Lightning Tree
BLAIRSDEN, California
Free — you'll pick up right here.
Conditions: Caution
for campground, todayAgency 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.
Here's your stay, mapped
Lightning Tree
Suggested plan · check conditions before you go
Gear for the day
Meals
Photos
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
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.
- Jan43° high19° low
- Feb46° high21° low
- Mar52° high25° low
- Apr58° high29° low
- May67° high35° low
- Jun77° high40° low
- Jul86° high45° low
- Aug85° high43° low
- Sep79° high37° low
- Oct66° high30° low
- Nov53° high24° low
- Dec42° high19° low
Where it is
- Beckwourth Ranger District · Ranger district
- Plumas National Forest · National forest
- Managed by
- Forest Service
Conditions
Active alerts for Plumas National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:
Stage I Fire Restrictions - Plumas National Forest
fire-restriction · posted Sep 5, 2026
Plumas National Forest Camping Stay and Occupancy Limits
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Source: USFS forest alerts
Nearby
- Lightning Tree Family Cg.Camping0.7 mi
- Big Cove Family Cg.Camping2.4 mi
- Big Grizzly CreekCanoeing2.7 mi
- Grasshopper FlatCamping3 mi
- Red Clover CreekCanoeing3.3 mi
- LAKE DAVIS TRAILHiking3.7 mi
- LAST CHANCE RIDGEHiking9.4 mi
- Lost Sierra, TheRock climbing10 mi
Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)
Add to a trip & share
Keep exploring — more campsites worth the drive
Grizzly
~6 min drive
A worthwhile stop near California.
Crocker Guard Station
~9 min drive
A worthwhile stop near California.
Long Point (ca)
~31 min drive
A worthwhile stop near California.
Calpine Lookout
~29 min drive
A worthwhile stop near California.
Big Cove Family Cg.
~4 min drive
A worthwhile stop near California.
Rivers RV Park
~23 min drive
Rivers RV Park is a campground in California at about 4,398 feet.
Bradys Camp (Family Cg)
~23 min drive
A worthwhile stop near California.
Cottonwood
~25 min drive
Cottonwood is a campground in California with 26 sites.
Upper Jamison Creek Campground
~28 min drive
Upper Jamison Creek Campground is a campground in California at about 5,229 feet. It is managed by the state park agency.
Laufman
~29 min drive
Laufman is a campground in California at about 5,047 feet. It is managed by the U.S. Forest Service.
