How much does camping cost at Spanish Creek Campground?

Camping fees at Spanish Creek Campground are $35 - $80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Spanish Creek Campground 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 Spanish Creek Campground before I book?

Yes! Spanish Creek Campground has 7 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 Spanish Creek Campground?

Spanish Creek Campground 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 Spanish Creek Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Spanish Creek Campground?

Fire policies at Spanish Creek Campground: 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.

How many campsites does Spanish Creek Campground have?

Spanish Creek Campground has 23 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Spanish Creek Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Spanish Creek Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Spanish Creek Campground?

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

Spanish Creek Campground

4.20

209 reviews

HIGHWAY 70 AT SPANISH CREEK, QUINCY, CA 95971, USA

C+Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping California

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$35 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Peak Season: May 23,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$35 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

23 campsites

Season

Peak Season: May 23,...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Royal Elk Park Management Official Website

Get Directions

Spanish Creek Campground

$35.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $80.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$80.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-283-0555

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

HIGHWAY 70 AT SPANISH CREEK, QUINCY, CA 95971, USA

Spanish Creek Campground

HIGHWAY 70 AT SPANISH CREEK, QUINCY, CA 95971, USA

Nearby places

Quincy (8 miles, 15-minute drive), Oroville (75 miles, approximately 1.5-hour drive)

Weather at Spanish Creek Campground

Current alerts(7)

Bears frequent the area; visitors must follow all food storage and garbage regulations.
Campground Map
Cell phone service is unreliable.
Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon

Best Time to Camp at Spanish Creek Campground

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit for warm weather and the campground's famous swimming hole — daytime highs typically range from the mid-70s to low-90s°F (24–34°C) with cool evenings in the 50s°F (10–13°C). Facilities are fully open during peak season (May 23–Aug 31), making swimming, hiking, and family-friendly creekside camping at their peak; fishing is still good in early summer before waters warm. Expect the busiest weekends and holiday periods, so plan midweek stays if you want quieter camp Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warm weather and swimming hole at peak use; reviewers cite summer highs.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 28. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025. First-come, first-served season: September 1, 2025 - September 28, 2025.

About Spanish Creek Campground

Spanish Creek Campground sits in the Plumas National Forest foothills near Quincy, California, operated by Royal Elk Park Management. This small seasonal campground offers tent, RV, and group sites along Spanish Creek, known for its swimming hole and creek access. Reviewers praise the spacious sites and clean facilities, though train noise from nearby tracks is a frequent mention.

Spanish Creek Campground offers options for tent camping, RV parking without hookups, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit for warm weather and the campground's famous swimming hole — daytime highs typically range from the mid-70s to low-90s°F (24–34°C) with cool evenings in the 50s°F (10–13°C). Facilities are fully open during peak season (May 23–Aug 31), making swimming, hiking, and family-friendly creekside camping at their peak; fishing is still good in early summer before waters warm. Expect the busiest weekends and holiday periods, so plan midweek stays if you want quieter camp Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation2000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a canyon carved by Spanish Creek as it flows toward the Feather River. Conifers shade most sites. The creek itself is the main attraction: clear water, varied depths, pools suitable for swimming and wading. The surrounding terrain transitions between Sierra Nevada and Cascade geology, with granite outcroppings visible along the waterway. Elevation here is low enough that summers get hot and vegetation stays green longer than higher Sierra camps.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Generally accommodate 2 vehicles. First vehicle included in site fee
second vehicle incurs an additional fee collected onsite.

Groups

Group sites are available but may not be well-maintained, according to some users: "Group campsites B and C should have a dumpster closer." Another user commented on Group Site C: "Not flatted surface so our tents are downhill and VERY HARD to sleep."

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 through Recreation.gov website or app, or by calling the contact center.

AccessibilityMany handicap-accessible sites are available according to user reviews.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some suitable for larger groups. Reviewer commented on Site #5 as being "very large" and suitable for a 26-foot motor home, along with ample space for camping activities.

PrivacyPrivacy at sites is mixed; roads and railways nearby mean some noise during the night.

Total Campsites23 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose loop 2 for larger campsites and creekside access. Note that site 23 is near the day-use swimming area, which may increase noise.

Best CampsitesSites 6, 7, 8, and 14 sit closest to the creek and provide the easiest swimming access. Site 5 is notably large, accommodating a 26-foot motorhome with room left over for tents and gear. Upper-loop sites offer more space for groups but less creek proximity.

Need help booking Spanish Creek Campground?

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

Spanish Creek Campground offers facilities suitable for both tent and RV camping. All sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings with grills. Drinking water and vault toilets are provided. However, RV hookups are not available. "Vault toilets and drinking water are also provided" and "Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills." According to user reviews, campers have noted that the bathrooms are clean but occasionally run out of toilet paper. One reviewer mentioned: "Bathrooms were nice (for campsite outhouses)." Another reviewer warned: "Bring your own toilet paper!" as supplies may not be consistently stocked during high-use periods.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Spanish Creek Campground

Spanish Creek Campground offers opportunities for swimming, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. "Swimming area at the river is just at the bottom of the campsite," and "Anglers enjoy a healthy supply of rainbow trout in the nearby Feather River." There are also local trails for hiking and walking.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Hiking3.0/5

Local hiking trails available near the campground (brief mentions).

Fishing3.0/5

Water Sports2.0/5

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Canyon, creek pools and stargazing provide good photo ops; trains can intrude.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this campground. Expect vault or pit toilets only.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

209 reviews

Satisfactory

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

The campground has received mixed reviews, with positive highlights on its scenic location and swimming hole, but complaints about train noise and inconsistent management.

Review Summaries

Based on 209 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include clean vault toilets, friendly hosts, creek access, and spacious sites. "The creek is fantastic," "Vault toilets were clean," and "Camp host was very helpful and nice."

Based on 209 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from trains, lack of potable water at times, limited cell phone service, and inconsistent stocking of supplies like toilet paper. "Be forewarned though of the trains...

Based on 209 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews reflect mixed experiences. Site #5: "Very large, with a picnic table and fire ring." Group Site C: "Not flatted surface, very hard to sleep."

Based on 209 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers suggest bringing earplugs to manage train noise and stocking up on toilet paper and firewood beforehand. "Bring ear plugs if you're a light sleeper" and "Bring your own toilet paper."

Based on 209 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends highlight increased noise and yellowjacket presence in late summer. "Lots of yellowjackets in the later summer months," and "Train noise is very prevalent during peak camping seasons."

Based on 209 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Swimming in the creek is great." "Vault toilets were clean but often without toilet paper." "Beautiful spot near the river." "The camp host was awesome." "Be prepared to wake up to trains 2-3 times...

Based on 209 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features include handicap-accessible sites. "Many handicap-accessible sites."

Based on 209 reviews

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Spanish Creek Campground

$35.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $80.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8...

Group Site Fee$80.00