The best desert campgrounds near Lake Davis, California

Desert camping near Lake Davis is all about big skies, open space, and dry air. You’ll find 14 spots that let you pitch your tent right in the sand or sagebrush, some for as little as $22 a night—average is $40. Campfires are allowed, toilets are available, and your dog can tag along. Fishing, swimming, and hiking are the main draws, with water close enough to cool off after long, dusty walks. Top picks include Whites Creek Grounds (4 reviews), High Desert RV Hideaway (3 reviews), and Lazzarini Farms (3 reviews). Expect quiet nights, a sky full of stars, and plenty of room to spread out.

100% (9)

Top-rated campgrounds

Desert camping near Lake Davis is all about big skies, open space, and dry air. You’ll find 14 spots that let you pitch your tent right in the sand or sagebrush, some for as little as $22 a night—average is $40. Campfires are allowed, toilets are available, and your dog can tag along. Fishing, swimming, and hiking are the main draws, with water close enough to cool off after long, dusty walks. Top picks include Whites Creek Grounds (4 reviews), High Desert RV Hideaway (3 reviews), and Lazzarini Farms (3 reviews). Expect quiet nights, a sky full of stars, and plenty of room to spread out.

100% (9)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

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(7)

30mi from Lake Davis · 1 site · Tent, RV · Janesville, CA

JD Hemphill Ranch is fourth generation cattle and hay ranch on the edge of the Great Basin. We have great views of both the Sierra and the Skedaddle Mountains. We offer a quiet campsite minutes from Highway 395 on a tranquil county road named after the family. Biking and walking is easy and can be done without fear of traffic. We are close to bike trails and the Bizz Johnson Rails to Trails project is just 17 minutes away in Susanville.

2. Welsh Grizzly Camp

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(6)

1.7mi from Lake Davis · 3 sites · RVs · Portola, CA

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!

3. The Range Rural Raw Desert

22mi from Lake Davis · 1 site · Tent, RV · Doyle, CA

🌵 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.

4. The 395 Ranch, Seclusion & Views!

21mi from Lake Davis · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Doyle, CA

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.

Stories from the community

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Gregory

November 2025

17 ft travel trailer

1 night at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

Flat plot over looking fields. Quiet spot and ideal place to stop as we were passing through.

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Vic

October 2025

22 ft Class C

1 night at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

Was a nice quiet spot with a picnic table. A little confusing to find but nevertheless a good stopover point.

S

Steve

September 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Welsh Grizzly Camp

Our second visit was just as great as the first! Jesse and Angela have an outstanding property and are excellent hosts. We highly recommend them!

J

Jon

August 2025

29 ft toy hauler

3 nights at Welsh Grizzly Camp

Just returned from an incredible stay at the Welsh Grizzly Campsite, and I can’t recommend it highly enough! From the moment we arrived, we were blown away by the peaceful setting, and the attention to detail that makes this place truly special. The site is beautifully maintained, with spacious pitches and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We opted for the back in site and everything felt thoughtfully laid out and well cared for. What really sets Welsh Grizzly apart is the atmosphere — relaxed, friendly, and perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking to disconnect and soak up some nature. We loved exploring the nearby trails and coming back to a peaceful evening under the stars. Can’t wait to return — this place is an absolute gem!

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Jon

July 2025

27 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Welsh Grizzly Camp

We just returned from a weekend at this incredible little campsite, and I can’t recommend it enough. If you’re looking for a quiet, intimate spot to truly unwind, this is it. Nestled away from the crowds, it felt like our own private slice of nature. The site was thoughtfully laid out – clean, well-maintained, and surrounded by trees that offered both shade and privacy. The site was perfect for evening chats under the stars, and we even heard owls hooting at night. What really stood out was the attention to detail: a level spot for our 22 foot trailer, ample space, and even a nice picnic table. It’s clear the hosts care deeply about the experience they’re providing. We chose the back in site (#1) that would easily accommodate a larger trailer than ours. If you need more space choose the pull through site (#2). Most of the site is covered in gravel and both campsites have perfectly placed electric and water hookups. ATT Cell service was only able to be accessed down the road. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just want a quiet retreat for the weekend, this place is a total win. We’ll absolutely be back!

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Christy

July 2025

21 ft campervan

With kids

1 night at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

We loved this spot! Close to the highway, but super peaceful. We woke up to quail grazing the property. Jeff was quick to respond and helpful.

Kara

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

I stayed at the JD Hemphill Ranch Corner Lot while traveling solo, and it was exactly what I was looking for—quiet, safe, and surrounded by natural beauty. The site is set on a private corner of a working hay and cattle ranch, with peaceful views and a surprise thunderstorm that made for an epic sunset. It was easy to access with my vehicle, and being close to Hwy 395 made it convenient for exploring Lassen County. I felt completely comfortable here on my own. The host was kind and responsive. Waking up to the sounds of nature and seeing cattle in the distance was such a refreshing experience. Highly recommend this spot if you’re looking for a safe, serene stopover—especially if you’re traveling solo like I was. I’d definitely stay again!

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Steve

June 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Welsh Grizzly Camp

This is one of the best sites we have found! The location is perfect to Lake Davis and nearby to Portola and Graeagle if you want to go into town. The area was extremely quiet and shady with great trails for walks. Jesse and Angela were outstanding hosts. We will definitely book with them again.

Charles

April 2025

Tent

1 night at JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

I'm a late 70's woman, who decided I wanted to try car camping, and wasn't sure I wanted my first night to be a large campground. This worked perfect. I was the only one there. Got to enjoy the cows, rabbits and quail before sunset and the frogs after. The hosts were friendly and helpful, and I could see their house in the distance, so felt safe.