How much does camping cost at Sly Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Sly Creek Campground range from $20-$22/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Sly Creek Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Sly Creek Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Camping is first-come, first-served.

What is the best time to visit Sly Creek Campground?

Sly Creek Campground is open Generally open May through September.. 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 Sly Creek Campground?

Sly Creek Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Sly Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Sly Creek Campground: Campfire rings are provided at each site.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Sly Creek Campground have?

Sly Creek Campground has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Sly Creek Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Sly Creek Campground. 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 Sly Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Sly Creek Campground?

Popular activities at Sly Creek Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Sly Creek Campground

4.14

60 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

3,530 ft

Price

$20 - $22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Generally open May t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,530 ft

Price

$20 - $22/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Generally open May t...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Sly Creek Campground

$20.00 - $22.00 / night

Campsite Fees

$20 per site

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

USFS

Provider

530-534-6500

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Sly Creek Campground

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

Sly Creek Campground

39.5830, -121.1190

Nearby places

La Porte: Approx. 13.6 miles south

Driving directionsFrom La Porte, CA, take Main St. (LaPorte Rd.) south 13.6 miles to Sly Creek Recreation sign. Turn right onto Barton Hill Rd. and go 4 miles to campground. NOTE: If using RV, do not attempt driving to La Porte from Quincy via Forest Rt. 120 - very steep grades and narrow road.

The campground is accessible by paved roads, but accessing it via Forest Rt. 120 is recommended against for RVs due to steep grades and narrow road conditions.

Weather at Sly Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sly Creek Campground

The campground operates Memorial Day through Labor Day because that's when conditions align: daytime highs run 75-90°F, nights cool into the mid-40s to mid-50s, and the reservoir warms enough for swimming and water sports. Summer is the only practical season here. Expect busy crowds on holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day) when reviews note the noise and crowding intensify. Weekdays offer quieter conditions with the same weather.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Warm 75–90°F, water usable for swimming/boating, but crowded and noisy at peak times.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Generally open May through September.

About Sly Creek Campground

Sly Creek Campground sits at 3,530 feet along Sly Creek Reservoir in Plumas National Forest, offering 30 sites split between sun-drenched reservoir overlooks and shaded forest pockets of cedar and pine. Sites run $20-22 per night and handle RVs up to 22 feet on paved parking aprons. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, the campground attracts boaters and anglers but reviews consistently mention noise from dirt bikes and loud campers during peak weekends.

The campground supports primitive camping with 25 units, including areas suitable for RVs and tents. The sites are first-come, first-served.

Weather and SeasonsThe campground operates Memorial Day through Labor Day because that's when conditions align: daytime highs run 75-90°F, nights cool into the mid-40s to mid-50s, and the reservoir warms enough for swimming and water sports. Summer is the only practical season here. Expect busy crowds on holiday weekends (Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day) when reviews note the noise and crowding intensify. Weekdays offer quieter conditions with the same weather.

ElevationPerched at 3,530 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air meets comfortable camping, providing refreshing breezes and stunning vistas without the challenges of high-altitude camping.

Natural Features and SceneryThe terrain transitions from open, sun-warmed slopes overlooking the reservoir to dense forest areas where cedars, pines, and Pacific Madrones create heavy shade. Reviewers highlight the reservoir's clear blue water, which sits at the heart of the campground's appeal. Sites near the water offer broad views but little privacy, while those set back in the trees provide better screening and cooler temperatures. At 3,530 feet, the elevation keeps the forest healthy without climbing into alpine territory.

Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Plumas National Forest, Sly Creek Campground showcases the region's remarkable diversity. The terrain gracefully transitions from open, sun-warmed slopes overlooking the reservoir to dense forest pockets where ancient cedars, pines, and Pacific Madrones create natural cathedral ceilings. This unique positioning offers campers the best of both worlds: easy access to water recreation and the tranquil embrace of the Sierra Nevada forest.

Scenic ViewsScenic views of the Sly Creek Reservoir are available, especially from the open and sunny campsite section near the reservoir's edge.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available; the campground only offers primitive camping options.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 days.

Groups

No dedicated group sites are mentioned in the authoritative content.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe 30 sites split across three sections: open sunny spots near the reservoir edge with poor privacy, shaded sites away from the water where trees provide better screening, and tent sites near the parking lot and boat ramp. Paved parking aprons accommodate trailers up to 22 feet. Spacing is adequate, but the layout doesn't isolate you from neighbor noise.

Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned beyond the presence of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.

Site SizeCampsites are designed to accommodate trailers up to 22 feet. The parking aprons are paved.

PrivacyPrivacy varies by section: sites near the reservoir are open and sunny with poor privacy, while those away from the reservoir offer better privacy with ample shade from trees like cedar and pine.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose shaded sites for privacy and open sites near the reservoir for views.

Amenities available

Sly Creek Campground offers a range of basic amenities, including tables and fire rings at each of its 25 units. However, the campground lacks modern facilities like restrooms and potable water, as noted in the authoritative sources. There are 7 threaded water spigots available, but they are not potable. Garbage service is provided.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Sly Creek Campground provides diverse recreational opportunities, particularly water-based activities and scenery viewing. Common activities include fishing, motorized boating, and hiking.

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal low water levels in the reservoir and steep/narrow road conditions on Forest Rt. 120 for RVs.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Rate Sly Creek Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

4.1

60 reviews

Satisfactory

Sly Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, highlighting the natural beauty of Sly Creek Reservoir but also noting issues with maintenance, noise levels, and overcrowding during peak season.

Review Summaries

Based on 60 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praise the scenery and clear blue water of the reservoir. For instance, one review states, 'The water is soo blue and clear and nice to swim in,' while another mentions, 'Great...

Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include noise from dirt bikers, overcrowding during summer, and poorly maintained bathrooms. One user noted, 'The bathrooms were disgusting,' and another stated, 'It's a popular party...

Based on 60 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the reservoir offer scenic views but less privacy, while those in the shaded areas provide better privacy. The boat launch area tends to have available spots on weekdays.

Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds and noise. One user advises, 'Get there early,' especially for boat trailer parking, while another suggests Little Grass Valley...

Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews indicate that summer can be crowded and noisy, with fluctuating water levels. Spring and early summer may offer a quieter and more enjoyable experience.

Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The scenery is beautiful, and the water is clear and not too cold to swim in during the Summer.' - Elaina Silva 2. 'The bathrooms were disgusting, and the fire pits were so full of ash that the...

Based on 60 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be leashed and attended at all times. No specific user feedback on pet experiences is available.

Based on 60 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Anglers and boaters who can arrive mid-week: rainbow trout, brown trout, and kokanee salmon in a 562-acre reservoir, a working boat ramp, and paved aprons that fit trailers up to 22 feet at $20/night.

Skip if

Holiday weekends turn this into a loud scene dominated by dirt bikers and rowdy regulars; reviews describe hostile vibes toward campers who don't fit that local crowd, and the vault toilets frequently go uncleaned when it's packed.

Nearby Campgrounds

Plumas National Forest

Golden Trout Crossing sits on the South Fork Feather River at 3,100 feet in Plumas National Forest. The 10 primitive sites rest on terraces under a thick conifer canopy, offering shade even on the hottest summer days. Sites run $15 per night and can accommodate large groups. No cell service.

Sly Creek Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Sly Creek Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Sly Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sly Creek Campground

Planning Tips

About Sly Creek Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Facilities

Water activities

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Sly Creek Campground

Best Time to Camp at Sly Creek Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews