The best campgrounds in Lake Almanor with climbing

Lake Almanor pulls in climbers for a reason: granite boulders, crags just off the water, and pine forest as far as you can see. You’ll find more than 1,160 campsites that cater to climbers—some tucked beside trailheads, others within striking distance of the best climbing spots. Average night runs $55, but you can snag a site for $35 if you’re quick. Top picks like Mill Creek Resort (851 reviews), Camp Shady Meadow (127 reviews), and Butterfly Valley Yurt (121 reviews) always fill up fast. Most sites let you bring pets, build a campfire, and grab a hot shower after a long day on the rock. If you want to swap your harness for a rod or swimsuit, the area’s loaded with swimming holes, hiking trails, and spots to fish. Bring your gear, pack for cool nights, and expect friendly vibes from fellow climbers around the fire.

95% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Lake Almanor pulls in climbers for a reason: granite boulders, crags just off the water, and pine forest as far as you can see. You’ll find more than 1,160 campsites that cater to climbers—some tucked beside trailheads, others within striking distance of the best climbing spots. Average night runs $55, but you can snag a site for $35 if you’re quick. Top picks like Mill Creek Resort (851 reviews), Camp Shady Meadow (127 reviews), and Butterfly Valley Yurt (121 reviews) always fill up fast. Most sites let you bring pets, build a campfire, and grab a hot shower after a long day on the rock. If you want to swap your harness for a rod or swimsuit, the area’s loaded with swimming holes, hiking trails, and spots to fish. Bring your gear, pack for cool nights, and expect friendly vibes from fellow climbers around the fire.

95% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Camp Shady Meadow

93%

(206)

41 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Blairsden, CA

There are so many fun activities available in the nearby Blairsden/Graeagle area (golfing, biking, hiking, fishing, swimming, spring flowers and autumn foliage...just to name a few). We are next to the Brewing Lair and Everstoke Mountain biking. We have added two pre-set up bell tents and one pre-set up tent to our already unique RV, travel trailer, and tent sites.

2. The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

98%

(26)

1 site · Lodging · Beckwourth, CA

Unique and peaceful Lost Sierra retreat within feet of Big Grizzly Creek. 5 minutes from Lake Davis. Minutes from Grizzly Ranch Golf Club. 1 hour from Reno, and 2.5 hours from Sacramento. Nestled among towering trees and serene natural surroundings, The Retreat at Big Grizzly Creek is a tranquil haven located within feet of a gently flowing creek. As you enter the campsite, the refreshing sound of water trickling over smooth rocks immediately captures your attention, creating a symphony of nature's melodies. The Retreat is located within minutes of the small railroad town of Portola, CA, 5 minutes from the boat launch at Lake Davis, and a couple of minutes from the public golf course, Grizzly Ranch. The property the campsite is on is over 3 acres with the creek being the western border. The property has numerous overlooks of the creek and surrounding fauna with a short hike. Currently, I am building a trail and a sitting area over the most perfect view atop a rock outcropping, perfect for sipping coffee in the morning or beer. No judgment here! We have big plans for this little piece of the earth we own and are excited the share it with you.

3. Mill Creek Resort

98%

(2298)

50 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Mineral, CA

Welcome! We’re Jillian and Joe, along with our sidekicks Sonora + Ayla, the brains and the brawn behind Mill Creek Resort. Since 2017, we have been pouring every ounce of our love and energy into this landmark 1930’s resort. We take great pride in honoring it's rich history while creating a space for the next generation of mountain adventurers. Nestled in 12 acres of cedars and towering pines on the south side of Lassen Volcanic National Park, we offer 9 cabins open year-round, along with 20 campsites, some featuring glamping tents and 8 RV spots, two featuring a vintage 70's trailer and 2015 modern RV. We hope your path leads you here to experience all that Lassen has to offer. Miles of trails, pristine waters, dark skies, and wildlife abound, all awaiting to be discovered. Find your Wild, be kind, and leave no trace.

