Grizzly
Grizzly Campground (5,777 feet) is one of three family-friendly campgrounds located in the Lake Davis Recreation Area. The recreation area and its namesake lake, Lake Davis provides the classic lake fishing experience. For example, there are four boat launching facilities and many fishing access points around the lake. Water skiing and jet skiing are not allowed on this lake. That makes it a quieter location for that peaceful leisurely camping experience you're looking for.
Some sites take reservations on Recreation.gov. Others are first-come, first-served.
More like this: first-come in California · reservable in California · pets allowed in California
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Standard, no hookups | 29 |
| Host/management | 28 |
Site guide
29 sites. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Entry | Surface | Shade | People / vehicles | Accessible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 | ||
| 002 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 | ||
| 003 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 | ||
| 004 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 | ||
| 005 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 | ||
| 006 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 | ||
| 007 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 | ||
| 010 | Back-in | Gravel | 8 / 1 | ||
| 011 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 | ||
| 013 | Back-in | Paved | 8 / 1 |
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 |
| Equipment | RVs & trailers, Tents |
| Pets | Allowed |
| Accessibility | Site 015 is listed accessible |
The campground offers dozens of single-family sites, two of which are accessible, for tent and RV camping. Utility hookups are not provided. Each site is equipped with picnic table, campfire ring with grill, and can accommodate up to two vehicles. Campground host, accessible flush toilets, and drinking water are provided. Campers are welcome to take advantage of the coin-operated showers half a mile 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 1 mile to the campground, which is on the left.
| Nearest town | Blairsden, California |
| Coordinates | 39.8872° N, 120.4725° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Visit Smith Peak Fire Lookout when lightning is not expected.
Supplies & services
| RV sales & service | Reliable RV ↗ | 36.3 mi |
| Outdoor gear | Cabela's ↗ | 37.2 mi |
| Dump station | Dump station ↗ | 37.3 mi |
Locations © OpenStreetMap contributors. Call ahead; hours change seasonally.
Explore
Video
YELLOWSTONE GRIZZLY RV PARK - Campground Review
Trails nearby
- 1.7 miLake Davis Trail ↗6.7 mi trail
- 1.9 miDan Blough0.6 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
- 10.1 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 covers 4,000 acres and was created in 1967 for recreational opportunities, as well as to rejuvenate fish populations in nearby rivers and supply water to the town of Portola. The lake offers 32 miles of shoreline and is surrounded by tall pine trees. The campground is on the eastern shore and just a few campsites have lake views. The trees provide ample shade for the campground, however privacy is limited by a lack of understory. Smith Peak State Game Refuge borders the lake to the east and south, creating prime habitat for a variety of wildlife and birds. Rich meadow rangeland combines with pine forest in every direction around the lake. Many lovely stands of aspen show, adding their richness to area fall color.
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 available a half-mile north of the campground. Mountain biking, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are also available in the area.
Nearby
The closest town is Portola, California, which is about 9 miles from the campground. Portola is home to one of the largest railroad museums in the western United States. Explore the many forest roads in this area. Take along a map, full tank and a dependable vehicle.
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 Grizzly?
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 Grizzly?
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 Grizzly?
Check-in 2:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
Is Grizzly open right now?
Closed for the season as of Oct 16, 2026.
Source: Forest Service status
How many sites does Grizzly have?
57 sites, including 29 standard sites without power.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I bring an RV to Grizzly?
Grizzly is listed for tents only.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there showers or a dump station at Grizzly?
Campground host, accessible flush toilets, and drinking water are provided.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Grizzly?
Yes, pets are allowed at Grizzly. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are there accessible sites at Grizzly?
Site 015 is 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 Grizzly?
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 Grizzly?
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 Grizzly?
Blairsden, California. The closest town is Portola, California, which is about 9 miles from the campground.
Source: Getting there