Lightning Tree
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.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in California · reservable in California · big rigs in California · pets allowed in California
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 39 |
| Host/management | 1 |
Site guide
Will my RV fit
The longest site here provides 45 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter.
39 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Back-in | Paved | 16 / 1 | ||
| 002 | Back-in | Gravel | 8 / 2 | ||
| 003 | Back-in | Gravel | 16 / 2 | ||
| 004 | Back-in | Gravel | 16 / 2 | ||
| 005 | Back-in | Paved | Partial | 16 / 4 | Yes |
| 006 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 | ||
| 007 | Back-in | Gravel | 16 / 2 | ||
| 008 | Back-in | Gravel | 8 / 1 | ||
| 009 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 | ||
| 010 | Back-in | Gravel | 16 / 2 |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Hookups | None |
| Max vehicle length | 45 ft |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Accessibility | Sites 005, 012, 027, 031 are listed accessible |
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.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Season & status
| Status | Closed for the season. Forest Service sites close for the season; check the official page for the reopening date. |
| Forest | Plumas National Forest |
| Booking | Sites can be reserved by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Call the Beckwourth Ranger District for information. Senior and Access passes are honored for single campsites only |
| Rules | 14 day camping limit. 6 people per campsite, 12 people for double sites. 2 vehicles per campsite. OHV riding is not allowed. Store food, trash and scented items appropriately - Be Bear Aware |
Weather by month
Getting there
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.
| Nearest town | Blairsden, California |
| Coordinates | 39.9255° N, 120.5105° W · Directions ↗ |
Supplies & services
| RV sales & service | Reliable RV ↗ | 33.3 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Cabela's ↗ | 40.5 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
Lightning Tree - Plumas National Forest, CA
Trails nearby
- 0.3 miLake Davis Trail ↗6.7 mi trail
- 3.2 miDan Blough0.6 mi trail
- 4.5 miClover Creek Loop0.7 mi trail
- 4.8 miQuarry Spur0.1 mi trail
- 4.9 miQuarry0.5 mi trail
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Public land it sits in
This campground sits inside Plumas National Forest.
- inPlumas National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,431,953 acres
- 12.5 miTahoe National Forest ↗National Forest · Forest Service · 1,181,139 acres
Each unit is published as a centre point and an acreage rather than a boundary, so this section stands it in for a circle of the same area. Whether a campground is inside, and how far it is from one it is outside, are both approximate.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
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.
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.
Nearby
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
Guidebooks for California
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Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Lightning Tree?
For some sites. Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Lightning Tree?
Call the Beckwourth Ranger District for information. Senior and Access passes are honored for single campsites only
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Lightning Tree?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Lightning Tree open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Lightning Tree have?
40 sites, including 39 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Will my RV fit at Lightning Tree?
The longest site here provides 45 feet of vehicle capacity. Most sites are shorter. The sidebar tool checks a trailer or motorhome length against every site.
Source: Will my RV fit
Are there showers or a dump station at Lightning Tree?
Coin-operated showers are available 4 miles away at Grasshopper Flat Campground.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Lightning Tree?
Yes, pets are allowed at Lightning Tree. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there accessible sites at Lightning Tree?
Sites 005, 012, 027, and 031 are listed accessible on Recreation.gov. What that covers (a paved pad, an accessible table, a nearby accessible restroom) is on each site's booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is there cell service at Lightning Tree?
FCC coverage maps show Verizon 4G LTE and AT&T 4G LTE at the campground point. Terrain changes that from one site to the next.
Source: FCC Broadband Map
What is there to do at Lightning Tree?
In addition to camping, the area offers a wide variety of popular water-related activities, including fishing, boating and swimming. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Lightning Tree?
Blairsden, California. Restaraunts, stores and services are available in Portola, CA Visit the largest railroad museum in the Western United States located in Portola.
Source: Getting there