Lightning Tree
Closed — Closed for the season as of September 28, 2025. Typically operates seasonally through late September.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Plumas National Forest Camping Stay and Occupancy Limits
A Forest Closure Order with the limits for amount of time and number of people allowed when camping on the Plumas National Forest. The maximum time is 14 days in a developed campground, 14 days dispersed camping per Ranger District per year, not exceeding 30 days camping per year on the Plumas…
Winter Weather Advisory issued April 10 at 8:21AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...Snow. Snow accumulations up to 6 inches below 6500 feet, 6 to 12 inches above 6500 feet, and up to 24 inches above 7000 feet in eastern Sierra County. Peak winds could gust as high as 35 to 40 mph Saturday afternoon. * WHERE...Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties. * WHEN...From 2 PM Saturday to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions, especially for the Saturday evening and Sunday morning commutes.
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
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $71 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| james.bradeen@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 836-2575 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Photos
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