OutReserve

Lightning Tree

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

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 closed - Opens on May 22

Sites & Availability

16 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 001, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 002, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 005, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 006, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 009, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 012, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 013, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 016, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 017, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 024, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 025, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 027, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 030, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 031, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 034, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night
🚐 037, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE
No Hookups
$71.00
/ per night

Reviews (48)

What Guests Are Saying

Lightning Tree is praised for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful views, and friendly, attentive camp host, Steven. Many visitors appreciate the cleanliness of the campsites and bathrooms, as well as the spaciousness between sites, making it a favorite camping destination. However, some reviewers noted minor issues like trash around campsites, poorly maintained picnic tables, and a lack of regular upkeep, which could detract from the overall experience.

Review Summary

4.3
48 reviews
5
64.6%
31
4
20.8%
10
3
4.2%
2
2
4.2%
2
1
6.3%
3

J. S. M

Verified

August 27, 2023 Stayed at: 024, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Even though Lightning Tree campground only had three sites available to reserve, there were many first come first served sites available. When I was there, the campground was only 25% full which made it very nice and quiet. My friends found a first come first serve site and I found a spot directly across from them. When the camp host came around, I told her I wanted to be near my friends and she offered to switch my reservation. She was very nice and friendly and cleared debris and dust from the pad.

Loretta W

Verified

August 13, 2023 Stayed at: 025, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Beautiful campground and campsite. Clean and well kept. TP in toilet was getting very low by late Saturday. Otherwise a great experience.

Nataliya M

Verified

August 6, 2023 Stayed at: 012, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

1

too many bugs. difficult to find the lake.

John H

Verified

July 24, 2023 Stayed at: 031, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

We stayed at Lightning tree due to the close proximity to Greaeagle Ca. Stacy is a great camp host and the amenities(bathrooms, etc) are all very clean.

Andrea S

Verified

July 21, 2023 Stayed at: 027, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

We always love this campground.

Leo and Leslie S

Verified

June 26, 2023 Stayed at: 005, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

We had a wonderful time in this awesome campground, the camp hosts were amazing. We even saw a bear when driving around looking for swim spots for the future. Campsite 5 in Lighting Tree is our favorite so glad I was able to enjoy as I'm am handicapped and the site along with the restrooms were excellent, we have another trip planned in July and we even added another trip in August! Perfect spot.

Joseph C

Verified

June 12, 2023 Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

FANTASTIC and beautiful scenery and it was SUPER quiet and peaceful. Only problem was mosquitos. Make sure you bring bug spray you will need it.

Jess K

Verified

October 18, 2022 Stayed at: 009, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Love it here, we try to come every year but have missed out due to fires and covid recently. Felt great to return. Would love it if they let us camp in the winter again, that was what really made this place super-special. There is nothing like camping Lake Davis and the Sierra in Winter, but you better LOVE the cold and come prepared for SNOW.

David H

Verified

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

5

Always a great campsite to stay at

Lynd H

Verified

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

5

.

Location Lightning Tree

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

Latitude & Longitude: 39.9255 / -120.51

Elevation: 1766 feet

Policies & Rules

Category About
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.

General

Some sites are available on a first-come, first serve basis.

General

Bears frequent the area; practice safe food storage techniques. Bear resistant lockers are not provided. Click here for more information.

General

Frequent strong winds can cause the lake to become very hazardous for small craft.

General

Water skiing and jet skiing are not permitted on the lake.

General

Click here for more information on the Plumas National Forest.

General

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.

General

Of road vehicles are not allowed on any campground roads.

General

Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon

General

Campground Map  

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