4. Plumas National Forest

95%

(67)

821 sites · Little Grass Valley, California

Hike, cross-country ski, or even drive into the deep wilderness of this Sierra Nevada forest.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

5. Lassen National Forest

96%

(67)

412 sites · Old Station, California

Crossroads of California offers year-round recreation in volcanic, alpine, and wilderness terrain.

Pets

Toilets

Full Hookups

6. Tambo Ranch Tiny House Village

100%

(102)

3 sites · Lodging · Paradise, CA

Welcome to our rustic retreat in rural Butte County, a haven we've called home since 1997. Nestled on 14 acres, our family farm offers a unique camping experience where you and your children can embrace the freedom to run and explore. Walk the property and connect with nature while visiting our alpaca, sheep, kittens, dog, and chickens. Take a leisurely stroll down a country road or stargaze under the clear night sky from the open circle of Adirondack chairs. Bask in the tranquility of this quiet country space, where fresh air abounds. Our location is a gateway to numerous outdoor adventures such as the Feather River, Lake Oroville, Lassen Volcanic Park and Table Mountain, and is just 22 minutes from downtown Chico and Cal State University, Chico. Discover local gems like the Bidwell Mansion, Bidwell Park, Lime Saddle Marina, Butte Creek Canyon, and the Honey Run Covered Bridge, all within a short drive. Paradise is known for its antiquing, mountain biking, and kayaking, and many enjoy its historic biking and walking trail along the old railroad line. Visit the Paradise Depot Museum, or the Gold Nugget Museum for a trip back in time. While you're surrounded by nature, enjoy the convenience of great cell service and Wi-Fi, perfect for streaming on our smart TVs with our fiber optic service. Should you need anything during your stay – be it a Band-Aid, needle and thread, or kitchen essentials – simply let us know. Our property is home to playful kittens and our friendly border collie, Caspian, who roams freely. If preferred, Caspian can be kenneled upon request. Escape to our farm stay and experience the best of rural living with modern comforts. Your adventure awaits!

7. Quail Ridge RV Park

84%

(55)

30 sites · RVs · Strawberry Valley, CA

Quail Ridge RV Park has 17 acres nestled in the Plumas National Forest. We do NOT have direct water access. We are surrounded by four lakes, with Sly Creek and Lost Lake Reservoirs being the closest (about 3 mi. north of us), two major rivers and Feather Falls, the 3rd largest waterfall in California. Outdoor activities abound with fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking trails and mountain biking trails. You can also explore the local rivers and try your luck at gold panning. Our park is primarily divided into three areas: (1) we have 7 dedicated RV sites for weekend RV's that have full hook-ups, which include 30/50 amp. electric, water and septic connection (no pull through sites); (2) an area in the middle of the park where permanent residents live; and (3) a large area for volleyball, lounging, and playground on the opposite side of the park. Sorry, but due to the always present fire danger, no wood burning fires are allowed. You may use your own propane fire ring or propane or charcoal grill. We have clean laundry and showers and flush toilets on the north side of the park. There is one shower and one flush toilet for each men and women that are handicapped accessible. Showers cost $1 for 12 minutes of hot water. Cell phone service is spotty. AT&T/Cricket and sometimes Verizon work the best. We now have free Wi-Fi in the park! Quail Ridge RV Park is very pet friendly, and we have a beautiful new dog park for our 4-footed friends. However, we cannot accept aggressive breed dogs, or Pit-Bull mixed dogs (sorry, but our insurance company restricts these breeds). Please identify the dog breed when you are making a reservation. Visit us at quailridgerv.com

8. Butterfly Valley Yurt

98%

(157)

1 site · Lodging · Quincy, CA

Beautiful mountain property with Doug fir, sugar pine, oak, white fir, incense cedar, Ponderosa pine, alders, willow. Butterfly Valley is within walking distance of Butterfly Valley Botanical Area, a protected area with many native carnivorous plants. Two minute drive to Butterfly Beach on Spanish Creek, one of the best swimming holes in Plumas County. Right in the heart of the scenic Feather River and Lost Sierra, home of world-renowned hiking, biking, fishing, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, white water rafting and more. This is truly a special property! Quincy is a thriving mountain community of 5,000 residents, the county seat of Plumas County, home of Feather River College and High Sierra Music Festival, restaurants, and a microbrewery.

