How much does camping cost at Crocker Guard Station?

Camping fees at Crocker Guard Station are $135/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Crocker Guard Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Crocker Guard Station accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Crocker Guard Station before I book?

Yes! Crocker Guard Station has 12 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Crocker Guard Station?

Crocker Guard Station is open May 22 to October 20. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Crocker Guard Station?

Crocker Guard Station does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Crocker Guard Station?

Cell phone service at Crocker Guard Station is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Crocker Guard Station have?

Crocker Guard Station has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Crocker Guard Station?

Yes, pets are allowed at Crocker Guard Station. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Crocker Guard Station?

Crocker Guard Station offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Crocker Guard Station

Q: Can I have a campfire at Crocker Guard Station?

Fire policies at Crocker Guard Station: Campfires are not allowed at the guard station. Campfires are allowed at Crocker Campground just a quarter mile away.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.28

12 reviews

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7, BLAIRSDEN, CA 96103, USA

Top 3% in CAFall

Featured in:Swimming Camping California

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$135/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Check- In is 2:00pm ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Plumas National Forest - Beckwourth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$135/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Check- In is 2:00pm ...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Plumas National Forest - Beckwourth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Crocker Guard Station

$135.00 / night

Campsite Fees

CABIN NONELECTRIC: $135.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-832-1076james.bradeen@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7, BLAIRSDEN, CA 96103, USA

Crocker Guard Station

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7, BLAIRSDEN, CA 96103, USA

Nearby places

Portola, CA: 10 miles (~20 minutes)

Weather at Crocker Guard Station

Current alerts(10)

A propane barbeque is available for use. Bring your own propane.
Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon
Clean out cabin before leaving: cleaning supplies are provided. Pack out all garbage.
Contact the Beckwourth Ranger District prior to arrival for further information and to get the combination to the entrance gate and the cabin; call: (530) 836-2575 during regular business hours (Monday-Friday from 8:00 to 4:30).

Best Time to Camp at Crocker Guard Station

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of weather, scenery, and lower bug pressure — quaking aspens turn vibrant gold in late September and early October, creating spectacular photo and hiking conditions. Expect crisp days in the 45–65°F (7–18°C) range and cold nights that can drop near freezing (20–35°F / -6–2°C), ideal for clear skies and good fishing. Trails and lakes are still accessible, crowds thin compared with mid-summer, and wildlife viewing is excellent as animals prepare for winter. Note: a Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Fall is noted as best season; aspens turn gold late Sept–Oct and create spectacular displays.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 20. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon

About Crocker Guard Station

Crocker Guard Station sits in mid-elevation Plumas National Forest near Portola, operated by the Beckwourth Ranger District. This historic cabin rental offers meadow views and dark-sky stargazing in a quiet forest setting. Guests hike nearby trails, fish local waters, and enjoy accessible facilities including vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Crocker Guard Station offers a blend of lodging and camping options. The main facility is a historic cabin accommodating up to 16 guests. Adjacent to the station is a 10-unit campground that supports traditional camping activities and is free of charge.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of weather, scenery, and lower bug pressure — quaking aspens turn vibrant gold in late September and early October, creating spectacular photo and hiking conditions. Expect crisp days in the 45–65°F (7–18°C) range and cold nights that can drop near freezing (20–35°F / -6–2°C), ideal for clear skies and good fishing. Trails and lakes are still accessible, crowds thin compared with mid-summer, and wildlife viewing is excellent as animals prepare for winter. Note: a Peak months: September, October, August, July Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Guard Station occupies a meadow surrounded by quaking aspens and pines. In late September and early October, the aspens turn gold, creating the kind of color show that fills memory cards. The meadow itself sprawls enough to frame views of distant ridges, and the tree cover provides natural privacy between the cabin and campground units. At night, the elevation and lack of nearby towns deliver dark skies with clear star visibility, a detail multiple visitors mention.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe main lodging is the Crocker Guard Station house, which accommodates up to 16 visitors with 10 twin beds across four bedrooms. The station includes propane-operated lights, a heater, and a cook stove. There is no refrigerator, running water, or indoor plumbing. Visitors are required to pack out trash and clean the house before leaving. "Guests should bring bedding, towels, flashlights, trash bags and first aid kits."

