Cleghorn Bar

Star3.38
10 reviews
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

3,100 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Plumas National Forest site

Official Website
Get Directions
Cleghorn Bar
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required to camp at Cleghorn Bar.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
USFS
Provider
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.38

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulshadebeach

"User reviews highlight the primitive and secluded nature of Cleghorn Bar. Campers appreciate the peaceful setting, but some express concerns about the toilet facilities and the challenging access road."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Cleghorn Bar

39.8200, -121.0130

Driving directions13 miles north of La Porte. Turn off La Porte Rd. just north of Onion Valley. West on signed road 10 miles to head of 4x4 road (4x4 road difficult last 1/4 mile. At bottom of road most difficult).
The campground is accessed via a rugged 4x4 road. The last quarter mile is described as particularly challenging and is recommended only for experienced off-road drivers with a 4WD vehicle. Roads may also be impacted by fallen trees, as indicated in user reviews.
Nearby places
La Porte (13 miles)

Best Time to Camp at Cleghorn Bar

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts that define this mountain retreat. Winter transforms Cleghorn Bar into a crystalline wonderland where temperatures plunge and snow blankets the landscape, creating a serene but challenging environment for the hardiest souls. As spring awakens the forest, moderate temperatures and lengthening days invite exploration and discovery. Summer brings warm, dry days with temperatures climbing into the balmy 80s and occasionally touching the low 90s—perfect for those riverside adventures that make this spot legendary among locals.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Swimming hole and beaches make summer the prime season at Cleghorn Bar.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Pleasant season for solitude and scenery; swimming less central than summer.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers variable access and river activity; appealing but variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Snow likely makes access difficult; reviews note winter access may be impossible.

Planning Tips

    About Cleghorn Bar

    Tucked away in the pristine wilderness of Plumas National Forest, Cleghorn Bar beckons adventurers seeking an authentic backcountry experience. This hidden gem features four dispersed camping sites where solitude reigns supreme and nature sets the agenda. With no reservations required, these first-come, first-served spots offer the ultimate in primitive camping—no potable water, no garbage services, just you and the wilderness. True to the leave-no-trace ethos, visitors pack out everything they bring in, preserving this untouched paradise for future explorers.
    Cleghorn Bar is a primitive, first-come, first-served campground with dispersed camping options.
    Advertisement

    Best Campsites

    Curated by campers, for campers
    Reveal picks

    Reserving a campsite

    Stay Limit
    14-day limit.


    Activities you can enjoy

    Available recreational activities include fishing, swimming in a nearby river, and enjoying the natural scenery.
    FishingFishing is available in the nearby river/stream. The quality of fishing is not elaborated upon.
    SwimmingUsers highlighted a swimming hole with sandy beaches and a rock for jumping, describing it as a beautiful and peaceful spot.
    Beach activitiesCampers can enjoy shaded, sandy beaches near the swimming hole.
    Winter Activities
    Water Sports
    Advertisement

    Policies & Safety

    Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include the need for 4WD vehicle access, the possibility of encountering downed trees along the road, and wildlife considerations related to bears.
    No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

    Weather at Cleghorn Bar

    Reviews

    3.4
    10 reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Mixed Reviews
    Cleghorn Bar has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
    User reviews highlight the primitive and secluded nature of Cleghorn Bar. Campers appreciate the peaceful setting, but some express concerns about the toilet facilities and the challenging access road.
    Review Summaries
    Based on 10 reviews

    What Campers Love

    Many users praise the swimming hole for its beauty and the peaceful environment. The sandy beaches and shaded areas around the river are frequently mentioned as highlights.
    Based on 10 reviews

    Common Concerns

    The lack of adequate restroom facilities and the difficult road access are common complaints among reviewers.
    Based on 10 reviews

    Pro Tips & Recommendations

    Users recommend driving a 4x4 vehicle due to the challenging terrain, packing out all trash, and bringing all necessary supplies, especially water.
    Based on 10 reviews

    Seasonal Insights

    Access to the campground may be difficult or impossible during winter months due to snow. The swimming hole is likely a significant draw during warmer months.
    Based on 10 reviews

    Camper Quotes

    "The river looks as beautiful as always." - Dave Thompson. "It is a peaceful campground at the end of an hour off-road drive." - Autumn Black.
    Based on 10 reviews

    Site-Specific Reviews

    No specific site numbers are provided in the available information.
    Based on 10 reviews

    Accessibility Features

    There is no information available regarding accessibility experiences.
    Based on 10 reviews

    Pet-Friendly Features

    There is no information available about pet policies or experiences.
    Based on 10 reviews

    0
    0 review
    1
    2
    3
    4
    5

    Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

    Been to Cleghorn Bar? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


    Last updated January 5, 2026
    Advertisement

    Nearby Campgrounds

    Campgrounds you may also like

    Popular campgrounds in California

    Campgrounds
    Plumas National Forest
    Cleghorn Bar