The best desert camping near Downieville

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Looking to camp near Downieville, California with a desert terrain? Look no further than Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras (27 reviews), the waterfront views of Water front on Topaz Lake (26 reviews), or the rustic charm of The Stone Ranch (20 reviews), you'll have plenty of top-rated options to choose from. Average prices per night are around $35, with some options as low as $20. Popular amenities like cooking equipment, pet-friendly sites, and potable water are available, along with activities like swimming, visiting historic sites, and even surfing. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in the California desert!

98% (197) 8 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Downieville

Olde LYFE Alpacas Milford CA

1. Olde LYFE Alpacas Milford CA

96%
(255)
47mi from Downieville · 4 sites · Tents
WE MOVED!! We are excited to present our new locations.... We sit on 5 beautiful acres overlooking Honey Lake in Milford CA. The property is sprinkled with oak and pine trees which make looking at the lake just wonderful. There are many elevations to choose from to pitch your tent! NOTE: Alot of the pics are of our previous location! I'm sure we will accumulate new photos now that we are open again! Olde LYFE Alpacas offers visits with the animals, including an organized 60 min Peaceful Walk with an alpaca, that you make book separately, where you’ll experience them up close. There is a small retail store on site with a variety of products made with alpaca fiber, including the most delightful alpaca socks!! The ranch store is self serve mostly. There are price sheets and payment methods listed!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
The 395 Ranch, Seclusion & Views!

2. The 395 Ranch, Seclusion & Views!

48mi from Downieville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This property lies at the base of the Sierra Mountains, approximately 9 miles north of Doyle, CA on the west side of US Route 395. Access to the ranch road is from US Route 395. Its elevation starts at 3800 feet and rises higher than 5,000 feet. The lower half is rolling high chaparral and the upper half is steep with forest land that was burned in the 2021 Dixie Fire. There are still plenty of live trees left. This ranch lies in Deer Hunting Zone X6b. Lassen National Forest is on the west boundary of this ranch, with a gate that allows access to the national forest. The 395 Ranch boasts incredible views for nearly 75 miles. The ground is primarily decomposed granite so mud never becomes a problem. Wind can be strong when weather systems approach. The campsites are very basic with no toilet facilities (at this time) but water is available for cooking and washing dishes. An outdoor enclosed shower is available as well. At this time (summer) the water is naturally warm from the pipe’s exposure to the sun and hot water from a flash heater will be available in the near future. Tents can be erected almost anywhere on the property, but campfires are strictly prohibited until the rainy/cold season. Water and an electric hookup is available next to the barn for RVs and travel trailers at an additional cost. Sewer service is not available. There is also an older but nice three-bedroom, one bath home that is also available for short term rentals. It is heated during the winter by two wood burning stoves and cooled comfortably during the summer with a swamp cooler. The rent for this house is based on the season, ranging from $169-$229 nightly plus extra fees for pets or more than three people. Visitors of the past have found hiking, looking for artifacts and rocks to be fun activities. It’s also been an amazing place for stargazing and using telescopes. Others simply enjoyed relaxing and enjoying the peace, quiet and views. High quality campfire wood is available for $12.00 a bundle.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
$22
 / night
The Range Rural Raw Desert

3. The Range Rural Raw Desert

49mi from Downieville · 1 site · Tent, RV
🌵 Welcome to O’Doyle Grade! 🌵 Pitch your tent or park your RV in the raw desert beauty of Doyle—where wide-open skies meet small-town charm. Just 10 minutes from Plumas Forest (home to some of the area’s best-kept bouldering secrets) and only 30 seconds from the friendly Buck Inn Bar, you’ll be perfectly positioned for both adventure and relaxation. Enjoy a quiet rural escape just off the freeway, with endless forest fun and mountain views only moments away. Whether you’re here for climbing, exploring, or simply soaking in the peace of the high desert, O’Doyle Grade is your gateway to it all.
Pets
from 
$19
 / night
Welsh Grizzly Camp

4. Welsh Grizzly Camp

100%
(6)
27mi from Downieville · 3 sites · RVs
Tucked in the pines, you'll easily find our 4 acre camping paradise. We offer RV parking with power and water hookups and access to an outhouse. Our sites offer plenty of shade in the trees, picnic benches, a swing set, large open graveled space with outdoor furniture to sit and relax in, play cornhole or grill. Located less than a mile from Lake Davis, for swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, etc. General Store close by, with dump station. Several hiking trails nearby. 5 minute drive to Grizzly Golf Course, 10 minute drive to Portola for Mountain Pizza, Frosty, and more, just 20 minutes to Graeeagle Shops, Breweries, Fine Dining, horseback riding and other activities. This is the perfect place to camp with your family and friends!
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$75
 / night

Looking to camp near Downieville, California with a desert terrain? Look no further than Sunshine, Serenity and Sierras (27 reviews), the waterfront views of Water front on Topaz Lake (26 reviews), or the rustic charm of The Stone Ranch (20 reviews), you'll have plenty of top-rated options to choose from. Average prices per night are around $35, with some options as low as $20. Popular amenities like cooking equipment, pet-friendly sites, and potable water are available, along with activities like swimming, visiting historic sites, and even surfing. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience in the California desert!

