Best Tent Camping near Twain, CA

Tent camping options near Twain, California include several primitive sites within Plumas National Forest, where Snake Lake Campground and Ponderosa Flat Campground offer basic tent-friendly setups. These established Forest Service campgrounds provide rustic accommodations with minimal amenities, typically situated among pine forests and near mountain lakes. High Bridge Campground, located about 10-15 minutes outside of Chester, serves as another option for tent campers seeking proximity to the Caribou Wilderness and Lassen National Park.

Most tent sites in this region feature dirt or gravel pads with picnic tables and fire rings, though campers should verify current fire restrictions before planning trips. Many campgrounds operate seasonally, with Ponderosa Flat and High Bridge typically open from May to October. Vault toilets are standard at established sites, but potable water availability varies significantly between locations. Snake Lake Campground provides fire rings and bear boxes but no water apart from the lake. Campers frequently need to pack in their own water and pack out all trash, as services are limited throughout the area's primitive tent campgrounds.

The tent camping experience in this region offers significant natural rewards despite basic amenities. Sites near Warner Creek and North Fork Feather River provide opportunities for fishing and cooling off during summer months. The surrounding forest offers hiking trails and access to multiple lakes for day trips. Many tent-only areas provide greater seclusion than developed campgrounds that accommodate RVs. A camper noted that High Bridge Campground offers "an absolutely fantastic campsite" with peaceful surroundings where visitors might see "lots of birds, deer, and hear the sound of the river." Tent campers should prepare for mosquitoes, particularly at higher elevations and near water sources, as several reviews mentioned significant insect activity during summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Twain, California (65)

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Tent Camping Reviews near Twain, CA

546 Reviews of 65 Twain Campgrounds


  • T
    Jul. 18, 2022

    Summit Lake South — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Quaint and primitive

    The campground is basic with vault toilets and water spigots. Bear box, fire pit and picnic table provided. Some of the sites are very close to one another. Very dry and dusty in the summer time. Good location as far as getting to other points of interest in the park. Stayed in E loop for tents only which was nice because there was no noise from RVs and generators.

  • D
    Jul. 31, 2018

    Butte Lake Campground — Lassen Volcanic National Park

    Roomy and plenty of shade

    Group camps have plenty of room in a fairly shaded Pine tree environment. Campers are spaced adequatley apart. Have to get water from the faucet outside the rest rooms which have flush toilets. No showers and no electricity but the Lake was great for cooling off.

  • Patricia O.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 20, 2018

    Lindsey Lake Campground

    Rustic and remote

    There are only a few campsites here, 12, I think, and a rough road getting (SUV or truck recommended) into the campground. Once you reach camp, you’ll be rewarded with serene and beautiful surroundings. Lots of lakes and hiking in the area. Mosquitos can be a problem so come prepared. Vault toilet. No trash service, no piped water. There are picnic tables and fire rings.

  • Lauren H.
    Jun. 20, 2019

    Tahoe National Forest Salmon Creek Campground

    A Dog's Dream

    Nestled against salmon creek and among the gold lake area, just outside of Bassetts. Very large sites, with some hike in with shallow creek crossing. Lush fields and forests. Great views. Can here traffic on ridge. Bear boxes at every site Trash and Recycling receptacles Picnic Tables at every site Fresh water available Bathrooms throughout

  • Jim S.
    Jul. 5, 2019

    Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground

    Rustic clean free

    Forest Service campground in Plumas NF I’ve stayed at several times when exploring the area. About 9 miles from Quincy and 2-3 off highway. Free. Fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes. Outhouses. No water apart from lake (generally overgrown). Large clear sites with plenty of space between them. Forested area, dirt roads. Equestrian sites available.

  • Gretchen B.
    Oct. 11, 2021

    Berger

    Pretty, Clean, & Spacious

    Our campsite was nice! There was no formal check in process and ours was a little away from everyone else. Fire ring, picnic table, and bear box, established toilet with tp in campsite. Few bugs but nothing crazy. Small creek nearby. Pretty lake and nearby hike if you go up the road about a mile.

  • Connie H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Hat Creek

    Great Camping Next to Hat Creek

    We only stayed here for an overnight on our way North, but it was a great campground. The fee was $16.00 a night. We pulled in about 9:00 PM and there were probably at least 10-12 sites occupied. We found site 46 to be perfect. There are no hookups, but each site has a picnic table, fire ring and grill. There is drinking water available through out the campground and vault toilets, which were pretty clean/well kept. Generators are allowed from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. There are also multiple dumpsters and recycling bins. Our T-Mobile cell service was super spotty and pretty much non-existent. The creek is beautiful and very accessible!

  • Kaye S.
    May. 24, 2022

    Black Rock Campground (Lassen NF)

    Please practice LNT

    The first morning we were there my dog found and ate some weed that someone had carelessly and irresponsibility discarded on the ground and she became extremely ill and had to be rushed to the emergency vet for treatment. Practicing leave no trace is so important for the safety of all animals and the preservation of our wild lands.

    The road in took about an hour and a half and I would not recommend attempting it without 4WD and high clearance. There is one stream crossing but it is minor.

