creek. Vault toilets, tables, fire rings and food lockers are provided. There is no water or garbage service. Pack out all trash.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
6. Lake of the Woods
Sierraville, California4 Reviews•7 Photos•62 SavesLake 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
7. Loganville
Sierra City, California2 Reviews•11 Photos•28 SavesOverview
Loganville Campground is located along the North Yuba River, off of Highway 49 about 1.5 miles west of Sierra City. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, hunting, fishing, biking, swimming__and gold panning.
Recreation
Nearby activities include fishing, hiking, white water boating, mountain bike and motorcycle trails, and seasonal hunting. The scenic and historic town of Sierra City is a short drive from the campground where a variety of lodging and dining options are available as well as a grocery store and some boutique stores.
Natural Features
The campground has two loops situated in a scenic, dense forest of oak, pine, and fir trees, which provide ample shade. One section of the campground meanders up a hillside, while the other lies on level ground.
Nearby Attractions
Gold Lakes Basin offers boating, fishing, biking, and hiking. Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes, about nine miles east of the campground. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals. 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 east of Sierra City and in the Gold Lakes Basin area. The historic towns of Sierra City and Downieville offer historic and cultural attractions, restaurants, shops, churches, and vistor information. On the water, visitors enjoy boating and fishing. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 265-4531.
Charges & Cancellations
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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$24 / night
8. Lake Davis Dump Station
Portola, California1 ReviewThis dump station is located across from the Grizzly Campground in the Lake Davis Recreation Area.
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
9. Laufman Campground
Milford, California3 Reviews•7 Photos•11 SavesLaufman 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Tent Cabin
10. Tahoe National Forest Sierra Campground
Sierra City, California1 Review•1 PhotoOverview
Sierra Campground is located on the north bank of the North Yuba River between Sierra City and Yuba Pass. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and gold panning.
Recreation
A large network of trails is available in the area, including the Pacific Crest Trail. Boating, fishing, and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes, about 5 miles from the campground. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals.
Facilities
A large network of trails is available in the area, including the Pacific Crest Trail. Boating, fishing, and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes, about 5 miles from the campground. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals.
Natural Features
The campground is situated between the highway and the creek-sized North Yuba River in a forest of mature fir trees. Many sites overlook the river.
Nearby Attractions
Lakes Basin offers many opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals, lodging, and a restaurant. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin. A 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.
Charges & Cancellations
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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
$18 / night
Recent Tent Reviews in Portola
625 Reviews of 66 Portola Campgrounds
Bobby S.
Scout
Donner Memorial State Park Campground
Great Trip!
I am a 12 year old and I had tons of fun. Me and my friends were up there and there was conveniently a campground available in there same campsite. We went in the summer and the water was perfect! We went fishing and caught crawfish in a trap underneath the bridge near the front. Overall the staff were really nice and it was a great trip. I recommend it!
ron R.
Ranger
BLM - Water Tank Road Dispersed
Not easily accessible
The two closest roads coming in from the West are blocked off and labeled no unauthorized vehicles. This is due to the construction of the new neighborhoods and they probably annexed the area. You could probably access it from the East but I have no idea how many miles it would be in from where you would come in.
- ron R.Ranger
Peavine Road Dispersed Camping
Complete trash dump
It's sad where we have this public land to camp on and people just dump tons and tons of trash and abandoned cars and demolished cars on the property would not recommend going. There's some more BLM land about 15 to 20 minutes north on Red Rock road.
- TTyler B.
Guide
Antelope Mountain Dispersed Camp
Basic primitive cell service
Not a bad place to spend a night or two primitive camping
Paxton B.ScoutMerrill Valley Dispersed Camp
The road is terrible
Not really sure if we camped in the right spot. It isn’t great, but it got the job done to just crash for a night. Felt like we were in a construction zone
- DDaniel M.
Traveler
PG&E Lassen National Forest Rocky Point Campground
Simple
Bon rapport qualité prix comparer à celui un peu avant et proximité du lac
- Patricia N.Ranger
Grizzly Creek Campground
Nestled in the trees
This campground is a very quiet spot after Labor Day, it is small, only 10 sites total and it is only open until September 30, which I don't understand since there is no snow here until November.
