Lightning Tree
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.
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.
Notifications and Alerts
Stage 2 fire restrictions are in affect. Fires are only allowed in designated campgrounds with hosts.
Need to Know
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.
Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon
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.
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
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.
Contact Information
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PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 7 BLAIRSDEN CA 96103
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Reno, travel north on Highway 395 to Highway 70 and turn west to Portola. 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 to the campground, which is on the left.
Available Campsites
- Site 006, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 034, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 037, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 031, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop AREA LIGHTNING TREE, Type Standard Nonelectric