9. Lake Davis Campground

45%

(10)

8 sites · Portola, CA

The Forest Service decided they couldn't serve the public. Nothing has changed.

10. Tahoe National Forest

93%

(255)

1382 sites · Graniteville, California

Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Camper favorites in and near Lake Almanor

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Tambo Ranch Tiny House Village

100%

(102)

3 sites · Lodging · Paradise, CA

Welcome to our rustic retreat in rural Butte County, a haven we've called home since 1997. Nestled on 14 acres, our family farm offers a unique camping experience where you and your children can embrace the freedom to run and explore. Walk the property and connect with nature while visiting our alpaca, sheep, kittens, dog, and chickens. Take a leisurely stroll down a country road or stargaze under the clear night sky from the open circle of Adirondack chairs. Bask in the tranquility of this quiet country space, where fresh air abounds. Our location is a gateway to numerous outdoor adventures such as the Feather River, Lake Oroville, Lassen Volcanic Park and Table Mountain, and is just 22 minutes from downtown Chico and Cal State University, Chico. Discover local gems like the Bidwell Mansion, Bidwell Park, Lime Saddle Marina, Butte Creek Canyon, and the Honey Run Covered Bridge, all within a short drive. Paradise is known for its antiquing, mountain biking, and kayaking, and many enjoy its historic biking and walking trail along the old railroad line. Visit the Paradise Depot Museum, or the Gold Nugget Museum for a trip back in time. While you're surrounded by nature, enjoy the convenience of great cell service and Wi-Fi, perfect for streaming on our smart TVs with our fiber optic service. Should you need anything during your stay – be it a Band-Aid, needle and thread, or kitchen essentials – simply let us know. Our property is home to playful kittens and our friendly border collie, Caspian, who roams freely. If preferred, Caspian can be kenneled upon request. Escape to our farm stay and experience the best of rural living with modern comforts. Your adventure awaits!

Quail Ridge RV Park

84%

(55)

30 sites · RVs · Strawberry Valley, CA

Quail Ridge RV Park has 17 acres nestled in the Plumas National Forest. We do NOT have direct water access. We are surrounded by four lakes, with Sly Creek and Lost Lake Reservoirs being the closest (about 3 mi. north of us), two major rivers and Feather Falls, the 3rd largest waterfall in California. Outdoor activities abound with fishing, swimming, boating, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking trails and mountain biking trails. You can also explore the local rivers and try your luck at gold panning. Our park is primarily divided into three areas: (1) we have 7 dedicated RV sites for weekend RV's that have full hook-ups, which include 30/50 amp. electric, water and septic connection (no pull through sites); (2) an area in the middle of the park where permanent residents live; and (3) a large area for volleyball, lounging, and playground on the opposite side of the park. Sorry, but due to the always present fire danger, no wood burning fires are allowed. You may use your own propane fire ring or propane or charcoal grill. We have clean laundry and showers and flush toilets on the north side of the park. There is one shower and one flush toilet for each men and women that are handicapped accessible. Showers cost $1 for 12 minutes of hot water. Cell phone service is spotty. AT&T/Cricket and sometimes Verizon work the best. We now have free Wi-Fi in the park! Quail Ridge RV Park is very pet friendly, and we have a beautiful new dog park for our 4-footed friends. However, we cannot accept aggressive breed dogs, or Pit-Bull mixed dogs (sorry, but our insurance company restricts these breeds). Please identify the dog breed when you are making a reservation. Visit us at quailridgerv.com

Butterfly Valley Yurt

98%

(157)

1 site · Lodging · Quincy, CA

Beautiful mountain property with Doug fir, sugar pine, oak, white fir, incense cedar, Ponderosa pine, alders, willow. Butterfly Valley is within walking distance of Butterfly Valley Botanical Area, a protected area with many native carnivorous plants. Two minute drive to Butterfly Beach on Spanish Creek, one of the best swimming holes in Plumas County. Right in the heart of the scenic Feather River and Lost Sierra, home of world-renowned hiking, biking, fishing, backcountry skiing, snowmobiling, white water rafting and more. This is truly a special property! Quincy is a thriving mountain community of 5,000 residents, the county seat of Plumas County, home of Feather River College and High Sierra Music Festival, restaurants, and a microbrewery.

