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

Featured amenities

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

Available sites

16 total sites

About Lightning Tree

Lightning Tree Campground (5.8 ft) 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 mi 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. 

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

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
Pet Friendly · 42 × 13 ft · Paved
🚐 002, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 42 × 24 ft · Gravel
🚐 005, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 37 × 25 ft · Paved
🚐 006, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 44 × 13 ft · Paved
🚐 009, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 36 × 12 ft · Paved
🚐 012, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 34 × 18 ft · Paved
🚐 013, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 40 × 13 ft · Gravel
🚐 016, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 36 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 017, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 38 × 35 ft · Paved
🚐 024, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 38 × 12 ft · Paved
🚐 025, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 42 × 24 ft · Gravel
🚐 027, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 39 × 24 ft · Paved
🚐 030, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 94 × 12 ft · Paved
🚐 031, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 37 × 12 ft · Paved
🚐 034, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 86 × 12 ft · Gravel
🚐 037, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE RV
Pet Friendly · 43 × 12 ft · Paved

Reviews (64)

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
64 reviews
5
62.5%
40
4
25.0%
16
3
4.7%
3
2
3.1%
2
1
4.7%
3

Janiesa w

Verified

August 15, 2024 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

2

Camp host was very nice. The site was not, it was covered in hard bushes and not ideal for tent camping at all. We were able to move to another site that had some weeds/bushes cleared but we were all cramped into one area. I didn’t know half the sites were owned by government and they are not maintained at all. If we wanted a good site we would have to pay again. No lake access so we had to drive 15 minutes which wasn’t bad. Definitely will not be back to this campground.

Leslie and Leo S

Verified

July 16, 2024 • Stayed at: 005, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

The wonderful camp host even came and greeted us the first night we've never had that happen she's a wonderful gal! Campsite was ready clean and tidy restrooms were kept supplied we will be back to lightning tree our favorite campsite number five

Maggie D

Verified

July 13, 2024 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Other than the heat, it was an excellent experience. The camp host is amazing and her grandkids were nice and played with our son. The campground is one of our favorites as it’s usually not crowded and the spaces are spaced out well so you’re not on top of each other. This is an excellent place to camp.

Henry H

Verified

July 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 034, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

Great campground away from everything else. Saw lots of wildlife right from our campsite. Bathrooms weren't stocked for the first few days we were there which was rough, but overall a nice campground.

Allison H

Verified

June 11, 2024 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

4

We stayed at site#9. A great campsite except for a few things:
this one is right by the trail to the lake so there is some foot traffic.
the grill over the fire pit was a little unstable.
It is a little buggy, lots of gnats and some mosquitoes.
It was a bit unclear if the water was drinkable or not, there was a sign at the front that says non potable water but the water spickets didn't have a sign on them.

The camp host wasn't super attentive we didn't see them until we were leaving, it would've been nice if they greeted us and told us where to get more firewood.

Other than beautiful area. Nice quiet campsite. Saw lots of cool wildlife. It's nice being close to the lake.

Henry H

Verified

August 30, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA LIGHTNING TREE

5

Nice quiet campground away from everyone else. This site was very large with plenty of space for a big group. A little walk to the water and the boat ramp area, but it's a well marked out trail.

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.

Location & Directions for Lightning Tree

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

Elevation: 1,766 ft

Getting There

From Reno, travel north on Highway 395 to Highway 70 and turn west to Portola. From Portola, take County Road 126 north for 7 mi, then County Road 112 to the east side of Lake Davis. Continue approximately 5 mi to the campground, which is on the l...

Nearest town

Blairsden, CA - 23 mi

About 32 min to downtown

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: October 19, 2026

Message us

Need help?

Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.

Message us

Replies within minutes

Explore Blairsden, CA

Nearby larger city

Reno, NV

Approx. 46 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 4,393 ft

USDA Forest Service Logo
Managed by the USDA Forest Service