Upper Jamison Campground

For California locals seeking an enriching outdoor escape that blends natural beauty with historical intrigue and comforting amenities, Upper Jamison Campground in Blairsden-Graeagle, CA, offers an exceptional destination. Nestled within the scenic Plumas-Eureka State Park, this campground provides a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the serene Sierra Nevada landscape while enjoying conveniences that enhance your stay. We understand that for many Californians, a successful camping trip balances the call of the wild with essential comforts, and Upper Jamison Campground aims to deliver on both fronts.

This article is crafted with the California resident in mind, providing a clear, engaging, and factual overview of Upper Jamison Campground. We will delve into its picturesque location and convenient accessibility, highlight the valuable services and impressive features that set it apart, and explain why it stands out as an ideal choice for your next local adventure. Whether you're a seasoned camper looking for new trails, a family seeking a comfortable outdoor experience, or a history buff eager to explore California's Gold Rush past, prepare to discover why Upper Jamison Campground is a compelling option for your next getaway in the Golden State.

Upper Jamison Campground is beautifully situated within Plumas-Eureka State Park, with its address listed as Blairsden-Graeagle, CA 96103, USA. This location places it in the northern Sierra Nevada mountains, specifically within Plumas County, an area renowned for its stunning scenery, rich history, and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. The campground is nestled amidst towering trees, with a refreshing creek often running through the campsites, contributing to a truly immersive natural setting.

Accessibility to Upper Jamison Campground is straightforward for California residents, making it a convenient destination from various parts of the state. From State Highway 89, a scenic route through the Sierra Nevada, visitors can turn onto County Road A-14 (also known as the Graeagle-Johnsville Road) heading west towards Plumas-Eureka State Park and the historic mining town of Johnsville. Alternatively, from State Highway 70 in Blairsden, one can take Mohawk Road past the ranger station to County Road A-14. From County Road A-14, you'll proceed about 3.8 miles to the state park entrance, where a sign indicating 'Jamison Mine' will direct you to turn left onto a dirt road. Continue approximately 1.25 miles on this road to reach the campground.

The drive itself offers picturesque views, transitioning from open valleys to dense pine forests. While the final approach involves a dirt road, it is generally well-maintained. The campground’s location within a state park means well-signed access and typically reliable road conditions during the open season (which usually runs from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, closing from October through late spring). This ease of access, combined with its stunning natural setting, makes Upper Jamison Campground a highly appealing destination for California locals seeking a convenient yet immersive outdoor experience.

Upper Jamison Campground, managed by California State Parks within Plumas-Eureka State Park, offers a commendable array of services and amenities that significantly enhance the camping experience, particularly for those who appreciate comfort alongside nature.

• Flush Toilets: A major highlight and convenience for campers, the campground is equipped with modern flush toilets, a significant upgrade from the pit toilets often found in more primitive campgrounds.

• Free Hot Showers: Another highly valued amenity, especially after a day of hiking or exploring, are the free hot showers available at the campground. This provides a refreshing and comfortable experience, making longer stays more enjoyable.

• Piped Drinking Water: Potable (drinkable) water is readily available through spigots located within the campground, ensuring campers have easy access to fresh water without needing to filter or purify their own.

• Dump Station: For RV and trailer campers, a sanitary dump station is available within Plumas-Eureka State Park, providing a convenient service for waste disposal.

• Campsites with Amenities: The campground boasts approximately 70 campsites, including a mix of tent-only sites and those that can accommodate RVs/motorhomes up to 28 feet and trailers up to 24 feet. Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill for cooking.

• Food Storage Lockers: To mitigate encounters with local wildlife, particularly bears, each campsite is provided with a bear-proof food storage locker, ensuring that food and scented items are securely stored.

• Group Camping: Group sites are available, allowing larger parties to camp together comfortably, which is excellent for family reunions or group outings.

• Visitor Center and Museum Access: Being within Plumas-Eureka State Park, campers have access to the park's Visitor Center and Museum, offering educational opportunities about the region's natural and gold mining history.

Upper Jamison Campground stands out due to a combination of thoughtful amenities and its captivating natural and historical setting, offering a multifaceted experience for California campers.

