California / Plumas County / Plumas National Forest

Lightning Tree

Closed — Closed for the season as of September 28, 2025. Typically operates seasonally through late September.

About

Lightning Tree Campground (5,800 feet) is one of three family-friendly campgrounds in the Lake Davis Recreation Area within Plumas National Forest. The campground is situated where high desert meets Sierra Nevada forest on the east side of Lake Davis, which was formed by damming Grizzly Creek in 1967. Though slightly more rustic than other Lake Davis campgrounds, Lightning Tree features paved parking, picnic tables, fire rings, and grills. The recreation area offers 32 miles of shoreline with numerous fishing access points and boat launch facilities. Anglers will find rainbow and brown trout, bass, and catfish. A boat ramp is located nearby for easy lake access. Mountain biking, hiking, hunting, and wildlife viewing are popular activities in the surrounding area. During winter months when the campground is open, visitors enjoy ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing. The campground has a mix of single and double campsites, some available by reservation and others on a first-come, first-served basis. Flush toilets are provided, though potable water is not available on-site. Coin-operated showers are available at Grasshopper Flat Campground, located 4 miles away. The Smith Peak State Game Refuge to the south and west of the lake offers excellent bird watching and nature viewing opportunities.

Directions

From Portola, take County Road 126 north for 7 miles, then County Road 112 to the east side of Lake Davis. Continue approximately 5 miles and the campground is on the left.

Nearby Campgrounds