Campsite for booking · Portola

Lightning Tree

via Recreation.gov Blairsden, CA, Portola, California, United States

Overview

Pitches
39
Pitch types
caravan, motorhome, tent
Season
Not stated: check on Recreation.gov
Check-in / out
14:00 / 12:00

Facilities

  • Dogs allowedListed by Recreation.gov
  • Hardstanding pitchesListed by Recreation.gov
  • Wheelchair accessibleListed by Recreation.gov

Policies

PetsYes
SmokingNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
Instant bookingNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
CancellationNot stated: check on Recreation.gov

About this campsite

Overview

Lightning Tree Campground (5,800 feet) is one of three family-friendly campgrounds located in the Lake Davis Recreation Area. The lake was formed by damming Grizzly Creek in 1967. The purpose of the lake was to provide water for the town of Portola, improve area fishing and provide recreation opportunities. The 32 miles of shoreline has several boat launch facilities and fishing access points. Lightning Tree Campground is a great place to serve as hub for family fun and recreation. At the end of the day return to this home away from home to relax around the campfire.

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 located nearby.

Mountain biking, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are also available in the area. During winter months, visitors enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Facilities

The campground offers more than three dozen single and double capacity campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Some accessible campsites are available. Most sites are available on a first come basis and the rest are open for reservation up to six months in advance. Coin-operated showers are available 4 miles away at Grasshopper Flat Campground.

Natural Features

Lake Davis is situated in the hills north of the town of Portola in the Plumas National Forest. Smith Peak State Game Refuge to the south and west of the lake is a great place for bird watching, nature viewing, photography and exploring. Large sheep herding ranches used this area before the dam was build. Today, cattle trek across the rangeland meadows. Get a panoramic view of Lake Davis, Sierra Valley and peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges from Smith Peak Fire Lookout.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575. Nearby Attractions

Restaraunts, stores and services are available in Portola, CA

Visit the largest railroad museum in the Western United States located in Portola.

The old Basque style sheepherder bread oven at Jenkins Point has been restored

Visit Smith Peak Fire Lookout

Managed by a US federal agency. Data source: ridb.recreation.gov.

Description supplied by Recreation.gov.

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Where you can stay nearby

Campsites, aires and parking within 30 km, from OpenStreetMap.

  1. Lightning Tree
    Campground · Portola, California
    830 m from the pick-up area
  2. Grasshopper Flat
    Campground · Portola, California
    4.8 km from the pick-up area
  3. Grizzly Campground
    Campground · Portola, California
    5.3 km from the pick-up area
  4. Feather River RV Park
    Campground · Portola, California
    16 km from the pick-up area
  5. Conklin Park
    Campground · Portola, California · Paid
    18 km from the pick-up area

Nearest dump station and water

  1. Service point near Verdi
    RV dump station · Verdi, Nevada · PaidWaste
    65 km from the pick-up area
  2. Water point near Truckee
    Water fill station · Truckee, CaliforniaWater
    79 km from the pick-up area
Pick-up10 kmPlot of OpenStreetMap data
Map of 6 places to stay near Lightning Tree. CampsiteFull map

Similar campsites nearby

Grasshopper Flat

Blairsden, CA, California · 4.8 km away

Campsite · via Recreation.gov

  • Hardstanding pitches
  • Dogs allowed
Price on partner site

Grizzly

Blairsden, CA, California · 5.3 km away

Campsite · via Recreation.gov

  • Hardstanding pitches
  • Dogs allowed
Price on partner site

Crocker Guard Station

Blairsden, CA, California · 8.2 km away

Campsite · via Recreation.gov

  • Hardstanding pitches
  • Dogs allowed
Price on partner site

Crocker Campground

Portola, California · 8.5 km away

Campsite · via Recreation.gov

    Price on partner site

    Data: Recreation.gov (RIDB), from ridb.recreation.gov, last updated 13 October 2026. Federal agencies provide this data and are responsible for it; it may be incomplete. Not endorsed by Recreation.gov or the U.S. Government. About this data. Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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