  • Gina C.
    Jul. 26, 2019

    Lake Francis Resort

    Fun cabin rental

    Some of my family has camped here in the past at one of the tent sites. We decided this time around to reserve one of their cabins. We stayed at the Diamond P cabin which has the best view of the lake within this group of cabins. You can walk to the lake (it’s about 100 yards) from this location. Though it does fill up fast (by 11am it was pretty full). They have a large portable toilet there for use. We spent our time at the pool which is near the flushable toilets and the ice cream parlor, restaurant, and camp store. The pool goes from 3.5’ ft to 5’ back to 3.5’ ft.

    The cabin was great. Two bedrooms, each with twin bunk beds and a full bottom bunk and twin above. Small bathroom with shower, mini fridge, hot plates, microwave, and dishes. Dining table and futon in the living area. Nice wide front porch to sit on and enjoy the view, communal tables and bbq for all the cabins. This unit also had a swamp cooler to help manage the heat.

    Check in is 4pm and check out is 11am. There is also a small game room with a pool table, a baseball field, paddle boats, and kayaks to rent.

    The down side is how quickly the easiest access to the lake fills up. Everyone has to drive over from the tent RV site to access the water. There are other places you can drive and park to get to the water, but there it a drop off into the water from there vs a gradual walk in.


Guide to Twain

Tent campsites near Twain, California cluster primarily in the Lassen National Forest and Plumas National Forest regions at elevations between 3,500-5,000 feet. The region receives significant snowfall during winter months, with most campgrounds accessible from late spring through early fall. Water sources in this area include the North Fork Feather River, Warner Creek, Philbrook Lake, and Yellow Creek, providing campers with fishing opportunities and natural cooling options.

What to do

Kayaking on mountain lakes: Yellow Creek Campground offers access to nearby lakes perfect for paddling. "The lake is beautiful and long. Wonderful for Kayaking," notes Susan R. about the adjacent waterways.

Fishing in mountain streams: Last Chance Creek Campground provides stream access for anglers. "A stream runs down the side of the campground, so you can hear the water all night," according to Susan R., creating a peaceful backdrop for fishing enthusiasts.

Explore Caribou Wilderness: From most area campgrounds, the Caribou Wilderness trails are accessible within a 30-minute drive. The region contains numerous alpine lakes and moderate hiking trails through dense forest stands.

Visit natural soda springs: A historic soda spring site sits near the entrance road to Yellow Creek Campground where "the local indigenous Maidu used to gather and drink for healing," according to Matt D., making for an interesting geological side trip.

What campers like

Secluded tent sites: Snake Lake Campground offers "large clear sites with plenty of space between them" in a "forested area," as Jim S. explains, providing privacy not found at more developed campgrounds.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers frequently spot deer and various bird species at High Bridge Campground, where one visitor noted they experienced "just lots of birds, deer, and the sound of the river."

Natural water features: Boulder Creek Campground sits near Antelope Lake which "is always gorgeous though and worth the trip," according to SupTard. The lake remains accessible throughout the camping season.

Less crowded alternatives: Yellow Creek Campground remains relatively uncrowded compared to nearby options. "Most people flock to the nearby Lake Almanor or Butt Valley campgrounds, so Yellow Creek Campground is a nice place to go to escape bigger and busier spots," reports Matt D.

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access to Philbrook Campground involves "rough road in," according to Mr R., while Yellow Creek requires "about an 8 mile trip down a gravel road but very well maintained."

Seasonal closures affect planning: Most campgrounds operate from May through October, though Philbrook Campground has a shorter season, typically "August to September." This compressed window requires advance planning.

Water availability limitations: Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground has "no water apart from lake (generally overgrown)," according to Jim S. Campers must filter water from natural sources or pack in their supplies.

Campground management changes: Some campgrounds have experienced management transitions affecting pricing. At Boulder Creek Campground, a camper noted "I'm bummed about the new management company charging $30 a night. It's not worth $30 a night for pit toilets."

Tips for camping with families

Water play areas: Sites near streams provide natural cooling spots during hot summer days. Last Chance Creek Campground features a stream running along the edge that children can safely explore under supervision.

Activity options: Philbrook Campground offers fishing opportunities rated as "good fishing" by Mr R., making it suitable for introducing children to outdoor recreation.

Campsite amenities: Snake Lake Campground provides "fire rings (need annual campfire permit, free at park offices) and bear boxes," notes Jim S., which simplifies food storage and evening activities for families.

Supply points: Chester serves as the nearest full-service town to many campgrounds, with "a great grocery store called the Holiday Market, and quite a few outdoor equipment stores" where families can stock up on forgotten items or additional supplies.

Tips from RVers

Access limitations: While most tent campsites near Twain have limited RV accommodations, Yellow Creek Campground is "off the beaten path a bit...but very well maintained and easy to get a smaller RV back in there if you like," according to Matt D.

Town services: Chester provides essential services for RVers including fuel stations and supply stores. "Chester is a good town to fill up your gas tank, get supplies, etc. There are lots of small places to eat," notes one camper.

Site selection considerations: Most campgrounds in this region have limited pull-through sites. When available, Boulder Creek Campground can accommodate larger vehicles but requires reservations during peak season.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Twain, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Twain, CA is Plumas National Forest Snake Lake Campground with a 3-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Twain, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 65 tent camping locations near Twain, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.