Is Honker Cove Overflow first-come first-served or reservation?

Honker Cove Overflow operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis when other area campgrounds are full.

What is the best time to visit Honker Cove Overflow?

Honker Cove Overflow is open Site Open. 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 Honker Cove Overflow?

Honker Cove Overflow does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Honker Cove Overflow?

Fire policies at Honker Cove Overflow: Fire guidelines are not mentioned in the authoritative sources.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Honker Cove Overflow?

Pets are not allowed at Honker Cove Overflow. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Honker Cove Overflow

3 reviews

East side of Lake Davis, County Road 112, Portola, CA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Forest Camping California

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Site Open

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,900 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Site Open

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Honker Cove Overflow

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fee structure is mentioned in the authoritative sources. It is recommended to call the Beckwourth Ranger District at 530-836-2575 for details.

No campsite fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

530-836-2575

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

East side of Lake Davis, County Road 112, Portola, CA

Honker Cove Overflow

East side of Lake Davis, County Road 112, Portola, CA

Nearby places

Portola, CA (7 miles, ~15 minutes)

Nearby supplies

The nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is likely in Portola, CA, approximately 7 miles away.

Driving directionsFrom Portola CA, take County Road 126 North for 7 miles. Then take County Road 112 to the east side of Lake Davis and drive approximately 3 miles to find the campground on the right.

Access to the campground involves driving on County Roads 126 and 112, which are likely paved but may not be frequently maintained. No details on seasonal closures, terrain difficulties, or road conditions are provided.

Weather at Honker Cove Overflow

Best Time to Camp at Honker Cove Overflow

Summer brings the best conditions for lake use. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with nights dropping to 35–50°F. This is when the overflow area sees the most use, especially on holiday weekends. Late summer raises wildfire risk and sometimes triggers campfire restrictions. Check Plumas National Forest alerts before heading up.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best for lake use; daytime temps mid-60s to mid-80s and overflow sees most use.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Site Open

About Honker Cove Overflow

Honker Cove Overflow opens when nearby Lake Davis campgrounds fill, offering the same lake access without developed amenities. Located at 5,900 feet in Plumas National Forest near Portola, this overflow area draws self-sufficient campers who don't mind trading restrooms and water for quieter weekdays and proximity to the boat ramp.

Honker Cove Overflow is an emergency overflow camping site with minimal amenities. It is intended for use only when other nearby campgrounds are at capacity.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the best conditions for lake use. Daytime highs run mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with nights dropping to 35–50°F. This is when the overflow area sees the most use, especially on holiday weekends. Late summer raises wildfire risk and sometimes triggers campfire restrictions. Check Plumas National Forest alerts before heading up.

ElevationPerched at 5,900 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Honker Cove offers that sweet spot of mountain elevation—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. The crisp mountain air and cooler evening temperatures create perfect sleeping weather, though first-time visitors should stay hydrated and take it easy on their first day as they adjust to the thinner air.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground sits in mixed-conifer forest where Douglas firs and sugar pines grow from volcanic soils. Lake Davis fills a natural basin just beyond the trees, its shoreline accessible for fishing and paddling. The forest provides filtered shade, though site-specific scenery details aren't documented.

Geological RegionHonker Cove sits within the greater Plumas National Forest ecosystem, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. The mixed-conifer forests here represent millions of years of evolution, creating a perfect habitat where Douglas firs mingle with sugar pines, and where the volcanic origins of the region have blessed the area with mineral-rich soils that support this thriving mountain ecosystem. Lake Davis itself fills a natural basin, creating one of the Sierra's most accessible high-elevation water playgrounds.

Scenic ViewsViews of Lake Davis and the surrounding forest are likely given the location, but no specifics are provided.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges are specified for this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are listed for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 day limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

6people per site

Groups

No detailed information about group camping or accommodations is provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance, as this campground only opens when other local campgrounds are full.

Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis when other area campgrounds are full.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are not specified.

Site SizeSite sizes are not specified.

PrivacyThe level of privacy provided at the campsites is not detailed.

Amenities available

The Honker Cove Overflow Campground provides minimal amenities as it is an overflow area intended for use when other campgrounds are full. Users should be prepared to camp with very few services available.

I manage this campground

Things to do at Honker Cove Overflow

Honker Cove Overflow Campground primarily serves as a basic camping area without detailed information about available recreational activities.

Water Sports4.0/5

Lake Davis shoreline access and easy boat-ramp access support paddling/personal watercraft.

Winter Activities1.0/5

Elevation (5,900 ft) may get snow but no winter facilities or activities noted.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Plumas NF, primitive/quiet overflow site suggests darker skies and good stargazing potential.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is a notable concern given the 'Be Bear Aware' advisory. Additional hazards may include cold weather and snow during winter months.

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

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available at this site.

Fire PolicyFire guidelines are not mentioned in the authoritative sources.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely located in Portola, CA, approximately 7 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingSpecifics about trash and recycling facilities, including their locations or schedules, are not available.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located by Lake Davis, providing easy access to water-based activities.

Cell CoverageSpecific details about cell phone service, including coverage or reliability, have not been provided for this campground.

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

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Honker Cove Overflow has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Users comment on the convenient location of Honker Cove Overflow Campground and its proximity to other facilities like boat ramps. However, the lack of amenities such as restrooms and potable water is notable.

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Several users praise the nearby boat ramp for its accessibility and ample parking: 'This is a really nice boat ramp, it has a drive down to the water' and 'nice personal bathrooms and even has...

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

The campground's minimal amenities, including the lack of restrooms, potable water, and detailed recreational opportunities, are apparent drawbacks.

Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No reviews provide site-specific details like site numbers or rankings.

Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers should be entirely self-sufficient as restrooms, potable water, and other facilities are not provided. Reviewers also suggest exploring nearby areas like Grasshopper Flats and Grizzly...

Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends are explicitly mentioned in the user reviews.

Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'This is also one of the only places around that has coin-operated hot showers 👍👍.' - 'Small boats only, water is below cement ramp.' - 'A nice boat ramp, nice personal bathrooms and even has...

Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

No details or reviews regarding accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are present.

Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No information or user reviews about pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.

Based on 3 reviews

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Honker Cove Overflow

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No fee structure is mentioned in the authoritative sources. It is recommended to call the Beckwourth Ranger District at 530-836-2575 for details.

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

530-836-2575

Go if

Boaters who just need a flat spot near the water will appreciate the drive-down boat ramp with room to park and maneuver. Bring everything you need, pay nothing, and you're a few minutes from Portola for resupply.

Skip if

No vault toilets, no potable water, and no guarantee it'll be open when you arrive. Car campers expecting any developed facilities, or anyone without a plan for bear food storage, will find this a rough deal.

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