Lightning Tree

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7
BLAIRSDEN, CA 96103

Overview

Lightning Tree Campground (5,800 feet) is one of three family-friendly campgrounds located in the Lake Davis Recreation Area. The lake was formed by damming Grizzly Creek in 1967. The purpose of the lake was to provide water for the town of Portola, improve area fishing and provide recreation opportunities. The 32 miles of shoreline has several boat launch facilities and fishing access points. Lightning Tree Campground is a great place to serve as hub for family fun and recreation. At the end of the day return to this home away from home to relax around the campfire.

Recreation

In addition to camping, the area offers a wide variety of popular water-related activities, including fishing, boating and swimming. Numerous fishing access points are located around the perimeter of the lake and anglers will find rainbow and brown trout, bass and catfish. A boat ramp is located nearby.

Mountain biking, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are also available in the area. During winter months, visitors enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Facilities

The campground offers more than three dozen single and double capacity campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Some accessible campsites are available. Most sites are available on a first come basis and the rest are open for reservation up to six months in advance. Coin-operated showers are available 4 miles away at Grasshopper Flat Campground.

Natural Features

Lake Davis is situated in the hills north of the town of Portola in the Plumas National Forest. Smith Peak State Game Refuge to the south and west of the lake is a great place for bird watching, nature viewing, photography and exploring. Large sheep herding ranches used this area before the dam was build. Today, cattle trek across the rangeland meadows. Get a panoramic view of Lake Davis, Sierra Valley and peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges from Smith Peak Fire Lookout.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.

Nearby Attractions

Restaraunts, stores and services are available in Portola, CA

Visit the largest railroad museum in the Western United States located in Portola.

The old Basque style sheepherder bread oven at Jenkins Point has been restored

Visit Smith Peak Fire Lookout

Camp site features

Across 39 camp sites:

Pets allowed: all 39 sites
ADA accessible: 4 of 39 sites
Longest RV: 45 ft
Largest party: 16 people
Equipment: RV, Tent, Trailer

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 21.3 mi · Pioneer RV Park

Directions

From Reno, travel north on Highway 395 to Highway 70 and turn west to Portola. From Portola, take County Road 126 north for 7 miles, then County Road 112 to the east side of Lake Davis. Continue approximately 5 miles to the campground, which is on the left.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

64 reviews

5 stars

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1 stars

Stephanie S

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Reviewed 2 months ago

I kept renewing my site since I loved it so much. I had a chance to stay on a friends property for free but I stayed here since it was so beautiful. I had a view of the lake from my site.

Stephanie S

Loop:Area Lightning Tree

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Reviewed 2 months ago

I absolutely loved this campsite. It was a 15 minute walk to the water straight from the site. The restrooms were impeccably clean. The camp host was the best I’ve ever had, friendly, helpful and kept the entire campground spotless. We heard coyotes almost every night but they just passed by since everyone kept their sites free of food waste. I’ll stay here again any chance I get.

Shawn C

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Reviewed 3 months ago

We had difficulty with paying online. David the camp manager came through for us. The camp site was very nice and clean.

Kim J

Loop:Area Lightning Tree

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Reviewed 3 months ago

The campsite was clean and the firepit had been emptied which is a rarity now.

Matthew H

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Spacious campsites. Fun for all! Great places for the dogs to run and play just outside the campgrounds. Amazing views on the lake while kayaking. A ton of bird species to be seen. Eagles, pelicans and many, many more! Relaxing and quiet thanks to the awesome campground host. Campground rules definitely enforced which made our stay much more pleasant. Campsites are in the thick of the trees with the lake close by. We decided to try something new and will absolutely be returning to Lake Davis and one of the several campgrounds. Great fun and relaxation for all!

Kathy F

Loop:Area Lightning Tree

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Great Staff and very peaceful

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve