Lightning Tree sits among the stunning landscapes of Plumas National Forest in California . With 50 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, great hiking, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Sites are first-come, first-served , and the best times to visit are Jun-sep when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Plumas National Forest
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Lightning Tree located in Gate Place, California, offering 50 camping sites.
Lightning Tree
A Rural campground in California
Overview
lightning Tree Campground (5,800 Feet) Is One of Three Family-Friendly Campgrounds Located in the Lake Davis Recreation Area.
Mountain Biking, Hiking, Hunting and Wildlife Viewing Are Also Available in the 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.
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. During Winter Months, Visitors Enjoy Ice Fishing, Snowmobiling and Cross-Country Skiing.
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.
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: Usda Forest ServiceSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 50
- Hookup Types: Electric
- Max RV Length: 35 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: Available
- 🗑️ Dump Station: No
- 💧 Potable Water: No
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address:
City: Gate Place, California
Coordinates: 39.9254556, -120.5104944
Area Type: Rural
Phone: (530) 836-2575
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Boat-ramp|swimming|fishing|hiking|biking|shower|water|lake|rv|tent
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: Available
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: $32-45
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW, ION, UnivisION
Signal Quality: Good
Total Stations: 20 stations
Nearest Market: LOS Angeles/SAN Francisco
Notes: Signals FROM LOS Angeles/SAN Francisco MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 50 stations (15 AM, 35 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: POP, Spanish, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK, Country
Local News: KNX 1070 Am
Market: La/Sf/SAN DIEGO
Notes: 15 AM, 35 FM Stations from La/Sf/San Diego
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ Caboose Park – Portola
Distance: 8.5 miles away
Address: 150 Commercial St, Portola, CA
Network: evrange
Charging Type: Fast-charging-available • J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 232832
- Managing Agency: Usda Forest Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website:
- Parent Park: Plumas National Forest
- Park Website: /parks/plumas-national-forest/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: National Forests
- Parks Post Name: plumas-national-forest
- Parent Park Name: Plumas National Forest
- Correct Park Type Mapping: plumas-national-forest
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 39.0
- States Covered: California
- Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 131.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 1070
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1070, 1070.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: california
- Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
- Park Type Slug: national-forests
- Parent Park Slug: plumas-national-forest
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
Explore More Camping Options
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