How much does camping cost at Lightning Tree?

Camping fees at Lightning Tree range from $33.97-$71/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lightning Tree first-come first-served or reservation?

Lightning Tree 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 Lightning Tree before I book?

Yes! Lightning Tree has 2 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 Lightning Tree?

Lightning Tree is open May 22 to September 28. 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 Lightning Tree?

Lightning Tree does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Lightning Tree?

Cell phone service at Lightning Tree is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Lightning Tree have?

Lightning Tree has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lightning Tree?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lightning Tree. 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 Lightning Tree?

Lightning Tree offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Lightning Tree

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lightning Tree?

Fire policies at Lightning Tree: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.21

125 reviews

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

Top 16% in CASummer

Featured in:Hiking Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

$33.97 - $71/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Plumas National Forest - Beckwourth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

$33.97 - $71/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Plumas National Forest - Beckwourth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Lightning Tree

$33.97 - $71.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-18570: $71.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $38.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-836-2575james.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

Lightning Tree

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

Nearby places

Portola (7 miles, approximately 20 minutes)

Weather at Lightning Tree

Current alerts(9)

Bears frequent the area; practice safe food storage techniques. Bear resistant lockers are not provided. Click here for more information.
Campground Map
Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon
Click here for more information on the Plumas National Forest.

Best Time to Camp at Lightning Tree

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — warm, dry days (typically 65–85°F) and cool nights (40s–50s) make Lake Davis and Lightning Tree ideal for boating, swimming, trout fishing and long alpine hikes. Water-based activities and wildlife viewing are at their peak, with full boat access and calm mornings for paddling; expect the campground to be busiest on holiday weekends in July and August, so reserve early (reservations open May 23–Aug 31). Be prepared for possible afternoon thunderstorms, strong sun, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Peak season May–Aug: warm days, best access to fishing, boating and swimming; popular with families.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 28. 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

Lightning Tree sits in Plumas National Forest near Lake Davis outside Portola, operated by the Beckwourth Ranger District. This mid-sized campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings, serving as a base for fishing, boating, swimming, and hiking in the surrounding mid-elevation forest. Reviewers praise the quiet atmosphere and spacious sites, though some note the walk to the lake and occasional generator noise.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear highlight — warm, dry days (typically 65–85°F) and cool nights (40s–50s) make Lake Davis and Lightning Tree ideal for boating, swimming, trout fishing and long alpine hikes. Water-based activities and wildlife viewing are at their peak, with full boat access and calm mornings for paddling; expect the campground to be busiest on holiday weekends in July and August, so reserve early (reservations open May 23–Aug 31). Be prepared for possible afternoon thunderstorms, strong sun, Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a geological transition zone where Sierra Nevada granite meets Cascade volcanic terrain. Lake Davis, a 4,000-acre reservoir created by damming Grizzly Creek, sits within reach but not immediately adjacent to the campground. Rangeland meadows stretch toward forested hillsides, and the Smith Peak State Game Refuge nearby shelters deer, bears, and diverse bird species including osprey and eagles. Many sites offer shade under conifers, though some have limited tree cover. The elevation provides panoramic views of surrounding peaks and open terrain.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

The maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

2vehicles and standard site occupancy limits apply.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov and related online platforms.

AccessibilitySome campsites are accessible, though detailed information about specific accommodations for individuals with disabilities is not provided.

Site SizeCampsites range from standard single sites to larger double-capacity sites suitable for multiple tents or trailers.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across the campground. Some sites are noted as large and secluded, while others are described as closely spaced, leading some users to compare the layout to a 'parking lot.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesVisitors recommend premium sites like Site 10 for shade and privacy and Site 5 for accessibility and proximity to clean restrooms.

Best CampsitesSite 10 gets praise for privacy and shade. Site 17 offers spaciousness and sits close to amenities. Site 5 has accessible features for handicapped campers. Some reviewers note that site quality varies widely, so check the layout carefully when reserving.

Need help booking Lightning Tree?

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

Lightning Tree Campground offers a range of amenities conducive to both tent campers and RV users. Vault toilets are available onsite and are noted for their cleanliness, with multiple reviewers highlighting that the toilets are 'clean and stocked daily.' Drinking water is available during peak season, provided through several spigots spread across the campground. Campfire rings and picnic tables are present at each campsite, ensuring a comfortable outdoor experience. However, there are no flush toilets or onsite shower facilities; showers are located 4 miles away at Grasshopper Flat Campground. Firewood is available for purchase locally, but not directly onsite. Bear-resistant lockers are not provided, and campers are advised to practice safe food storage. The campground does not offer Wi-Fi, electricity hookups, or laundry facilities.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available within the campground, but vault toilets are praised for being well-maintained and clean.

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).

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Trash & RecyclingNo trash cans are available within one mile of the campground, and waste management facilities are limited. Campers are encouraged to pack out all trash.

Cell CoverageCell phone reception is available but can be slow depending on the provider. Some users have noted the signal is sufficient for basic connectivity, but not for heavy use.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

125 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 125 reviews.

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

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...

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

Based on 125 reviews