When we were there only one other camper was staying here and he was a deer hunter.
The water is shut off after Labor Day so come prepared. This campground has two sites that will take a 30' trailer and the remaining sites will take smaller trailers, tents or campers.
One site has a new picnic table but all sites have tables, fire pits and plenty of room between sites. Pit toilets are near the entrance and only one was clean when we stayed here.
Not to far from Bucks Lake if you want to camp and then drive to the lake.
Fees have changed, they are $25 a night and $12.50 if you have the pass.
- Patricia N.Ranger
Plumas National Forest Sly Creek Campground
South Feather and Power water company campground
Sly Creek Reservoir is a beautiful mountain lake with several campsites along a small portion of the lake.
There is a boat ramp and ATV riding on the forest roads in the area.
The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025.
Passes are honored.
- Patricia N.Ranger
Ponderosa Flat Campground
PGE campground
This campground and the one to the south, Cool Springs, are both run by Pacific Gas and Electric Utility company.
There are campground hosts at both campgrounds and late in September half of Ponderosa Flat closes. The entire campground closes at the end of September.
There was plenty of water in the Reservoir and it could be okay for a boat but you have to look out for all the snags in the water, and there are a lot of them.
Campground is quiet but tight to get a large trailer in, ours is 26 feet and it was tight. The spaces in the closed portion of the campground were a bit more spacious.
Fire rings, tables and pit toilets. It was $30 a night with no power, power sites are more expensive.
If you have a cool campground host you can ride your ATV or Side by side out onto the dirt road and ride for miles. Just be mindful it is not really supposed to be a ride out campground.
Michael B.Scout
Running Deer Campground
Lake side
Great spaces next to lake. No cell service. Lots of places to enjoy on the shoreline.
Noel L.Guide
Days End RV Park
Awesome park
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.
- aalan C.Traveler
Antelope Mountain Dispersed Camp
One good area
We only found one good area and it already had 2 people at it. It had level sites and nice tall trees. It also tucked in out of the wind. We some for other sites but they were windy, rough road to reach them, and not level so we moved on
- MMarty P.Guide
Logger Campground
Beautiful campground with lake views.
Love our stay at Logger Campground, very clean vault toilets, and facility. Most of the spots are very tight, narrow spaces. Make some when you book, you get the right size spot. Pay dump just offsite.
- rrob D.Guide
Boca Reservoir - Water Recreation
Nice USFS campground
All camp sites have a picnic table and a fire ring. Please ensure fires are permitted before starting a fire. The campground was clean and quiet. Pit toilets were clean and well stocked. Please note that I was there during the week. I imagine that during summer weekends it can get quite noisy with boat and jet ski traffic being so close to Reno. I would definitely stay again.
- HHope H.Traveler
Bear Valley Campground
Remote Forest Camping
FCFS OHV campground that can be approached from a couple of rough dirt roads, high clearance helpful, 4wd not needed. Not all sites are flat. People from the area (i guess) seemed to be "reserving" sites with styrofoam coolers and water jugs... they did not occupy their sites at night. I didn't use the vault toilet facility. Took a hike. Very pretty. No OHV noise, but a copter was circling the area in the middle of the night.
- KKim G.Ranger
Davis Creek Regional Park
It was on fire 9/7
My 1-star review is only because, sadly, a fire started at this campground and was out of control by the time we arrived. It grew to 1,500 acres and destroyed 6 structures. I was really looking forward to staying at this park. Sadly, it has likely been destroyed.
Anna B.Guide
Moon Rocks Camp
Camping on Mars
(September 28th, 2023) Got here after dark and found an empty clearing to park in for the night. The moon and the stars were so bright, it felt like we were on another planet. Got to explore the area in the morning, such a cool spot! Very quiet when we were there.
- TTaylor A.Guide
Lodgepole Campground
Perfectly Situated in the Sequoias
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!
- SShawn M.Traveler
Bowman Lake Dispersed
Lake side Campsites
If you are looking to be near the water and no service, this is perfect. The rough road in I believe must keep some folks out but the lake is amazing.