Lake Davis Campground

45%

(10)

8 sites · Portola, CA

The Forest Service decided they couldn't serve the public. Nothing has changed.

Public campgrounds in and near Lake Almanor

September 2017 North Shore Campgrounds. Feeling the water during a hot summer day. We regret not jumping in sooner!

94%

(16)

Almanor Campground

20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lassen National Forest

Greenville Campground

20 sites · in Plumas National Forest

100%

(3)

Queen Lily Campground

12 sites · in Plumas National Forest

North Fork Campground

20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Plumas National Forest

100%

(1)

Gansner Bar Campground

16 sites · Tents, RVs · in Plumas National Forest

100%

(1)

Hallsted Campground

20 sites · Tents, RVs · in Plumas National Forest

Goumaz Campground

5 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lassen National Forest

Roxie Peconom Campground

10 sites · in Lassen National Forest

Silver lake as seen from the Gold Lake/Spanish peak trail

88%

(4)

Silver Lake Campground

7 sites · in Plumas National Forest

100%

(3)

Potato Patch Campground

32 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lassen National Forest

Snake Lake Campground

9 sites · in Plumas National Forest

100%

(2)

Cherry Hill Campground

26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lassen National Forest

Stories from the community

Y

Yu

October 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to Mill Creek Resort

I absolutely loved camping at Mill Creek! The scenery was beautiful, and the sound of the creek flowing nearby made the whole trip feel extra peaceful. It felt so nice to escape for the weekend, relax, and just soak up nature. I also really appreciated that they offered firewood right there at the site. It made campfire time super convenient and stress-free! Having cell signal was a nice bonus too, since it allowed me to stay connected with loved ones while still enjoying an unplugged vibe. Everyone around was friendly and courteous. We did have a neighboring camper who got noisy at first, though they became more respectful once reminded about the quiet hours. Overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I would definitely come back again!

D

David

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Mill Creek Resort

The tent camping was fun. The camp spot we got was a little small but overall it was nice. The neighbors are far enough where we had a lot of privacy.

C

Casey

October 2025

3 nights at Mill Creek Resort

Loved this place! Clean, friendly staff, functional toilets, and cheap firewood! Would def come back again

T

Tom

October 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

1 night at Mill Creek Resort

Beautiful family friendly private campground. A lot of love goes into this place. We were in campsite 11 and felt it was pretty private and spacious. Bring leveling blocks though if you’re picky about a level camper. Would definitely recommend Mill Creek Resort

C

Courtney

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

1 night at Mill Creek Resort

Great spot right outside of Lassen. Would highly recommend

G

Genevieve

October 2025

Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

This is a really great spot and we enjoyed our stay! We enjoyed the roaring creek next to us and hearing the water as we went to sleep and upon wake up! The tent was well built, felt cozy and secure. The propane heater provided was a MUST as we stayed mid-Oct and the nights were cold outside. It heated it up very quickly and we had to turn it down while we slept it got so toasty. While there are 2 options for parking, if we weren't able to park where we did (closer to the tent), it would have made for more difficult logistics. We just barely were able to get our full-sized truck backed down the path (between the posts) in order to park close to the tent. In muddy weather this might have been more challenging. FYI - you need to have some pretty decent backing up and maneuvering skills to back down through the gate, esp if you have a full sized truck like we did. We did navigate to this spot at night which was a bit challenging in the dark but everything worked out well. This is a nice, secluded and peaceful spot!

C

Carrie

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Mill Creek Resort

The campsite is on a beautiful property with close proximity (about 1 hrish) from Lassen NP and 30 mins from town. There’s a beautiful creek that runs right through the land. Dog friendly and lots of dog friendly hikes near by. Loved our stay and would definitely come back!

