Milsap Bar Campground
3.9512 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
12 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Not Allowed
Milsap Bar Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Currently, there are no fees for camping at this site. However, Maria Ramirez's user review from 2019 suggests that fees may be introduced in the...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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USFS
ProviderWhat Campers Say
3.95
Mixed Reviews
Based on 12 reviews
42 Google reviews
Most mentioned
water
"User reviews highlight the campground's remote and beautiful location as a major selling point. Common sentiments include praise for the clear water and natural beauty, as well as frustrations with the lack of maintenance, illegal campers, and poor road conditions."
Fees & Passes at Milsap Bar Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: 14 day limit per site.
Prices verified August 10, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Plumas National Forest website.
Best Time to Camp at Milsap Bar Campground
Mother Nature paints Milsap Bar with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a tempestuous wonderland where heavy rains cascade down the mountains, occasionally triggering mudslides that remind visitors of nature's raw power. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs past 90°F, turning the river's cool waters into an irresistible oasis and the shaded campsites into precious refuges from the California sun.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Operating Season: Open year-round as per stated operational hours.
- Current Alerts: "Vault toilet is currently closed, pending availability of pumping service." Heavy rains and mudslides may affect road access.
About Milsap Bar Campground
Hidden deep within Plumas National Forest, Milsap Bar Campground beckons adventurous souls seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This remote sanctuary sits at the dramatic confluence where the Little North Fork meets the South Branch Feather River, offering 12 secluded campsites for those willing to venture off the beaten path. With basic amenities including fire rings and a vault toilet (temporarily closed), this primitive campground embraces a true back-to-nature philosophy with its "pack it in, pack it out" approach. The journey here requires navigating rugged forest roads that challenge even experienced drivers—definitely leave the RV at home for this adventure.
Milsap Bar Campground provides primitive camping facilities suitable for tents. The site is not recommended for RVs or trailers due to rough and narrow access roads.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints Milsap Bar with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a tempestuous wonderland where heavy rains cascade down the mountains, occasionally triggering mudslides that remind visitors of nature's raw power. As summer arrives, the mercury climbs past 90°F, turning the river's cool waters into an irresistible oasis and the shaded campsites into precious refuges from the California sun.
ElevationNestled within the mountainous terrain of the Sierra Nevada foothills, Milsap Bar occupies a scenic river valley where ancient geological forces have carved out a perfect camping haven.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to be enchanted by what seasoned campers call "a hidden gem" of Northern California. The crystalline waters of the Middle Fork Feather River flow with remarkable clarity, inviting swimmers and anglers alike. Massive granite boulders rise from the riverbed like natural sculptures, creating perfect perches for contemplation or sunbathing. The surrounding wilderness wraps around the campground in a verdant embrace, with towering conifers providing natural cathedral ceilings and the constant melody of rushing water serving as nature's soundtrack.
Geological RegionMilsap Bar claims a prime position along the south shore of the Middle Fork Feather River, precisely where the South Branch Middle Fork Feather River joins the main channel. This geological crossroads within Plumas National Forest creates a unique ecosystem where two mountain waterways merge, carving through ancient bedrock and creating the dramatic landscape that makes this remote campground so special.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for this campground. The rough roads and lack of facilities may present challenges to individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground has 12 dedicated sites, but no specific measurements of the site sizes are provided.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels at the campsites are not explicitly described, though reviews indicate a secluded and remote environment.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews recommend taking it slow on the narrow, rugged road leading to the campground.
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Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 day limit per site.
Guests Allowed Per Site
6people per site.
Groups
No group camping sites are explicitly detailed in the materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout12 dedicated campsites.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round as per stated operational hours.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served, as reservations are not available.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors to Milsap Bar Campground can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. The natural setting provides opportunities to explore the Middle Fork Feather River and observe its clear waters and surrounding wilderness.
Fishing
Fishing is available in the river/stream, with reviews mentioning the clear water where fish can be seen swimming by.Swimming
Swimming is allowed, and visitors praise the clear and beautiful water where one can see the river bed. However, reviews caution that the area may not be suitable for small children.Boating
Non-motorized boating activities are supported. The campground is located on the Middle Fork Feather River, providing access to the water.Winter Activities
Winter-specific recreational activities are not described.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as canoeing and kayaking are likely given the emphasis on non-motorized boating.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are prohibited during fire restrictions. Propane or white gas stoves and lanterns permitted with a valid California campfire permit.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity in the area necessitates proper food storage, and the rugged roads can be challenging to navigate.
Active alerts"Vault toilet is currently closed, pending availability of pumping service." Heavy rains and mudslides may affect road access.
Weather at Milsap Bar Campground
55
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are available on-site. Campers must pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Middle Fork Feather River and confluence of its tributaries.
Common complaintsComplaints from user reviews mention littering and illegal camping, which overfill trash and damage bathrooms.
Campground Map
Driving directionsAccess is via Brush Creek or Mountain Spring House off Lumpkin Ridge Road.
Road access is not recommended for RVs and trailers. "The road is rough, truck turf. 7 mile drive down a narrow road. Very secluded," as noted in user reviews.Reviews from booking and map sources
4.0
12 reviews
Milsap Bar Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's remote and beautiful location as a major selling point. Common sentiments include praise for the clear water and natural beauty, as well as frustrations with the lack of maintenance, illegal campers, and poor road conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive mentions include the pristine and clear river water, seclusion, and scenic natural beauty. One user called it a 'hidden gem' and another described it as 'the most beautiful place around.'
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common complaints include poorly maintained facilities, lack of proper sanitation, illegal campers causing litter and damage, and the rough, narrow roads leading to the site. One reviewer noted,...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring wag bags or portable toilets as the vault toilet is out of service. Pack plenty of water as none is available on-site. Drive carefully as roads are narrow and rough. Avoid bringing small...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The campground is less accessible during winter months due to road damage and closures caused by heavy rains and mudslides. Summer seems to be the most popular season, though the campground can...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"My favorite mountain getaway - the waterfalls and remote location are a dream," said one user. Another mentioned, "The water is just beautiful; you can see all the way to the bottom, big boulder...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One reviewer mentioned that the campground has been 'packed full of people' in recent years, making it difficult to secure a spot.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically addressed accessibility features.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user reviews specifically addressed the pet policy or experiences with pets.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated August 10, 2025
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