Cleghorn Bar

For adventurous Californians with a passion for true wilderness and off-road exploration, Cleghorn Bar offers an unparalleled camping experience. Tucked away within the vast Plumas National Forest, this isn't your typical drive-up campground. It's a destination that demands a specific type of vehicle and a spirit of self-reliance, rewarding those who make the journey with profound peace, a beautiful swimming hole, and direct access to the scenic Middle Fork Feather River. If you're an experienced off-roader looking for a serene escape far from the crowds, Cleghorn Bar could very well become your next favorite secluded sanctuary in the Golden State.

Cleghorn Bar Campground is located in California, USA, specifically within the Plumas National Forest. More precisely, it is situated along the Middle Fork Feather River. This location places it in a rugged, remote part of California's Sierra Nevada mountains, known for its dense forests, pristine rivers, and challenging terrain. The exact address "California, USA" broadly indicates its state, but access is highly specialized.

Accessibility to Cleghorn Bar is a critical factor and a defining characteristic of this campground. It is emphatically stated by visitors that "you need to have a 4WD vehicle (not AWD) and have some experience driving off road." This isn't a suggestion; it's a requirement. The journey involves an "hour off road drive" on a path that can be challenging. Reviews specifically mention clearing trees from the roadway and the likelihood of encountering "more down trees," particularly after events like fires or heavy winds. Therefore, preparation for potential obstacles and the ability to navigate difficult terrain are paramount.

The route to Cleghorn Bar, according to information from the Plumas National Forest, involves starting from the La Porte OHV Recreation Staging Area on the north side of La Porte. From there, head northeast for approximately 11.8 miles on La Porte/Quincy Road, then turn left on F.S. 23N24 at the sign for Cleghorn Bar. This route takes you through "beautiful valleys and up and over ridges," culminating in a "steep descent to the Feather River's middle fork." This demanding access contributes significantly to the campground's secluded and peaceful nature, ensuring that only those truly prepared for a wilderness adventure will reach it.

Cleghorn Bar offers a very primitive and dispersed camping experience, emphasizing self-sufficiency rather than extensive amenities:

• Dispersed Campsites: The Plumas National Forest website indicates "Four dispersed units - first come first serve." This means there are no designated, numbered campsites in the traditional sense, but rather informal areas where campers can set up.

• Pit Toilets Only: The primary restroom facility consists of pit toilets. One reviewer noted that the "toilet situation is the only reason I took a star away," suggesting they are basic and might not always be perfectly maintained, but they serve the essential purpose in a remote setting.

• No Potable Water: There is "No water" available at the campground. This means campers must bring all their own drinking, cooking, and washing water. This is a crucial point for planning your trip.

• No Garbage Collection: Campers are strictly required to "pack in/out" all their garbage. This aligns with Leave No Trace principles and is essential for maintaining the pristine environment of this remote area.

• No Fee Required: As of available public data, camping at Cleghorn Bar is generally "No Fee Required," making it an attractive option for budget-conscious adventurers.

• Campfire Permit Required: While no fee is required for camping, a campfire permit is necessary if you plan to have a campfire, and fire restrictions should always be checked.

• 14-Day Maximum Stay: Stays are typically limited to a 14-day maximum, common for dispersed camping on Forest Service land.

Cleghorn Bar stands out for its unique blend of ruggedness and natural beauty, offering several compelling features and highlights:

• Beautiful Swimming Hole: A major draw for visitors is the presence of a "beautiful swimming hole with shady, sandy beaches and a rock to jump off of." This provides a refreshing and enjoyable respite, especially during warmer months.

• Middle Fork Feather River Access: The campground offers direct access to the Middle Fork Feather River, described as looking "as beautiful as always." This provides opportunities for fishing (with a California fishing license), and simply enjoying the scenic river environment.

• Secluded and Peaceful Atmosphere: After the challenging drive in, campers are rewarded with a "peaceful campground" at the end of the off-road journey. Its remote nature ensures a quiet experience, far from typical crowds.

• Off-Road Adventure: The access itself is a highlight for many. The need for a "4x4" and "experience driving off road" means the journey to the campground is part of the adventure, appealing to the off-roading community.

• Post-Fire Resilience: Reviews mention "cleared the road on 10-24-20 after the fire," and the campsite being in "fair to good condition...not completely burned out." This indicates the resilience of the area and the ongoing efforts to maintain access, showcasing the raw and recovering beauty of the forest.

• Rugged Natural Beauty: The overall setting is one of rugged natural beauty, with the river, the forest, and the challenging terrain combining to create a memorable wilderness experience. It is a true "wild zone" with cliffs, waterfalls, and huge boulders in the broader area, offering a truly remote feel.

• Solitude and Disconnection: The remoteness of Cleghorn Bar provides extraordinary opportunities for solitude, allowing campers to truly disconnect from modern life and immerse themselves in nature.

For information regarding Cleghorn Bar Campground, the primary contact is the Plumas National Forest, which manages this dispersed recreation area.

Address: Cleghorn Bar is located within the Plumas National Forest in California, USA. Due to its remote and off-road accessible nature, a precise street address is not applicable. For navigation, users should refer to detailed Forest Service maps, OHV trail maps, or GPS coordinates in conjunction with directions provided by the Plumas National Forest or reputable off-road guides. The starting point for access is often described as near La Porte, CA.

Phone: (530) 534-6500. This is the main phone number for the Plumas National Forest's headquarters. For more specific information regarding Cleghorn Bar, including current road conditions, fire restrictions, or any alerts, it would be best to contact the Feather River Ranger District, which oversees this area. While this general number should be a good starting point, always verify with the relevant ranger district for localized, up-to-date details.

Cleghorn Bar is an exceptionally suitable destination for Californians who are well-prepared, experienced off-roaders seeking a genuinely secluded and primitive camping adventure. For locals throughout the state, it represents a unique opportunity to access areas of pristine natural beauty that are inaccessible to conventional vehicles, thus ensuring a rare level of peace and solitude. The presence of a beautiful swimming hole and direct access to the Middle Fork Feather River are significant draws, offering refreshing natural recreation that complements the rugged journey. While the lack of potable water and developed amenities requires self-sufficiency, this is precisely what appeals to the adventurous spirit. Cleghorn Bar is not for the faint of heart or those seeking creature comforts, but for the California enthusiast ready to tackle a challenging drive for an unforgettable wilderness reward, it offers a deeply satisfying connection with nature.

Cleghorn Bar

California, USA