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

Sandra S

Verified

July 1, 2021 Stayed at: 012, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

Return visit to this clean and quiet campground. Sites are well spaced. Abundant trails for walking or bike riding.

Michael P

Verified

July 2, 2021 Stayed at: 024, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Excellent host and clean bathrooms. Great trip

Kelsey R

Verified

July 11, 2021 Stayed at: 024, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Beautiful area. Campsites well spaced. Bathrooms were kept very clean.

Amy M

Verified

July 19, 2021 Stayed at: 034, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

We stayed at site 034 and really enjoyed it. The site was a good size with a large parking area. It was about a 10 min hike to Davis Lake. We were close to the bathrooms but not to close to be able to smell anything. Lots of bugs in the bathroom. There were a lot of bugs at night and the temperature did take a big dip at night so bring warm clothes to sleep in. But we really enjoyed our stay here.

Emily Z

Verified

August 22, 2021 Stayed at: 016, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

1

There was a huge fire raging near the lake and I wasn't able to cancel the reservation for any kind of a refund 7 days prior to my reservation.

Jonathan P

Verified

June 21, 2022 Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

3

The good: Beautiful campground, cell signal, most sites are spaced out. Close to hiking trails, mountain bike trails, and some ohv dirt roads. Running water available through many spigots. If you're trying to get away from the "busy" campgrounds, and prefer a more conservative quiet experience, then I would recommend this campground. If you are a noisy camper, with barking dogs or loud kids, then you'll likely get the evil eye from a retiree.

The bad: The driveway around the campground can get narrow, especially for longer trailers, and I was concerned about blowing a tire on the 12inch high pegs that force you to stay on the paved driveway. The staff are not doing a good job trimming back the trees, as my trailer got scuffed by a few of them. Also, the ashes in the firepit are not being removed frequently enough. Our firepit was over half full. Vault toilets are always a negative, I believe either Grass Hopper or Grizzly has flush toilets. If bears frequent the area, why not provide bear boxes if you're a tent camper? While you do have a cell signal, the speed can be slow. The lake level is low, so expect at least a 1 mile hike down to the lake. It's much more convenient to drive down to the lake from one of the boat launches.

Conclusion: My wife and I had a relaxing, refreshing time at this campground, and we will go back again. We hope this campground does not continue to be neglected.

Rodney A

Verified

July 11, 2022 Stayed at: 031, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

LT is always a joy.

Cheryl M

Verified

July 22, 2022 Stayed at: 006, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

2

not much shade! no trash cans for a mile camp next door has flush toilets and showers! way too far (1/2 mile) to water! Big RVers allowed to run their generators until 11 PM!

Lynd H

Verified

August 15, 2022 Stayed at: 037, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

.

David H

Verified

August 24, 2022 Stayed at: 016, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Always a great campsite to stay at

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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