Campgrounds around Strawberry Valley sit in California's Plumas National Forest region with elevations ranging from 3,500 to 5,000 feet. The area receives significant snowfall in winter, with 2023 reporting over 200 inches, creating cold water conditions in reservoirs even during summer months. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, closing during snowy winter conditions.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Collins Lake Recreation Area offers well-stocked waters for anglers. One visitor noted, "The fishing there was wonderful lakeside and great hikes. Registration area and cafe has ice cream available and souvenir store."
Paddleboarding and kayaking: Collins Lake provides calm waters for paddle sports. A camper reported, "Very nice for paddle boarding and kayaking. Clean sites and pet friendly. We took the boat on our last trip here and had a great time."
River swimming: At Carlton Campground, visitors can access natural swimming areas. "Our site even had a little bit of a private beach access to the river once you walk down from the bushes," one reviewer mentioned.
Gold panning: Fiddle Creek Campground sits near historic gold mining areas. A visitor shared, "People pan for gold and some walk up the road to Jackson Hole to float down. About 5 mins up, pass a few houses on your right."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Lake of the Springs offers exceptional wildlife encounters. A camper noted, "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!"
Peaceful atmosphere: Indian Valley Campground provides quiet surroundings away from crowds. As one reviewer stated, "We were looking for a spot next to the Yuba River and found this gem. Only 17 campsites so it's not crowded. It's also away from any road noise."
Clean facilities: Bidwell Canyon Campground maintains high standards for bathrooms. A visitor mentioned, "Bathrooms were top notch clean! Careful for poison ivy nearby."
Spacious campsites: Schoolhouse Campground offers room to spread out. One review stated, "This campground was great. We just spent 4 days out there and got to see a little of everything. The campground itself has large spaces, perfect for your own privacy."
What you should know
Bear safety requirements: Carlton Flat Campground provides bear boxes, but with limitations. One visitor warned, "Our cooler didn't fit in the food locker. There was an annoying shelf inside the food locker that prevented our cooler from fitting."
Water access challenges: At Schoolhouse Campground, reaching the water requires effort. A camper advised, "The reservoir is gorgeous to look out at but the bank all the way around is very steep. From the campground there is no easy access to the water."
Seasonal closures: Some facilities have modified schedules. A visitor to Sly Creek noted, "The campground closed in 2024 for tree removal and cleanup but is expected to open in 2025."
Insect preparation: Fiddle Creek campers should bring protection. "Another negative is the abundance of mosquitoes, which I guess you have to expect when you're near a river but still not pleasant," one visitor reported.
Tips for camping with families
Water safety precautions: Cold water temperatures require extra protection. At Sly Creek Campground, "We enjoyed getting into our kayaks and on to the water. Wildlife is all around you and you can see some of the most beautiful scenery you'll ever see in your life."
Dog friendly campgrounds near Strawberry Valley: Most sites welcome pets with proper management. Collins Lake visitor mentioned, "Very nice for paddle boarding and kayaking. Clean sites and pet friendly."
Activity planning: Bring outdoor games and fishing gear. A visitor to Collins Lake shared, "Great place for family camping. They also have boat rentals."
Noise considerations: Some sites experience traffic sounds. A Carlton camper mentioned, "Road noise. So. Much. Road. Noise. There was next to zero peaceful outdoor serenity."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Look for level spots at Bidwell Canyon. A camper noted, "A lot of the sites are very uneven, ours was almost terraced, and the tent area was barely big enough for our 8 person tent."
Electrical challenges: Check power availability when booking. At Lake of the Springs, "there wasn't a single day when some campsite didn't have electrical issues, in fact they turned a lot of their RV sites into Tent Sites because of electrical issues."
Navigation tips: Some roads to pet-friendly campgrounds around Strawberry Valley require careful driving. A visitor advised, "I just suggest getting there early enough so you don't have to drive in the dark through the country roads to get there like I did."
Ranger