A

Angela

September 2025

14 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Quail Ridge RV Park

Our first time using hip camp and camping in this area. We have a pop-up trailer and two dogs. The hosts are wonderful. The bathroom is spacious and clean with good water pressure. People respected the quiet hours. There were lots of trees and shade. We left for the majority of the day and nothing that was left outside or inside our trailer was touched. We would stay here again.

S

Shawn

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Mill Creek Resort

Very peaceful, friendly staff. Great area for visiting the Lassen Park. The tent site were clean, the washrooms clean. Good communication. I'd come back.

B

Bridgette

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mill Creek Resort

This camping spot is one of the best i’ve been too. The bathrooms are clean, other campers were super respectful, they sell wood and ice, and our camping spot was war distant to the creek below. I would absolutely come here again, very beautiful spot.

D

David

September 2025

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Butterfly Valley Yurt

The Butterfly Yurt is the perfect glamping spot! It's private, comfortable, and has just enough amenities to make the stay easy yet with the camping feel. Lori and Lucky were great hosts -- nearby if needed but out of sight and earshot. The location is great for access to Quincy, the Feather River canyon, the Lakes region (the hike to the Sierra Buttes lookout is epic!), swimming, hot springs, etc. Or just laze on the yurt's deck with a cup of coffee and read. We hope to go back again soon.

Victoria

September 2025

Tent

1 night at Mill Creek Resort

Level tent site and ground was clean as there were nice wood chips spread out. Nice fire pit. Shower house close by this site.

J

Jenna

September 2025

2 nights at Tambo Ranch Tiny House Village

This was the perfect place to take a day or two and just relax. The tiny house had just enough kitchen that for a short stay you didn’t need to go out unless you wanted to. It was impressively efficient. I did bring a cooler because I like cold beverages, but the small fridge would be enough for the yogurts and cheese I brought with for my 2 night stay. I had a nice time playing with the kittens, Caspian the dog, (who dutifully slept on my porch) and exploring the property. The bed downstairs was very comfortable and it was nice falling asleep to the sounds of nature outside. 10/10 recommend!

V

Victoria

September 2025

15 ft campervan

1 night at Mill Creek Resort

What a beautiful campground. I was doing a drive by and stayed one night only, wished I could stayed longer. The bathrooms were clean. I will come back. The people who work there were helpful.

C

Corey

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Butterfly Valley Yurt

Exactly as listed. Fun escape in the woods for the family and dog.

A

Alecia

September 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Butterfly Valley Yurt

This was our first time camping in a yurt- or any premade structure for that matter! I couldn’t complain about a single thing, there was so much more provided in the yurt than we could have imagined. There is basically a full kitchen set up witch dishes and utensils, extra blankets, fire wood for the fire place, A SHOWER, toilet paper, lighters, even cooking oil! It was such a relaxing get away for my family and I. We had such a blast exploring the property, going to the swimming hole basically 3 minutes away, and just enjoying each others company. Although the structure itself is rather close to the home, it still feels so secluded and like you’re right in the middle of nowhere. If you’re thinking about pulling the trigger on something nice for camping, don’t bother looking anywhere else!

A

Anthony

September 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

Great space. Comfortable bed. Everything you need to make your stay easy and enjoyable, The stream and the property are beautiful.

N

Nancy

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Mill Creek Resort

This campground is a great location. Nice vibe, the campsites are well spaced away from each other. GREAT restaurant down the road a few minutes.

J

Jocelynne

August 2025

Tent

1 night at Mill Creek Resort

My husband and I camped here on a Wednesday night and it was very quiet and such a pretty spot. We got in late (about 9:30 pm) which normally makes me a bit nervous but there was something about the vibe of the campgrounds that made me feel at ease. The sounds of the creek in the distance, the smell of the trees, it just felt so cozy and welcoming! Downsides: people walking by at 1 am flashing their flashlight directly at your tent. A bit spooked by that. Upsides: not feeling like you’re totally alone in the woods because people were around but not too close that it felt crowded.

E

Emily

August 2025

2 nights at The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

Loved the property! Perfect little getaway, so peaceful.