Lightning Tree

BLAIRSDEN, California

Caution todayCalifornia
Caution today

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Conditions: Caution

for campground, today

Agency alerts are in effect for this area; weather is good

2 factors · 2 sources

Newest 6 h ago · oldest 7 h

  • caution: Agency alerts

    2 active alerts in Plumas National Forest; most severe: Stage I Fire Restrictions - Plumas National Forest

    USFSPosted Sep 4 · checked 7 h ago

  • clear: Weather

    Clear, high 79°F / low 52°F, 0% precip — 98/100 for campground

    OpenWeather6 h ago

Been out here in the last few days? One report keeps this current for everyone.

Campsite availability

Live from Recreation.gov for Lightning Tree.

Book on Recreation.gov
Oct 10 – Oct 17
7 nights

We'll watch 2026-10-10 → 2026-10-17 and email you the moment something frees up. No account needed.

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Lightning Tree

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About this campground

Overview 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. Recreation In addition to camping, the area offers a wide variety of popular water-related activities, including fishing, boating and swimming. Numerous fishing access points are located around the perimeter of the lake and anglers will find rainbow and brown trout, bass and catfish. A boat ramp is located nearby. Mountain biking, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are also available in the area. During winter months, visitors enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Facilities The campground offers more than three dozen single and double capacity campsites, available for tent and RV camping. Some accessible campsites are available. Most sites are available on a first come basis and the rest are open for reservation up to six months in advance. Coin-operated showers are available 4 miles away at Grasshopper Flat Campground. Natural Features Lake Davis is situated in the hills north of the town of Portola in the Plumas National Forest. Smith Peak State Game Refuge to the south and west of the lake is a great place for bird watching, nature viewing, photography and exploring. Large sheep herding ranches used this area before the dam was build. Today, cattle trek across the rangeland meadows. Get a panoramic view of Lake Davis, Sierra Valley and peaks of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Ranges from Smith Peak Fire Lookout. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575. Nearby Attractions Restaraunts, stores and services are available in Portola, CA Visit the largest railroad museum in the Western United States located in Portola. The old Basque style sheepherder bread oven at Jenkins Point has been restored Visit Smith Peak Fire Lookout

Campsite info

Sites
40
Site types
Rv, Tent
Reservable
Yes
Reserve a site

Directions & GPX

Facts about this campground

When to go

Typical monthly averages (not a forecast) from the Portola, CA weather station, 8.5 mi away. High / low in °F.

  1. Jan43° high19° low
  2. Feb46° high21° low
  3. Mar52° high25° low
  4. Apr58° high29° low
  5. May67° high35° low
  6. Jun77° high40° low
  7. Jul86° high45° low
  8. Aug85° high43° low
  9. Sep79° high37° low
  10. Oct66° high30° low
  11. Nov53° high24° low
  12. Dec42° high19° low

Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020

Where it is

Managed by
Forest Service

Source: USFS EDW boundaries; USGS PAD-US 4.1

Conditions

Active alerts for Plumas National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:

Source: USFS forest alerts

Nearby

Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)

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