Lightning Tree

Star4.28
125 reviews
PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7, BLAIRSDEN, CA 96103, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

$30 - $71/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Plumas National Forest - Beckwourth Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Lightning Tree
$30.00 - $71.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by season and site type. Charges in peak season range from $38 for standard sites to $71 for double sites. First-come, first-served season...
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Standard Site Fee$38.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$55.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 125 reviews

52 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanshadespacious

Some mention

noise

"Lightning Tree Campground is generally well-received, with users praising its cleanliness, spacious sites, and quiet atmosphere. However, some reviews cite issues with the distance to the lake, camp host behavior, and mosquito prevalence."

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Campground Map

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

Lightning Tree

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

Driving directionsFrom Reno, travel north on Highway 395 to Highway 70 and turn west to Portola. From Portola, take County Road 126 north for 7 miles, then County Road 112 to the east side of Lake Davis. Continue approximately 5 miles to the campground, which is on the left.
The roads leading to Lightning Tree Campground involve paved highways and county roads. Access is generally reliable year-round, but frequent strong winds can make the lake hazardous for small crafts. Road conditions are standard for rural areas.
Nearby places
Portola (7 miles, approximately 20 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Portola, CA, provides restaurants, stores, camping supplies, and fuel approximately 7 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Lightning Tree

Each season paints Lightning Tree in dramatically different hues. Summer transforms the campground into a water lover's paradise, with warm days perfect for swimming and fishing beneath azure skies. As autumn arrives, crisp mountain air carries the scent of pine while winter blankets the landscape in snow, inviting adventurous souls to try ice fishing on the frozen lake or explore the backcountry on snowmobiles. Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and rushing streams, offering a quieter camping experience amid nature's renewal.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Peak season: warm days, popular with families; water activities (swim, fish, paddle) are highlights.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open into September with quieter conditions and scenic fall hues likely; limited explicit fall detail.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring brings changing conditions and mosquitoes; activities resume but conditions can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Winter offers cross-country skiing and ice fishing but conditions are harsh and variable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: The campground is open for reservations from May 23 to August 31, 2025. First-come, first-served access is available from September 1 to September 28, 2025.

About Lightning Tree

Perched at 5,800 feet in the heart of the Lake Davis Recreation Area, Lightning Tree Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the magic of Sierra Nevada camping. Wake up to panoramic mountain vistas and the gentle lapping of lake waters, where days unfold with endless possibilities—cast a line for trophy trout, explore winding trails alive with wildlife, or simply paddle across the crystalline waters of Lake Davis as eagles soar overhead.
The campground primarily offers standard non-electric campsites suitable for both RV and tent camping. Some double-capacity sites are available, making the campground ideal for families or groups. Primitive camping options are limited, and there are no cabins, yurts, or glamping accommodations.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
The maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lightning Tree Campground offers a diverse range of recreational activities suitable for visitors of all ages and preferences. Water-related activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming are popular, though swimming conditions may vary due to lake levels and algae presence. Hiking and mountain biking trails provide additional opportunities for outdoor exploration, and the area is known for excellent wildlife viewing, including abundant deer sightings. Winter activities include snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing, making the campground a year-round destination.
HikingNumerous trails are available for hiking, including routes that connect to nearby Smith Peak and the Grizzly Valley Dam. Trails vary in difficulty and provide opportunities for both casual walks and more strenuous treks.
FishingLake Davis offers excellent fishing opportunities with species such as rainbow and brown trout, bass, and catfish. Fishing access points are located around the lake, and a dedicated boat ramp is nearby.
SwimmingWhile swimming is permitted, conditions may vary due to lake levels and algae. Some reviews recommend swimming near the dock for the best experience.
BikingThe campground features biking trails that connect to the Grizzly Valley Dam and surrounding areas, offering options for both casual and intermediate cyclists.
BoatingNon-motorized boating activities such as canoeing and kayaking are popular. A boat ramp is located nearby for easy lake access.
Wildlife viewingThe area is rich in wildlife, with deer sightings being particularly common. Birdwatchers will enjoy the variety of avian species, especially around Smith Peak State Game Refuge.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFrequent strong winds may pose risks for small boats. Bears are active, requiring proper food storage. Vault toilets also attract insects during summer.

Weather at Lightning Tree

Reviews

4.3
125 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Lightning Tree is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Lightning Tree Campground is generally well-received, with users praising its cleanliness, spacious sites, and quiet atmosphere. However, some reviews cite issues with the distance to the lake, camp host behavior, and mosquito prevalence.
Review Summaries
Based on 125 reviews

What Campers Love

The campground is frequently described as quiet, clean, and spacious, with well-maintained vault toilets and ample shade in many sites. Wildlife sightings and the proximity to Lake Davis are also...
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Based on 125 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the distance to the lake, the lack of bear boxes, and inconsistent behavior from camp hosts. Some users also mention that the campground feels like a parking lot due to...
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Based on 125 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray to combat mosquitoes, and be prepared for chilly nights even in summer. Consider driving to the lake for easier access, and note that there are no bear boxes, so plan food storage...
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Based on 125 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer: Highly popular with families due to warm weather and access to Lake Davis. Winter: Offers unique attractions like cross-country skiing and ice fishing, though conditions can be harsh....
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Based on 125 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Vault toilets that weren't disgusting. They are cleaned and stocked every day.' – Brittany Alonso. 2. 'The campsite was beautiful and if it weren't for the angry host I would definitely visit...
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Based on 125 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 10: Large and private with lots of shade. Site 17: Spacious and suitable for large groups. Site 34: Close to bathrooms but with a 10-minute hike to the lake.
Based on 125 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campers with disabilities have positively noted the accessibility of certain sites and restroom facilities, with one camper specifically highlighting Site 5 as a favorite due to its accommodating...
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Based on 125 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Most reviewers appreciate that the campground is pet-friendly, though no specific amenities for pets are mentioned.
Based on 125 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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