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The cabin sleeps 10 with 10 twin beds
maximum occupancy is 16 guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov (online, mobile app, and contact center).

AccessibilityThe house and amenities are described as accessible for individuals with mobility challenges. "Easy in, easy out for my wheelchair-bound brother and I.

Site SizeThe campground includes 10 units and is adjacent to the Guard Station. Sites appear to be standard-sized based on the description of the general campground.

PrivacyThe Guard Station is situated near a meadow and surrounded by aspen groves and pine trees, offering a good degree of natural seclusion and privacy.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesBring mosquito repellent; fitted twin sheets for slippery mattresses; adequate drinking water as none is provided.

Best CampsitesOne reviewer recommends hiking to Crocker Mountain from here for views worth the climb. The cabin itself is accessible for those with mobility challenges, a rare feature in backcountry-adjacent lodging. Specific site numbers in the 10-unit campground aren't called out in reviews, but proximity to the meadow and aspen groves appears consistent across the area.

Need help booking Crocker Guard Station?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The house has four bedrooms with ten twin beds and mattresses including two sets of bunk beds, a kitchen, dining room, living room and an outside vault toilet building. The rental has propane operated lights, cook stove and heater. There is no refrigerator. Cooking and eating utensils are provided. Visitors must bring drinking water. There is an outside hand pump with water for fire protection.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

I manage this campground

Things to do at Crocker Guard Station

Crocker Guard Station and its nearby areas offer a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and swimming. The proximity to Lake Davis, only five miles away, further enhances the options for outdoor enthusiasts. Hunting is also popular during the fall season.

Hiking4.0/5

Hiking opportunities nearby, including Crocker Mountain and local trails.

Fishing3.0/5

Fishing available at Lake Davis ~3 miles away; types/conditions not specified.

Winter Activities3.0/5

Winter hiking in snow was praised; winter activities possible but limited detail.

Water Sports3.0/5

Kayaking feasible on nearby Lake Davis; campground itself is not lakeside.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Fall aspen displays, meadow vistas and starfields called out as photo-worthy.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are not allowed at the guard station. Campfires are allowed at Crocker Campground just a quarter mile away.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors must pack out their trash and bring trash bags. 'Visitors are responsible for cleaning the house, packing out trash, and locking up before departure.'

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is present, but the quality and coverage are not detailed in the provided information.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.3

12 reviews

Satisfactory

Crocker Guard Station is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the peaceful, relaxing, and scenic environment of Crocker Guard Station. The cabin's rustic charm, accessibility, and proximity to nearby recreational activities are appreciated, though some challenges include non-potable water and occasional difficulties in obtaining access codes.

Review Summaries

Based on 12 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes the station's serene location, beautiful meadow views, well-maintained facilities, and accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges. Users appreciated the...

Based on 12 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with obtaining access codes ('Got a voicemail to call for a code to the cabin. Called back 5-10 times, leaving voicemails, never got code') and the presence of mosquitoes...

Based on 12 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific issues include a user mentioning difficulty with access codes and another praising the rocking chair on the cabin porch for its views of aspen trees. Vault toilets received positive...

Based on 12 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Suggestions from users include bringing your own drinking water, propane, and bug spray during the summer. One user advises bringing fitted twin sheets for the beds. Another recommends hiking to...

Based on 12 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During summer, mosquitoes can be a concern due to the meadow location. Fall offers opportunities for hunting, while winter activities like hiking in snow were praised for their beauty. The cabin's...

Based on 12 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Such a beautiful meadow with tons of bumble bees and butterflies.' - 'Very peaceful and quiet, comfortable beds, amazing night sky views.' - 'The cabin is beautifully restored with plenty of room...

Based on 12 reviews