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

Kim J

August 7, 2026

5

The campsite was clean and the firepit had been emptied which is a rarity now.

Shawn C

August 19, 2026

4

We had difficulty with paying online. David the camp manager came through for us. The camp site was very nice and clean.

Stephanie S

September 7, 2026

5

I kept renewing my site since I loved it so much. I had a chance to stay on a friends property for free but I stayed here since it was so beautiful. I had a view of the lake from my site.

Stephanie S

September 7, 2026

5

I absolutely loved this campsite. It was a 15 minute walk to the water straight from the site. The restrooms were impeccably clean. The camp host was the best I’ve ever had, friendly, helpful and kept the entire campground spotless. We heard coyotes almost every night but they just passed by since everyone kept their sites free of food waste. I’ll stay here again any chance I get.

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

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Explore Blairsden, CA

Nearby larger city

Reno, NV

Approx. 46 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 4,393 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service