Lightning Tree

Lake Davis, Plumas National Forest
Lake Davis, Plumas National Forest

Featured amenities

Parking Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit

Sites & Rates

Average nightly rates

16 total sites

RV Sites

16 sites

About Lightning Tree

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. 

Number of accommodations: 16

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 22 to Sep 6

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Parking Parking
Picnic Table Picnic Table
Restrooms Restrooms
Fire Pit Fire Pit
Water and Hygiene

Water and Hygiene

  • Restrooms
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
  • Fire Pit
Parking and Transport

Parking and Transport

  • Parking
Water Access

Water Access

  • Boat Ramp / Launch
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

16 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 002, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 005, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 006, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 009, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 012, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 013, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 016, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 017, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 024, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 025, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 027, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 030, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 031, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 034, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 037, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (62)

What Guests Are Saying

Lightning Tree is praised for its clean and spacious campsites, beautiful views, and friendly camp hosts, particularly Steven, who is noted for his helpfulness. The campground offers a peaceful environment ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities, including kayaking and birdwatching. However, some guests mentioned issues with noise from other campers and high pricing compared to other campgrounds, along with minor maintenance concerns regarding picnic tables and trash around the site.

Review Summary

4.4
62 reviews
5
61.3%
38
4
25.8%
16
3
4.8%
3
2
3.2%
2
1
4.8%
3

Kathy F

Verified

July 31, 2026 Stayed at: 012, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

Great Staff and very peaceful

amber b

Verified

July 29, 2026 Stayed at: 016, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Beautiful campground. It was clean and peaceful.

Andrew M

Verified

July 4, 2026 Stayed at: 001, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Restrooms are very clean as well as the campgrounds

David H

Verified

July 2, 2026 Stayed at: 034, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

The trees and view of the lake made the camping nice.

Richard B

Verified

June 29, 2026 Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Enjoyed the location and the camp hosts did an amazing job of maintaining the facilities better than most locations I have visited. Only drawback is that some fellow campers feel the need to make excessive amounts of noise and some almost all night.

Benjamin H

Verified

June 24, 2026 Stayed at: 016, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

Nice campground. Waaaay to expensive per night for a fire pit and pit toilets. Full hookup private campground 3 miles away was $8 more per night

Wilk v

Verified

June 21, 2026 Stayed at: 009, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

Beautiful campground,

Alexis M

Verified

June 17, 2026 Stayed at: 025, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Really clean and excluded camp sights. Each camp sight had a driveway and an area for tent camping. The lake is only a 15 minute walk from the sight. We have T-Mobile and got some service out there. Definitely worth it!

Susan A

Verified

June 15, 2026 Stayed at: 034, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

The campsites are great, the camp hosts are wonderful people. The only problem is the prices are ridiculously high and you expect people to pay to dump sewage. Hat Creek RV Park in California charges less for full hookups per night and the people that dry camp with a trailer can dump for free when they leave the campground.

David K

Verified

June 10, 2026 Stayed at: 024, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

3

Campsites do not have water access. You can reach the water though game trails. No swimming spot there. Need to drive to day use area for water.
Only garbage was at entrance to campgrounds.
Clean sites and travel trailer friendly.

Location Lightning Tree

Address:
Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District
Blairsden, CA, 96103
United States

Elevation: 1766 feet

Distance to downtown

23 mi drive to downtown Blairsden (about 32 min)

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

Check out time

12PM

General

  • Generally, campsites will accommodate 2 vehicles. The first vehicle is included in the site fee, the second vehicle fee will be collected onsite at the daily rate posted on the fee sign.
  • Some sites are available on a first-come, first serve basis.
  • Bears frequent the area; practice safe food storage techniques. Bear resistant lockers are not provided. Click here for more information.
  • Frequent strong winds can cause the lake to become very hazardous for small craft.
  • Water skiing and jet skiing are not permitted on the lake.
  • Click here for more information on the Plumas National Forest.
  • Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
  • Of road vehicles are not allowed on any campground roads.
  • Campground Map  

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: September 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service