• Creek Flowing Through Campsites: A delightful and highly praised feature is the presence of a "creek through the campsites." The soothing sound of the running water provides a serene ambiance, and the "clear and icy cold" water is perfect for cooling off on warm days, enhancing the overall natural experience.

• Comfort of Modern Facilities: The availability of "flush toilets and free hot showers" is a significant highlight. This level of comfort is a major draw for campers who appreciate a more civilized experience, making it particularly appealing for families or those seeking a less rustic outdoor adventure.

• Extensive Hiking Trail Access: The campground serves as a gateway to "a lot of hiking trails," including popular routes to stunning spots like Jamison Lake. The Jamison Creek Trail, for instance, offers a 3.7-mile hike from inside the state park up to the Pacific Crest Trail, with access to Wades Lake, Rock Lake, and Mt. Washington Trails. This provides ample opportunities for exploration for all skill levels.

• Family-Friendly Environment: Multiple reviews suggest it's a suitable campground for families, with ample space and a generally pleasant atmosphere. The amenities like flush toilets and showers cater well to families with children.

• Well-Managed and Rule-Following Community: Despite potentially large crowds on popular weekends (like the 4th of July), the campground benefits from "very helpful park rangers" and a general adherence to rules by campers. This contributes to a positive and respectful camping environment.

• Historic Context: Being part of Plumas-Eureka State Park, the campground offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history of California's Gold Rush. Visitors can explore the historic mining area, a visitor center, museum, and other historic buildings, blending outdoor adventure with cultural enrichment.

• Beautiful Sierra Scenery: The location itself provides breathtaking views of the northern Sierra Mountains, with lush forests, clear water, and opportunities for wildlife viewing, creating a picturesque backdrop for any camping trip.

For all inquiries regarding Upper Jamison Campground, including reservations, current conditions, and park information, please use the following contact details for Plumas-Eureka State Park.

• Address: Blairsden-Graeagle, CA 96103, USA (The physical location within Plumas-Eureka State Park is typically accessed via 310 Johnsville Road, Blairsden, CA 96103, which leads to the park entrance and campground.)

• Park Information Phone: (530) 836-2380

• Reservations: Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), and can be made up to six months in advance.

  • Online: www.reservecalifornia.com

  • Phone: (800) 444-7275

• Official Website: For the most current information, alerts, and detailed park maps, always consult the official California State Parks website for Plumas-Eureka State Park (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=507).

For California locals, Upper Jamison Campground presents an exceptionally suitable and appealing option for an outdoor getaway, offering a compelling blend of natural beauty, convenient amenities, and historical exploration that caters to a wide range of interests.

Firstly, the availability of modern facilities like flush toilets and free hot showers is a significant draw. In a state where many campgrounds offer more primitive experiences, this level of comfort makes Upper Jamison highly appealing for families with children, first-time campers, or anyone who appreciates a more relaxing and hygienic outdoor adventure. This allows for longer, more comfortable stays, making it an ideal basecamp for exploring the surrounding Sierra Nevada.

Secondly, its location within Plumas-Eureka State Park offers a unique dual appeal. Beyond the serene forested campsites and the pleasant sound of the creek, locals have immediate access to a wealth of historical sites related to California's Gold Rush era. This blend of outdoor recreation with educational opportunities provides a richer experience than many other campgrounds, allowing families to combine hiking and nature appreciation with learning about our state's fascinating past. The extensive network of hiking trails, including those leading to stunning alpine lakes like Jamison Lake, ensures there's ample opportunity for physical activity and breathtaking scenery.

While a previous review mentioned some issues with host attentiveness, the overall positive sentiment regarding "very helpful park rangers" and campers "following rules" suggests a generally well-managed and respectful environment. The popularity during peak weekends, while meaning more people, also indicates a generally safe and community-oriented atmosphere where rules are upheld.

In conclusion, Upper Jamison Campground stands out as a top choice for California locals seeking a comfortable, family-friendly, and engaging camping experience. Its combination of modern amenities, stunning natural beauty, rich historical context, and ample recreational opportunities makes it a perfectly suited destination for creating lasting memories in the beautiful Sierra Nevada, right here in our home state.

Upper Jamison Campground

Blairsden-Graeagle, CA 96103, USA