Joey C.Scout
Antelope Lake Recreation Area
Beautiful
We had a great time up at Antelope Lake. It is a very pretty lake and would definitely recommend going. However, the camp host there was very rude and very unaccommodating. I booked 6 campsites for two nights, when I showed up on Friday, the campground was not full so I moved to my trailer to a different site because it was close to friends and family. The site I moved to was first come first serve. The camp host was hounding me - saying I must pay for the site I moved to even though the campground wasn't full. Originally, I paid close to $500 for all 6 sites and the camp host made me pay for the extra site that wasn't even taken/reserved. Be careful of this guy! I think this guy might be pocketing the money.
Kirsten G.Guide
Bordertown Casino RV Resort
Easy stop on the way thru
Easy stop going north - level site, free showers. Laundry was 4.00 for aload to wash/dry. Had a nice simple meal at casnio
Blue Tansy D.Traveler
Pyramid Lake Marina and RV Park
Couldn’t make it in time…
Sadly we were delayed and would not have arrived at Pyramid Lake until 2am so we didn’t stay. We did however visit the lake and museum and visitor center and it was well worth it! We will definitely be back to try and camp here again. We spoke with the locals and they confirmed that once you purchase the camping permit ($15) then you just drive to the lake and find a spot - very rustic, very cool! The lake itself is absolutely beautiful. We can’t wait to come back… maybe during a full moon and fishing season! Be sure to visit the museum and definitely stop at the INDIAN TACO spot on the way to the lake… it was delicious!
- BBradley O.Traveler
Truckee River RV Park
Website states switched to permanent tenants
I have not stayed here but the website states switched to permanent residents. Likely hard to find a spot.
- aaddison G.Scout
Haskins Valley Campground
Nice, easy access to lake
It's along a cove in the lake. Super nice hosts and nice campers. The bathrooms are kind of gross but that's expected. Always camp here when we go to the lake.
- jjoe N.Scout
Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground
Boca Rest
I spent nine days camping at Boca rest, it is a beautiful campsite. I was there before memorial day weekend so it was fairly empty. The fishing and the little Truckee and the lake was outstanding.
- DDarrin S.Traveler
Quail Ridge RV Park
Serene RV Trailer Park?
Place wasn’t too bad. Very nice people, very peaceful, and quiet, however, there were many people here who are permanent residents of the park, some of their areas are a little trashy looking for lack of a better word. Definitely not a bad spot if you’re on the way to another campground, but there are probably better ones to head to, especially if you have children with you. We were also looking for a place to camp with two days notice and this was all we could find. Cheap too!
- RRebecca J.Traveler
Lindsey Lake Campground
So nice!
Stayed 6 days with friends and dogs. Sites were rustic but clean. We had direct access to lake to launch and swim. Jake, site host, very kind and professional as he answered questions and gave advice when a group member popped a tire coming up to the lake. We will be back!
Guide to Portola
Tent camping near Portola, California offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature, with stunning views and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds that cater to tent campers.
Tips for tent camping near Portola
- At Goose Lake Campground, be prepared for dry camping with ample space between sites, making it ideal for those seeking solitude.
- If you’re venturing to Conklin Park Campgrounds, ensure your vehicle has high clearance due to the rocky access roads.
- For a more secluded experience, consider Laufman Campground, where you can enjoy the tranquility of the forest and the sound of a nearby creek.
Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $15
- Camping at Crocker Campground is free during the off-season, making it a budget-friendly option for campers.
- At Bear Valley Campground, expect to pay around $15 per night, which includes access to drinking water and picnic tables.
- Loganville offers a reservable site with amenities for a reasonable fee, perfect for those looking for a well-maintained camping experience.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Lake of the Woods features picnic tables and toilets, along with beautiful swimming spots, making it a great choice for families.
- At Jackson Point Boat-In Campground, campers can enjoy a unique boat-in experience, perfect for those looking to combine water activities with camping.
- Black Mountain Lookout offers stunning views and a rustic experience, ideal for those who appreciate nature and solitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Portola, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Portola, CA is Donner Memorial State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Portola, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 66 tent camping locations near Portola, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.