Lightning Tree

Lightning Tree is a family-friendly campground in the Plumas National Forest near Portola, California. It's located within the Lake Davis Recreation Area, and in addition to the single tent and RV sites, it also has group sites. The campground sits at 5,800 feet, and tall trees provide ample shade for campers at several locations, but there's little privacy between campsites. Dogs are permitted to join their owners at Lightning Tree, but they must always remain on a leash.

Each of the 40 campsites at Lightning Tree is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill. Drinking water is available at the campground, but there is no dump station. If you travel four miles to the Grasshopper Flat Campground, you'll find coin-operated showers and a pay phone. Some of the sites are lakeside, and others are open and unshaded. The Smith Peak State Game Refuge borders the campground, so you'll often see interesting wildlife and bird species in the area.

During the summer, you can enjoy all sorts of activities on the lake near the campground. Campers can boat, swim, or fish for trout, bass, and catfish at several different points surrounding Lake Davis. There's also a boat ramp nearby at Mallard Cove where there are also additional overflow camping spots, although only limited amenities are available here. Other activities in the area include hunting, hiking, and mountain biking. In the winter, the area is used for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. If you'd like to make an excursion during your camping trip, travel 13 miles to Portola to visit one of the largest railroad museums in the country.

Campers are allowed to stay at Lightning Tree year-round, but during the winter, no fees are collected, no services are available, and there is no drinking water. Some spots at this furrific campground are first-come-first-served, but reservations are always recommended so you don't miss out.