How much does camping cost at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Camping fees at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) range from $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) first-come first-served or reservation?

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

What is the best time to visit Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) is open May 22 to October 31. 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 Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) have?

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) has 8 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Pets are not allowed at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

4.23

30 reviews

Top 16%Summer

Scenic ViewsPeace & QuietSummer Destination

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Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

This campground will...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Mount Hough Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

6,000 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

8 campsites

Season

This campground will...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Mount Hough Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

$20.00 - $20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

ScanPay 1: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Campground Map

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

39.9591, -121.1355

Weather at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

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All campsites are first come/ first serve
Fees are $15 per day for standard rate
Pay via QR Code if the REC.gov app is pre-loaded on your portable device
This campground will be managed by Mt Hough staff from May 16th, weather permitting, to September 28th.

Best Time to Camp at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather for alpine hiking and lake activities — daytime highs at 6,000 ft are commonly in the mid-60s to low-80s°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s, making it comfortable for multi-hour hikes on trails to Spanish Peak and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Trails, OHV routes, and the campground are generally open and snow-free from late June through September, so you can fully explore the lake shore, granite outcrops, and nearby routes altered Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in US

Most reliable access late June–September; pleasant daytime temps and clear trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: This campground will be managed by Mt Hough staff from May 16th, weather permitting, to September 28th.

About Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Silver Lake Campground sits at 6,000 feet in Plumas National Forest with eight first-come, first-served sites spread out for genuine privacy. The campground provides access to Spanish Peak trails, the Pacific Crest Trail, and OHV routes through terrain reshaped by the 2021 Dixie Fire. Visitors find flush and vault toilets, bear lockers, and a quiet alpine setting.

A small, rustic campground of eight first-come/first-serve sites designed for solitude and access to high‑alpine recreation. Specific distinctions for tent, RV, group, cabin or glamping sites are not provided.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable access and the best weather for alpine hiking and lake activities — daytime highs at 6,000 ft are commonly in the mid-60s to low-80s°F with cool nights in the 30s–40s, making it comfortable for multi-hour hikes on trails to Spanish Peak and sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. Trails, OHV routes, and the campground are generally open and snow-free from late June through September, so you can fully explore the lake shore, granite outcrops, and nearby routes altered Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: December, January, February

Elevation6000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySilver Lake reflects granite boulders and sky at the base of Spanish Peak. Massive rock formations line the shore, and trails climb east toward Bucks Summit and the Pacific Crest Trail. The landscape shows granite outcrops, alpine water, and scattered vegetation adapting to the high elevation. You're looking at elemental high country: rock, lake, and open sky.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site SizeSites are spread out and isolated to provide solitude and a quiet experience.

PrivacySites are spread out and isolated to provide solitude and a quiet camping experience.

Total Campsites8 campsites

Recommended SitesParking for day use and hiking is located near the lake by the vault toilets. Sites are spread out and isolated, providing greater privacy and quiet.

Amenities available

There are eight first come/ first serve campsites. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and food storage locker. No trash service is provided Vault toilets are located in two areas of the campground

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredEach campsite includes a food storage locker.

Trip Planning Tools

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Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.2

30 reviews

Satisfactory

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Review Summaries

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Go if

Hikers heading for Bucks Summit or the Pacific Crest Trail will find this place hard to beat: trailhead access right off the eastern lakeshore, genuine site separation, and nights cold enough to sleep well even in July.

Skip if

Only eight sites with no reservations means a wasted drive if you show up on a summer weekend without a backup plan. OHV riders should also know the Dixie Fire left those routes unmaintained and hazardous.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

4.2

(30)

Silver Lake Campground

Silver Lake Campground offers nine tent-only sites tucked into the trees at 5,797 feet elevation in Plumas National Forest. The small campground sits on the edge of the Bucks Lake Wilderness Area, providing access to the Gold Lake and Granite Gap trails. With a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews, it's valued for its seclusion and lake access, though some campers report problems with reservation squatting.

Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

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Best Time to Camp at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

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About Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Best Campsites

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Amenities available

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Overview

Plan a trip to Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Silver Lake Campground (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews