Camping near Portola

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Looking for the best camping near Portola? The area features dozens of top-rated campgrounds and places to park your RV for the night, many within a short distance of California hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. Whether you want a pet-friendly campsite or a family cabin rental with wifi, check out campsite photos, tips, and reviews from other outdoor enthusiasts to plan your next camping trip near Portola.

Top-rated campgrounds near Portola

The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

1. The Retreat on Big Grizzly Creek

98%
(27)
2.9mi from Portola · 1 site
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.
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Our Escape

2. Our Escape

96%
(42)
7mi from Portola · 1 site
There is only one spot available at our property to reserve as we leave our trailer up there for most of the summer. The good news is you will have the place all to yourselves unless we happen to be there which is not very often and we will let you know if we overlap. This spot has a 30 amp RV plug and a sewer connection. There is no water or trash service so please bring your own water and practice pack in/pack out practices. This spot is for RV's only with a full restroom as we don't have restroom facilities onsite. This is a very quiet spot but does have a few neighbors within earshot so if you are planning on a party spot or having loud music this is not the spot for you. There is a large smoker/BBQ that is not maintained but is available for your use if you want, we have used it several times and it works great. There is also a firepit to use when fire season permits. We are only 4 miles from Graeagle, which is a great little town to explore and eat some ice cream in the park. There are many great lakes to explore in the immediate area including Lake Davis, Gold Lake, Upper Salmon Lake, and of course upper and lower sardine which are my favorites.
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Genesee Camp

3. Genesee Camp

98%
(108)
22mi from Portola · 1 site · Tent, RV
I fell in love with this piece of property years ago, and finally was able to build my dream home here. I rescue unwanted dogs from certain euthanasia who have been abandoned or abused, and provide them a forever home.  Now I want to share my beautiful wooded property where they can run, swim, investigate, play, and enjoy a free-range lifestyle. Campers and their canine family members are welcome to come and enjoy the outdoors.
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Plumas National Forest

4. Plumas National Forest

95%
(67)
National forest 27mi from Portola · 821 sites
Hike, cross-country ski, or even drive into the deep wilderness of this Sierra Nevada forest.
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Tahoe National Forest

5. Tahoe National Forest

93%
(255)
National forest 27mi from Portola · 1382 sites
Though the lake isn’t in the forest’s boundary, you can see it in panoramic views.
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Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

6. Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

96%
(214)
28mi from Portola · 10 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Please note: We have two 'Overnighter' sites these are instant book for weary travelers and not meant as full on camping sites. Site 1 and site 2 or Antelope please refrain from booking unless you are traveling through - All other camp sites require a minimum of 24 hours notice this allows for getting the sites ready - so if you want to camp here please note this requirement If you are traveling w a bumper pull of any type you need to book Big Rig ( soon to be named Art Camp) this is our only pull through camp site all others only tiny teardrops, cassettes, tents, vans, cars, or cab overs. Bobcat is great for tents, cars, vans, small trucks, no bumper pulls Camping here is low activity experience as in there is hiking up in the National Forest or just hanging out in your camp site, or bring your camera, notebook and binoculars, or road bike. When you come to camp here you are on a farm in transition. Girlfarm has been a local food go to for restaurants, farm family members, and regenerative agriculture interests. Today, the farm is looking forward to a new course in agri tourism as we begin planning walking gardens, art installations in the landscape, and interactive classes. If you would like fresh veggies contact Prema Farm one day BEFORE arrival - Please come visit in April May and June it is some of the most green and lush times in the high desert. It can also bring snow, winds, and rain. Be prepared- look at the forecast and contact me directly if you have concerns We are looking for a seasonal self contained camper to do campground maintenance and upkeep. trade Only NO PETS SELF CONTAINED and background check Its been a huge water season so SKEETERS are around we also recommend tents have a rain fly and ground cloth. Welcome It was important to choose a partner like Hipcamp to invite like minded individuals who respect both the natural environment and the idea of less is more. At any time you may encounter farming activities, building out of tiny houses, gardens in the process of creation, snakes, bugs, ticks, and wild animals. As we move toward offering the land as a place to both find solitude or chosen participation our Flyte and Sparrow experience will hopefully be a place you will want to return to as your own tradition.
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Butterfly Valley Yurt

7. Butterfly Valley Yurt

98%
(158)
30mi from Portola · 1 site
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.
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Alpaca Adventures at Honey Lake

8. Alpaca Adventures at Honey Lake

96%
(256)
31mi from Portola · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
WE MOVED!! We are excited to present our new location... We sit on 76 beautiful acres overlooking Honey Lake in Janesville 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!
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Sugarpine Slopes at Grouse Ridge

9. Sugarpine Slopes at Grouse Ridge

94%
(83)
32mi from Portola · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
It is on this property that I saw my first grouse. Also look for warblers-notably Audubon's and the Hermit Warblers- along with the White-headed Woodpecker. You will likely hear a Pileated Woodpecker and if you are lucky you will see one Learn more about this land: Welcome to Sugarpine Slopes. The Sugarpine has the longest cones in the world and many birds and mammals like the pine nuts and use the tree for habitat. This is a spring through fall place only. There is no winter access. The property is at 5800 feet.  Depending on the weather the road may close from Nov 15th to May 15th.  The road on the property is a dirt road.  All wheel drive or 4WD vehicles recommended although the lower section could be accessed by most vehicles. Shorter trailers allowed at Site A. Site 3 can also accommodate a small teardrop-style trailer The property is totally undeveloped at this time. It is a wildlife corridor for deer and bear (keep all food contained), the mountain quail and the blue grouse. Keep your eyes open for the Hermit Warbler, Audubon's Warbler, and our gorgeous visitor from the tropics the Western Tanager. You are likely to hear the Pileated Woodpecker and if you are lucky you will see it and its red crest in an undulating flight through the trees. The property has a lovely west facing slope which climbs gradually at first then more steeply to the top of the property. We have drive-in camping on the lower section.  There is one walk-in site at the top of the property. There is wonderful hiking nearby with several trailheads in the area within approximately 4 miles.  More information can be provided upon request.
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Plumas Eureka State Park

10. Plumas Eureka State Park

100%
(9)
State park 12mi from Portola · 62 sites
Experience California history at an authentic, historic mining area.
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

11. Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest

92%
(69)
National forest 142mi from Portola · 868 sites
Explore the largest national forest in the lower 48 with trails, fishing spots and hot springs.
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Donner Memorial State Park

12. Donner Memorial State Park

94%
(17)
State park 36mi from Portola · 223 sites
A gripping piece of history meets up with a mountain lake and spectacular mountain views.
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park

13. Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park

State park 38mi from Portola · 2 sites
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park is nestled amongst the pine-studded chaparral forest of the Sierra Nevada Foothills and is home to California’s largest hydraulic gold mine. The 3,000-acre park encompasses the town of North Bloomfield and the historic Diggins site, which allows visitors to step back in time and experience the boom and bust of the California Gold Rush. Visitors can see huge cliffs carved by mighty jets of water, results of the gold-mining technique of washing away entire mountains to find gold. Legal battles between mine companies and the downstream agricultural towns of Marysville and Yuba City ended this particular method of mining, and was the first environmental lawsuit in the United States. The park Visitor Center features displays on mining and pioneer life in the old mining town of North Bloomfield, as well as a short video on hydraulic mining. The park also offers unparalleled hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities, and, in winter, snowshoeing.  
JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

14. JD Hemphill Ranch Corner

100%
(10)
33mi from Portola · 1 site · Tent, RV
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.
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Picnic table
Coppercreek Camp

15. Coppercreek Camp

98%
(93)
35mi from Portola · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Learn more about this land: Coppercreek Camp is your mountain escape with fresh air and dark night skies perfect for star gazing. Come stay in a cabin or pitch a tent with friends and family and enjoy endless miles of hiking, biking, and riding trails. Coppercreek Camp is located in Plumas County 10 minutes from Lake Almanor, the Feather River, and Round Valley Lake. We are an hour from Lassen National Park.  Picnic by our ponds, play in our sandpit volleyball court, relax in a hammock, watch your kids put on a show at our amphitheater, and watch the sunset over Keddie Peak. The frogs and crickets will sing you to sleep. Ask us how to access our trails and other ponds. Our bunk cabins are rustic with electricity, windows and locking doors, and each cabin has different bed accommodations. Please bring all of your own bedding and sleeping bags. Some of the cabins have heat/AC. We have tent sites available with picnic tables and can accommodate dry-camping RVs. We are still working on installing RV hook-ups. May through October there is a bath and shower house with hot water and flush toilets. Propane fire pits are available for rent. We have an ice machine on in the summer months located by our Main Lodge. The winters are cold and snowy, spring and fall are ideal with warm sunny days and cool, crisp nights, and the summer has warm evenings and hot days. There is plenty of shade with large pine, cedar and oak trees and open sunny space in the meadow. Coppercreek Camp is your perfect mountain getaway for the whole family! Please note: The Dixie fire burned our town of Greenville in August 2021. There is ongoing repair work in the local area, a lot of burned forest, but still many beautiful sites to see. Much of our property burned, but we are rebuilding and have beautiful green trees with plenty of shade. All of our pictures on HipCamp are post-fire and up-to-date. Please come and support our special town as we rebuild! The town of Greenville is located about 5 minutes from our property and offers a grocery store, Dollar General, gas station with mini mart, and wonderful food trucks. Grab the best quesadillas and drinks from the Way Baby or delicious coffee and breakfast from The Valley Grind.
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Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

16. Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

94%
(45)
35mi from Portola · 12 sites · Tents, RVs
300 acres at 6200’ elevation. Located on donner summits west slope. Great views and easy access. The sites are spaced very well from each other to give great privacy. Nestled among large pines and granite boulders. Union Pacific tracks at the southern edge of the property. Developed camp sites with no hookups. 36 holes of Disc golf on property. Seasonal creeks and South Yuba river very close. 20 mins to Kidd lake, cascade lake and donner lake. 5 mins from Donner Summit and miles of hiking. 20 minutes from Truckee. 45 mins from lake Tahoe. Great on site pizzeria. Please no check-ins after 10pm.
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Pequena Huts

17. Pequena Huts

98%
(24)
36mi from Portola · 1 site
Cute little cabin nestled in Tahoe National forest . This little gem is on an acre of land surrounded by national forest land. Close enough to Lake Tahoe to get to but also away from the Tahoe chaos. Host lives on property , but will most likely be out and about most of the day. There are two neighbors but both own 20 acres so you can not see them, feels very private. The front of the property where the cabin is located there will be some highway noise being close to highway 20 , especially during a busy weekend. you can’t hear highway noise while in the cabin and towards the back of the land. However it is nice to be so close to highway 20 because it leads to several different destinations. ( west : Nevada city. east: towards Tahoe, and both directions there are soo many lakes/ rivers ) Tiny house: •Full sized futon downstairs and king sized mattress in loft. Electric fireplace, all the game boards , cards, chess, fire pit, projector for movies if requested!!! •Additional guests are welcome to pitch a tent on the land if needed. •Hot plate, toaster oven, mini fridge, kitchen appliances, coffee (French press, drip, mocha pot). Black stone grill outside. Fire pit , check if fires are allowed during booking •Separate bathroom with compost toilet or a short walk to outhouse. Outdoor shower in the making, message if available. FUN: •Lake Spaulding is about 1/4 mile hike down from the property. There is a boat launch and plenty of room to park it on the property if you want to bring a boat. Also have two paddle boards you are welcome to use. Rivers/lakes/swimming holes: •emerald pools, crystal clear water , cliff jumping , waterfalls . 10 minute drive •south yuba river 5-15 minutes depending on the spot (ask for recommendations ) •bowman lake road connects to several lakes . 10 minute drive •lake valley reservoir , 10 minute drive •donner lake, rent kayaks, paddle boards or a boat. 20 minutes • eagle lakes rd swimming hole about 5 minutes •truckee, the cutest town with fun shops, restaurants and bars, 25 minutes . Truckee Thursdays start 6/22, live music &vendors!!! Food: •rustic table, 10 minutes •subway . 10 minutes •Burger King, 10 minutes •soda springs market , 15 minutes •truckee , 25 minutes •Nevada city, 35 minutes @lil_pequena_huts
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Wisdom eco-preserve

18. Wisdom eco-preserve

97%
(274)
38mi from Portola · 27 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore. To ensure our cabins remain available for families and groups planning their retreats well in advance, we have updated our cancellation policy to Super Strict. This helps us protect these high-demand dates during our peak season. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain the preserve!
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Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF

19. Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF

98%
(143)
38mi from Portola · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Bright Bear Camp is a private two-acre property bordering Tahoe National Forest. We are located at 4300' elevation down a mostly dirt road along the beautiful Bear River and Bear Valley. This is a very peaceful spot among the trees with a small meadow and creek on the property. As our name suggests, bears are occasionally in the area so keep an eye out. You may also see the spotted owls that live nearby - listen closely for their calls (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/overview). There is much to explore in the area and more with only a short drive to the South Yuba River, Emerald Pools, Lake Spaulding, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, and Truckee.
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Lazy Bear Cabin

20. Lazy Bear Cabin

94%
(44)
41mi from Portola · 1 site
Minutes from highway 80 in quietly beautiful Blue Canyon, come relax in your very own Lazy Bear Cabin. This off the grid cabin features solar power with backup power being provided by generator. Enjoy the crackle of a camp fire,, plenty of parking for a few camper vans, and a large porch for all your fresh air desires. We have equipped our small cabin with a sleeper sofa, 42” tv, wood stove, full kitchen and running water for a full bathroom. Minutes from Yuba Gap, Lake Valley Reservoir, Boreal, Donner Ski Ranch and Sugar Bowl. Enjoy a 30 minutes drive to Truckee for shops and eats. We look forward to hosting your next vacation Cabin is equipped with sofa bed along with a comfortable mattress. ***Please bring your preferred sheets, blankets, and pillows. You’ll also want to bring your own firewood, toilet tissue and paper towels . Feel free to gather wood from the forest bed through out the property while the burn ban is lifted. Places to check out. Euchra bar hiking trail in Alta(experience hiker) Steven trails in Colfax Rollin lake in Colfax. Pennyweight trail in Colfax Lake valley in Emigrant Gap Emerald Pools in Emigrant Gap
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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field