Peninsula Tent Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing escape into the heart of the Plumas National Forest, Peninsula Tent Campground offers a quintessential high-country camping experience. Nestled on a scenic peninsula of Little Grass Valley Reservoir in Strawberry Valley, this popular destination provides a tranquil setting amidst mature fir trees, perfect for those who cherish a true tent-camping adventure. It’s a place where the fresh mountain air, the shimmer of the lake, and the sounds of nature combine to create lasting memories.

Peninsula Tent Campground holds a special place in the hearts of many returning visitors, a testament to its consistent appeal as a family-friendly and activity-rich environment. With its direct access to the clear waters of Little Grass Valley Reservoir, campers can easily transition from a peaceful morning at their site to a day filled with swimming, boating, or casting a line for trout. While it offers a more rustic experience tailored for tent campers, essential amenities are provided to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable stay. It’s a spot to reconnect with loved ones, embrace the natural world, and create cherished traditions, year after year.

Known for its beautiful surroundings and excellent access to water-based activities, Peninsula Tent Campground is a beloved choice for those who value outdoor adventure. Its first-come, first-served policy adds an element of spontaneity to your trip, inviting you to embrace the flexibility of a true camping spirit. However, as with any popular natural setting in California, awareness and respect for wildlife, particularly bears, are paramount to ensuring a safe and harmonious experience for all.

Peninsula Tent Campground is located at Strawberry Valley, CA 95981, USA. This places it within the picturesque Plumas National Forest, specifically on a peninsula jutting into the beautiful Little Grass Valley Reservoir. Its relatively remote setting contributes to its appeal as a serene natural escape.

Access to the campground generally involves navigating forest roads. From the town of La Porte, you can travel approximately 2 miles on Main Street/Quincy La Porte Road. Continue onto Little Grass Valley Road for about 1.5 miles, then turn right onto Peninsula Road. The campground is approximately 0.5 miles from Little Grass Valley Road. While the roads are typically well-maintained, particularly during the peak season, visitors should be prepared for winding mountain roads. Given its location in a national forest, it's always wise to check current road conditions, especially if traveling outside of the peak summer months or after significant weather events.

The drive to Peninsula Tent Campground is part of the adventure, offering glimpses of the stunning Sierra Nevada landscape. Its position by the reservoir ensures convenient access to the water, a major draw for campers. While it feels wonderfully secluded, it's still within a reasonable distance for Californians seeking an authentic wilderness experience without venturing into extremely isolated areas. Remember that cell service can be spotty in remote forest areas, so having maps downloaded or printed is recommended.

• Campsites: Peninsula Tent Campground features 25 tent-only campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grate, perfect for cooking and enjoying a campfire.
• Drinking Water: Potable water faucets are spread throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to fresh drinking water for all campers.
• Restrooms: The campground provides flush toilets, with at least two bathrooms available. While cleanliness can sometimes be a challenge in busy campgrounds, these facilities are a significant convenience for tent campers.
• Bear Boxes (Food Storage Lockers): Every site is equipped with at least one bear-resistant food storage locker. This is a critical amenity for safety, as bears are active in the area and will investigate unattended coolers or food. Proper food storage is mandatory.
• Trash Service: Trash receptacles are available, encouraging campers to keep the area clean and pack out what they pack in.
• First-Come, First-Served: All campsites at Peninsula Tent Campground are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted. This means arriving early, especially during peak season or holidays, is highly recommended to secure a spot.
• Firewood Available: Firewood is available for sale at the campground, making it convenient for campers to enjoy campfires without needing to transport wood from outside the area (subject to any fire restrictions).
• Camp Host (Seasonal): The campground may have a seasonal camp host. While not always present, a host can provide assistance, answer questions, and help maintain the campground environment.

• Little Grass Valley Reservoir Access: The prime feature of Peninsula Tent Campground is its direct access to Little Grass Valley Reservoir. Campers can easily walk to the beach and dock areas from their campsites.
• Excellent Trout Fishing: The lake is regularly stocked with trout, particularly towards the beginning of fall, offering fantastic fishing opportunities. Anglers often report catching their limits with relative ease, making it a dream destination for fishing enthusiasts.
• Water Activities: The reservoir is perfect for a variety of water sports, including boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and paddleboarding. A designated swim beach is available for safe enjoyment.
• Scenic Beauty: The campground is beautifully situated among mature fir trees on a scenic peninsula, offering stunning views of the lake and surrounding forest. The shaded sites provide a cool and comfortable environment.
• Pancake Beach: The campground is near Pancake Beach, a popular spot for swimming and relaxing by the water.
• Hiking and Nature Trails: The area offers opportunities for hiking and nature viewing. The Lakeshore Trail is accessible, providing scenic walks along the reservoir. The broader Plumas National Forest also provides extensive trails for more ambitious hikers and mountain bikers.
• Wildlife Viewing: The presence of wildlife, including bears, adds to the wilderness experience. While exciting, it underscores the importance of following bear safety guidelines. Deer and other forest creatures are also commonly sighted.
• Remote Feel with Amenities: Despite its secluded feel, the availability of flush toilets and potable water elevates the comfort level, providing a balance between rustic camping and necessary conveniences.

Address: Peninsula Tent Campground, Strawberry Valley, CA 95981, USA

Peninsula Tent Campground falls under the management of the Plumas National Forest. For current conditions, regulations, or additional information, it is best to contact the relevant Ranger District.

Plumas National Forest - Feather River Ranger District: (530) 534-6500 (This general number covers a wider area, but can direct you to the right information).

Since it is a first-come, first-served campground, direct reservations are not possible through a phone number, but contacting the Forest Service can provide insights into typical occupancy levels, fire restrictions, and other important alerts.

For Californians seeking an authentic and engaging outdoor experience, Peninsula Tent Campground in Strawberry Valley is an exceptional choice. Its enduring popularity among those who return "at least once a year" is a testament to its compelling blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and essential amenities.

The primary draw for locals is undoubtedly the spectacular Little Grass Valley Reservoir. With its clear waters perfect for swimming, boating, and especially the well-stocked trout fishing, the lake provides endless entertainment and relaxation. The convenience of being able to walk a short distance from your tent to the beach and dock is a significant advantage, allowing for spontaneous dips and easy access for watercraft.

Furthermore, the campground provides fundamental comforts like flush toilets and easily accessible water faucets, enhancing the overall camping experience for families and those who appreciate these basic conveniences. The provision of bear boxes at every site, while requiring campers to be vigilant, also demonstrates a commitment to visitor safety and harmonious coexistence with wildlife, a common and accepted aspect of California's wildlands.

While the first-come, first-served policy means a bit more planning for popular times, it also ensures a sense of discovery and less of the over-commercialized feel of some other campgrounds. Despite the occasional late-night revelers, as noted in a review, the overall atmosphere and the presence of rangers who patrol the area contribute to maintaining a generally respectful environment. Peninsula Tent Campground truly offers a classic California mountain getaway – a place to unplug, fish to your heart's content, enjoy lakeside fun, and immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the Plumas National Forest, making it a cherished destination for residents across the state.

Peninsula Tent Campground

Strawberry Valley, CA 95981, USA