Lightning Tree Campground sits on the east shore of Lake Davis in the Plumas National Forest. Five-mile-long Lake Davis is well-known for its great trout fishing. Several years ago invasive pike had to be eradicated from the lake before rainbow trout could be re-populated. Today the trout population is thriving.
The Lake Davis Recreation Area offers a wide range of activities, including camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, boating, mountain biking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Waterskiing and jet skis are not permitted in the lake. Boaters are cautious of high winds out on the lake that can come up suddenly.
Lightning Tree Campground offers 40 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents. Half of the campsites are doubles. The campground is well shaded by trees, however privacy is limited by a lack of understory, which is comprised of grass and sagebrush. Eleven sites may be reserved ahead of time, while the others are offered only as first-come, first-served sites. About 40 overflow campsites are available near the boat ramp and at Mallard Cove.
| Lightning Tree Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Lightning Tree Campground Location: | on the eastern shore of Lake Davis, 13 miles from Portola |
| Elevation: | 5,800 feet |
| Mileage and driving time from gateway city: | Oroville - 120 miles, 2:19 minutes Truckee - 52 miles, 1:04 (via Hwy 89) |
| Number of Sites: | 40 |
| Camping Season: | Open year-round (weather permitting)
From early May through early Sept. campround is open with full services (water, trash pick-up, camp host). Other times of the year campground is open, but without services. |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 (fee per night for 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | on leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Outdoors in Plumas for Plumas National Forest |
| Beckwourth Ranger District: | (530) 836-2575 |
| Reservations for Lightning Tree Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available | Reservations are available for some sites from early May through early September. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance. At other times all campsites are first-come, first-served. |
| Maximum RV/trailer Length: | 50 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | #5, 12, 27, 31 |
| Fees: | $34 per night for a single site, $55 for double sites
No fees when there are no services (early Sept.-early May) |
| Reservations: | Lightning Tree Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, check-out: | 2:00 PM, check-out Noon |
| Lightning Tree Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Vault toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | Seasonal coin operated showers at Honker Cove boat ramp adjacent to Grasshopper Flat Campground. |
| Dump station: | Nearby |
| Attractions near Lightning Tree Campground: | Boating, fishing, boat launch ramp, hiking, Mallard Cove car-top boat launch, Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, Grizzly Ranch Golf Club, OHV
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation site, check to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
Lightning Tree Campground
The scenic Plumas National Forest is filled with wonderful places to visit and things to do. Campers at Lightning Tree Campground have great fishing in Lake Davis and miles of surrounding forest to explore.
Check Plumas National Forest - Lightning Tree Campground for any campground updates.
