Glamping near Quincy, California offers a unique Sierra Nevada experience with elevations ranging from 3,400 to over 7,000 feet throughout Plumas National Forest. The area features diverse landscapes with alpine lakes, dense pine forests, and volcanic formations that create distinct camping microclimates. Summer temperatures typically range from 45°F at night to 85°F during peak daytime hours.
What to do
Hiking to alpine lakes: Within a 30-minute drive of Sardine Lake, visitors can access numerous trail systems. "There's a bar/shack on the water at the resort which is so cute and fun too. It's not open but for like a couple hours before each dinner seating but it's still fun none the less. Hiking around here is beautiful as well," notes Nikki R.
Fishing opportunities: Merrill Campground at Eagle Lake offers excellent trout fishing. "The lake is appropriately named as we saw bald eagles daily," shares Lori T. "We enjoyed walking the paved Eagle Lake Recreation Trail to both Christie Campground and the marina. Each direction is about a 4 mile out and back."
Water recreation: Many glamping sites provide access to swimming holes and boating. At Grasshopper Flat, one camper mentioned, "Great, large sites that are well maintained. Sites are roughly 100 yards from the lake... Saw a Bald Eagle dive and grab a fish... Great fishing... Not so great for swimming. Opaque, green water from tall grass."
Geocaching and stargazing: The Quincy area offers excellent opportunities for both activities due to minimal light pollution. "So much to do around - hiking, water sports, geo-caching, and stargazing (when you roam a bit outside the lights of the camp)," a visitor at Plumas Pines Resort commented.
What campers like
Quiet, uncrowded locations: Unlike better-known Sierra destinations, the Quincy area provides more peaceful camping experiences. "If the first place you think of when you hear 'the Sierra Nevada mountains' is Tahoe or Yosemite, I would strongly encourage you to explore points north of Truckee/Tahoe in the Plumas National Forest," a visitor recommends.
Lake views and water access: Many campgrounds offer direct water access. At Grasshopper Flat, campers appreciate "Super close access to the water. Would be a perfect spot for tent camping if there weren't so many trailers everywhere," according to Alisen O.
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept amenities. "Very clean and well maintained! A quiet and relaxing place to stay. The staff was friendly," notes Lisa T. about Little Bear RV Park. Another camper at Merrill Campground added, "The rest rooms well cleaned with soap. No towels just bring your own."
Wildlife viewing: The Sierra region hosts diverse wildlife, particularly birds. One camper at Merrill Campground reported, "We saw bald eagles daily," while another at Grasshopper Flat noted it was "AWESOME for birding - Bald Eagles, Pelicans, woodpeckers, chickadees & ravens - this is the Sierra after all."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most glamping operations and campgrounds near Quincy operate from mid-May through mid-October due to snow conditions. The Black Rock Campground season runs "mid May-mid Oct," and Almanor is available "May 1 - Oct 31."
Site reservations: During peak summer months, advance bookings are essential. "Busy on the weekends. Booking advised," warns Therese L. about Sardine Lake. For 2024 specifically, one camper notes about Almanor: "North is open, South is closed for Summer 2024... The North campground is OPEN, but you cannot reserve it. First Come First Served (FCFS)."
Weather variability: Despite warm days, mountain nights can drop below 50°F even in summer. "The typical Sierra granite spires around the lake make for the scenery," notes one camper, but these elevations bring temperature swings.
Insects: Mosquitoes can be problematic in certain areas. One camper at Golden Trout Crossing warns, "Beware there are TONS of mosquitoes!!" while another at Merrill Campground mentioned mosquitoes as "The bad" part of an otherwise positive experience.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Sand Pond near Sardine Lake is ideal for family swimming. "My family has been camping here since before I was born and we love it! It's definitely a gem of the Sierras. The lake is beautiful and Sand Pond is great for swimming," writes Hannah O.
Kid-friendly trails: Several hiking trails accommodate children. "Plumas Eureka state park offers a number of hikes that even little ones can manage. It also has great picnic areas on the creeks that run through the park," according to a visitor.
Safety precautions: This is bear country, so proper food storage is essential. "This is bear country so be advised," notes Toby R. about Long Point Campground. Always use provided bear boxes or store food properly in vehicles.
Family-friendly campground layout: Certain campgrounds are designed with families in mind. "Beautiful, quiet and clean campground. Gorgeous lake, great for swimming. Convenient launch for boaters. Easy to navigate and park in with an RV. The waterfront spots are amazing if you can score one!" reports Erika B. about Grasshopper Flat.
Tips from RVers
Full hookup options: Several glamping sites near Quincy offer RV amenities. At Little Bear RV Park, "This clean, quiet, and very family friendly campground offers a mixture of full and partial hookup sites, plus cabins," according to Nathaniel S.
Site selection: Research specific sites before booking. Angela G. notes about Little Bear, "Surprised how well maintained and friendly staff assisting with set up. Nice dog large area without enclosed fencing. All short term campers are located in the center very cozy."
Spacing considerations: Campgrounds vary in how sites are arranged. "The sites are spread out and offer a lot of privacy. Full hookups $35, water and electric $30. Dry camp $20," reports James W. about Merrill Campground.
Dump stations: Not all campgrounds have onsite dump facilities. "With no campers in the dry sites closest to the water, we had the perfect unobstructed view of the lake... there was easy access to a dump station across from the entrance to the campground," notes a camper at Merrill Campground.