98% (197) 8 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Downieville

Olde LYFE Alpacas Milford CA

1. Olde LYFE Alpacas Milford CA

96%
(255)
47mi from Downieville · 4 sites · Tents
WE MOVED!! We are excited to present our new locations.... We sit on 5 beautiful acres overlooking Honey Lake in Milford CA. The property is sprinkled with oak and pine trees which make looking at the lake just wonderful. There are many elevations to choose from to pitch your tent! NOTE: Alot of the pics are of our previous location! I'm sure we will accumulate new photos now that we are open again! Olde LYFE Alpacas offers visits with the animals, including an organized 60 min Peaceful Walk with an alpaca, that you make book separately, where you’ll experience them up close. There is a small retail store on site with a variety of products made with alpaca fiber, including the most delightful alpaca socks!! The ranch store is self serve mostly. There are price sheets and payment methods listed!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from 
$40
 / night
The 395 Ranch, Seclusion & Views!

2. The 395 Ranch, Seclusion & Views!

48mi from Downieville · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
This property lies at the base of the Sierra Mountains, approximately 9 miles north of Doyle, CA on the west side of US Route 395. Access to the ranch road is from US Route 395. Its elevation starts at 3800 feet and rises higher than 5,000 feet. The lower half is rolling high chaparral and the upper half is steep with forest land that was burned in the 2021 Dixie Fire. There are still plenty of live trees left. This ranch lies in Deer Hunting Zone X6b. Lassen National Forest is on the west boundary of this ranch, with a gate that allows access to the national forest. The 395 Ranch boasts incredible views for nearly 75 miles. The ground is primarily decomposed granite so mud never becomes a problem. Wind can be strong when weather systems approach. The campsites are very basic with no toilet facilities (at this time) but water is available for cooking and washing dishes. An outdoor enclosed shower is available as well. At this time (summer) the water is naturally warm from the pipe’s exposure to the sun and hot water from a flash heater will be available in the near future. Tents can be erected almost anywhere on the property, but campfires are strictly prohibited until the rainy/cold season. Water and an electric hookup is available next to the barn for RVs and travel trailers at an additional cost. Sewer service is not available. There is also an older but nice three-bedroom, one bath home that is also available for short term rentals. It is heated during the winter by two wood burning stoves and cooled comfortably during the summer with a swamp cooler. The rent for this house is based on the season, ranging from $169-$229 nightly plus extra fees for pets or more than three people. Visitors of the past have found hiking, looking for artifacts and rocks to be fun activities. It’s also been an amazing place for stargazing and using telescopes. Others simply enjoyed relaxing and enjoying the peace, quiet and views. High quality campfire wood is available for $12.00 a bundle.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
$22
 / night
The Range Rural Raw Desert

3. The Range Rural Raw Desert

49mi from Downieville · 1 site · Tent, RV
🌵 Welcome to O’Doyle Grade! 🌵 Pitch your tent or park your RV in the raw desert beauty of Doyle—where wide-open skies meet small-town charm. Just 10 minutes from Plumas Forest (home to some of the area’s best-kept bouldering secrets) and only 30 seconds from the friendly Buck Inn Bar, you’ll be perfectly positioned for both adventure and relaxation. Enjoy a quiet rural escape just off the freeway, with endless forest fun and mountain views only moments away. Whether you’re here for climbing, exploring, or simply soaking in the peace of the high desert, O’Doyle Grade is your gateway to it all.
Pets
from 
$19
 / night
Welsh Grizzly Camp

4. Welsh Grizzly Camp

100%
(6)
27mi from Downieville · 3 sites · RVs
Tucked in the pines, you'll easily find our 4 acre camping paradise. We offer RV parking with power and water hookups and access to an outhouse. Our sites offer plenty of shade in the trees, picnic benches, a swing set, large open graveled space with outdoor furniture to sit and relax in, play cornhole or grill. Located less than a mile from Lake Davis, for swimming, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, boating, etc. General Store close by, with dump station. Several hiking trails nearby. 5 minute drive to Grizzly Golf Course, 10 minute drive to Portola for Mountain Pizza, Frosty, and more, just 20 minutes to Graeeagle Shops, Breweries, Fine Dining, horseback riding and other activities. This is the perfect place to camp with your family and friends!
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
Pets
from 
$75
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field