Grizzly Campground

Hello, fellow Californians! Are you searching for that perfect family-friendly getaway where you can truly connect with nature without sacrificing comfort? Look no further than Grizzly Campground, a beloved destination nestled on the scenic shores of Lake Davis within the stunning Plumas National Forest. This article is designed specifically for you, the local Californian, to provide a detailed and engaging overview of what makes Grizzly Campground a highly recommended spot for your next outdoor adventure. Whether you're planning a multi-generational family reunion, a quiet fishing trip, or simply a refreshing escape into the Sierra Nevada, Grizzly Campground offers a memorable experience for all.

Grizzly Campground is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it's a vibrant hub for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Known for its quiet atmosphere and spacious campsites, it provides a welcoming environment for both seasoned campers and those new to the wilderness. The campground is ideally situated to offer easy access to the expansive Lake Davis, a gem in the Plumas National Forest renowned for its fishing and tranquil waters. While the name might conjure images of fierce bears, rest assured, while black bears are indeed local residents and proper food storage is essential, this campground is designed for safe and enjoyable family fun. Our goal is to equip you with all the essential information to plan your visit, ensuring you make the most of what this remarkable California campground has to offer.

Grizzly Campground is situated at Beckwourth-Taylorville Rd, Portola, CA 95983, USA. This places it on the south end of Lake Davis, a prominent feature of the Plumas National Forest in northeastern California. For locals, accessing the campground is straightforward, offering a relatively easy drive into the heart of the Sierra Nevada. From Portola, California, you would typically take County Road 126 north for approximately seven miles. At the intersection with County Road 112, a left turn, followed by about an eighth of a mile, will bring you to the campground on your left. The roads leading to the campground are paved, ensuring smooth access for all types of vehicles, including RVs and those pulling trailers, making it a hassle-free journey for Californian families.

The elevation of Grizzly Campground is approximately 5,777 to 5,900 feet, which contributes to its refreshing mountain air and provides ample shade from the mixed pine forest. This elevation can mean cooler temperatures, especially during evenings and early mornings, so packing layers is always a good idea, even in summer. Despite its peaceful, forested setting, the campground is only about 9 miles from the town of Portola, which offers essential services and attractions like the Western Pacific Railroad Museum. This proximity ensures that while you feel immersed in nature, you're never too far from necessary supplies or a local diversion, making it a convenient choice for a Californian getaway.

Services Offered:

• Spacious Campsites: Most campsites are notably large, offering "plenty of room to spread out," with many "double sites" available, perfect for larger families or groups.
• Equipped Sites: Each campsite includes a picnic table, a paved parking area, a fire ring, and a grill, providing essential amenities for cooking and gathering.
• Water Access: Piped drinking water is available throughout the campground, ensuring convenience for all campers.
• Modern Restrooms: The campground boasts flush toilets, a significant comfort for a forest campground, and reviews frequently praise their cleanliness and ample toilet paper.
• Showers Available: While not at every site, coin-operated showers are available within the campground or very nearby at Grasshopper Flat Campground (approximately a half-mile away).
• Camp Host On-Site: A friendly camp host is typically present, providing assistance, local information, and ensuring a pleasant stay for visitors.
• Trash Service: Trash collection is provided, contributing to the cleanliness and ease of use of the campground.
• Dump Station: A sanitation dump station is conveniently located approximately 1/4 mile from Grasshopper Flat Campground, accessible for RVs.
• Reservable Sites: Approximately 25 of the 55 campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance via Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777, offering peace of mind for planning. Many first-come, first-served sites are also available.

Features / Highlights:

• Proximity to Lake Davis: A major highlight is the "short walk to Lake Davis," offering immediate access to a 4,000-acre lake with 32 miles of shoreline, perfect for various water activities.
• Excellent Fishing: Lake Davis is renowned for its fishing, stocked with Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Bass, and Catfish. Numerous fishing access points are available around the lake.
• Water Recreation: Beyond fishing, the lake is ideal for boating, kayaking, canoeing, and swimming. Importantly, water skiing and jet skiing are not allowed, ensuring a quieter and more peaceful environment.
• Abundant Wildlife: Visitors frequently spot wildlife, including deer, eagles, and even bears (requiring careful food storage), providing exciting opportunities for nature observation and photography.
• Shaded Campsites: The mixed pine forest provides "ample shade," offering relief during warmer days and contributing to the serene atmosphere.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The spacious sites, proximity to the lake, and various activities make it an excellent choice for families looking for an enjoyable outdoor experience.
• Winter Activities: During colder months, Lake Davis also becomes a popular spot for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and cross-country skiing, extending its recreational appeal.
• Bear Awareness: While black bears are present, visitors are well-informed to be "bear aware" and store food, trash, and scented items appropriately, ensuring a safe coexistence with wildlife. Bear-resistant lockers are not available at sites, reinforcing the need for personal vehicle storage.

Contact Information:

Address: Beckwourth-Taylorville Rd, Portola, CA 95983, USA

Phone: (530) 836-2575 (Beckwourth Ranger District Office)

Mobile Phone: +1 530-836-2575

Conclusion: Why Grizzly Campground is Suitable for California Locals

For Californians, Grizzly Campground offers an exceptional opportunity to experience the natural beauty and recreational richness of the Plumas National Forest without venturing too far from home. Its combination of accessibility, comprehensive amenities, and a truly stunning natural setting makes it an ideal choice for a wide variety of local outdoor enthusiasts. This isn't just a place to set up camp; it's a destination where lasting family memories are forged amidst towering pines and glistening lake waters.

The glowing reviews from previous visitors—highlighting the "nice quiet little campground," "friendly host," and "very big" campsites with "plenty of room to spread out"—speak directly to what many Californians seek in a camping experience. The ample space, even for "double sites," caters perfectly to the common Californian tradition of multi-family or group camping. The easy access to Lake Davis for fishing, boating, and simply enjoying the water is a huge draw, offering a diverse range of activities that appeal to all ages and interests.

While the presence of wildlife, particularly bears, serves as a necessary reminder of being in their natural habitat, it also adds to the authentic wilderness experience. Californians are often well-versed in responsible outdoor practices, and the clear guidance on food storage ensures safety while allowing for incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, like spotting deer and eagles. The convenience of flush toilets and showers (even if coin-operated nearby) significantly enhances the comfort level, making it appealing even for those who prefer a few more amenities than primitive camping offers.

In essence, Grizzly Campground is perfectly tailored for California locals. It provides that much-needed escape into nature, a chance to disconnect and recharge, all within a reasonable driving distance from many parts of the state. It embodies the best of California's outdoor recreation—beautiful scenery, diverse activities, and a welcoming environment—making it a highly recommended destination for your next family camping adventure in the Golden State.

Grizzly Campground

Beckwourth-Taylorville Rd, Portola, CA 95983, USA