Wild Plum Campground

For Californians seeking a refreshing immersion into the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada, Wild Plum Campground in Sierra City offers an idyllic and much-loved escape. Tucked away along the banks of Haypress Creek (often described as a "raging river" due to snowmelt and rain in early summer) and enveloped by a lush forest of pine, cedar, and Douglas fir, this campground provides a truly picturesque setting for an unforgettable outdoor experience. It's a place where the soothing rush of the water provides a natural "white noise" for restful sleep, and the crisp mountain air invigorates every breath, making it a cherished destination for both seasoned adventurers and those simply looking to unwind.

Wild Plum Campground consistently lives up to its hype, earning rave reviews for its peaceful atmosphere, spacious sites, and the exceptional hospitality of its camp hosts. Unlike some larger, more bustling campgrounds, Wild Plum offers a sense of seclusion and connection with nature, allowing campers to truly disconnect. While it embraces a rustic charm, with vault toilets and no showers, the breathtaking scenery, abundant recreational opportunities, and the overall serene ambiance more than compensate. For local Californians, this campground represents a prime opportunity to experience the high country's splendor, whether for a planned holiday weekend or a spontaneous "walk-in" adventure, promising a memorable and rejuvenating outdoor getaway.

Wild Plum Campground is conveniently located in California, USA, specifically at

Sierra City, CA 96125

Haypress Creek

1 mile east of the historic town of Sierra City

Accessibility to Wild Plum Campground is generally good. It is located just off

Highway 49

For local Californians, this location offers a manageable drive from many parts of the state, allowing for a genuine escape into the mountains without excessive travel time. Its proximity to Sierra City means campers have access to basic amenities, although it's important to note that the

nearest store in Sierra City SEVERELY overcharges

Wild Plum Campground provides essential services designed for a comfortable, albeit rustic, camping experience, ensuring that visitors have basic necessities while enjoying the natural environment.

• Campsites: The campground features approximately

  47 single-family sites

  . Many of these sites offer ample space and are described as being

  "close to neighbors but not too close,"

  providing a good balance of community and privacy. Sites are equipped with a

  picnic table

  and a

  campfire ring with a grill

  .
• Vault Toilets:

  Vault toilets

  are provided and are generally kept in good condition, although their state can vary depending on usage. As one reviewer noted, they were

  "in great shape we got there (but two days later they were extra stinky)"

  .
• Potable Drinking Water:

  Piped water

  is available, ensuring access to potable drinking water throughout the campground.
• No Showers or Laundry: As highlighted by visitors, there are

  no showers

  or laundry facilities available. Campers should plan for sponge baths or

  bathing in the river

  (which is

  freezing cold

  , even in July) and bring appropriate clothing for the duration of their stay.
• Food Storage Lockers: Due to local wildlife, each campsite is equipped with a

  food storage locker

  (bear box), which is essential for storing food and scented items safely.
• Camp Host: A dedicated

  camp host

  is on-site, consistently praised for being

  "full of personality"

  and, more importantly,

  "present and helpful."

  They can provide information, sell firewood, and assist campers.
• Firewood for Sale:

  Firewood is available for sale from the camp host

  , a convenient amenity for those wishing to have a campfire (subject to fire restrictions).
• Trash Collection: Trash collection services are provided within the campground.
• Reservations and Walk-in Sites: Sites can be reserved in advance via Recreation.gov (or by calling 1-877-444-6777), which is recommended for holiday weekends. However, the campground also offers

  first-come, first-serve

  walk-in sites, providing flexibility for spontaneous trips.

Wild Plum Campground and its surrounding natural environment offer a wealth of features and highlights that create a truly enriching outdoor experience for visitors.

• Stunning Riverside Setting: The campground's location

  along Haypress Creek

  (often a

  "raging river"

  in early summer) provides a beautiful and dynamic natural backdrop. The

  white noise to sleep in

  from the flowing water is a significant highlight, and some sites

  overlook the creek

  .
• Lush Forest: Wild Plum is

  "nestled among pine, cedar, and Douglas fir,"

  offering extensive

  shade

  and a deep sense of immersion in the forest environment. The ground can be

  moist and cold

  even in July, indicative of the healthy, damp forest floor.
• Beautiful Swimming Holes and Waterfall: Campers have

  walking distance to several bracingly cold swimming holes

  and a

  short hike to a gorgeous waterfall

  , providing refreshing spots to cool off and stunning natural attractions to explore.
• Access to Iconic Trails: The campground offers direct access to significant hiking opportunities. Visitors can go

  hiking along the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) by Love's Falls

  and the

  Wild Plum Loop Trail

  , both described as

  "stunning."

  The Wild Plum Loop Trail is a 2.5-mile trail open to hiking and horseback riding, also providing access to the Haypress Trail.
• Wildlife and Bird Watching: The abundant forest and river environment supports various wildlife, including squirrels, raccoons, chipmunks, and a variety of birds, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing. While bears are present, adherence to bear box rules is key.
• Scenic Drives: The campground's location off

  Highway 49 (Yuba Donner Scenic Byway)

  means that the drive to and from the camp is itself a scenic journey through historic gold rush country and stunning mountain vistas.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The spacious sites and opportunities for exploration make it suitable for families, allowing children to safely explore the natural surroundings.
• Remote Feel with Accessibility: While offering a remote, peaceful feel that allows campers to

  "not hear your fellow campers"

  , it's still

  easy to get to from Hwy 49

  .
• Cool Summer Temperatures: Even in July, the high was about

  75 and the low was about 45

  , providing a welcome respite from hotter inland California temperatures, though requiring plenty of blankets/sleeping bags for tent campers.

For direct inquiries regarding Wild Plum Campground in the Tahoe National Forest, or for general information about camping in the Sierra City area, please use the following contact details. It is always recommended to call ahead for the most current information regarding campground status, fire restrictions, water levels in Haypress Creek, and any local advisories.

Phone: (877) 444-6777 (Reservations via Recreation.gov)

Mobile Phone: +1 877-444-6777 (Reservations via Recreation.gov)

Address: Sierra City, CA 96125, USA

For specific site availability, booking reservations, and the most up-to-date alerts regarding fire conditions, road closures, or other important information, it is highly recommended to visit the official U.S. Forest Service website for the Tahoe National Forest (specifically the Yuba River Ranger District) and Recreation.gov, where Wild Plum Campground sites are listed for booking. These online resources often provide real-time updates and comprehensive planning tools for your visit.

For locals in California, Wild Plum Campground presents an exceptionally suitable and highly desirable option for an immersive outdoor retreat. Its location in Sierra City, within the beautiful Tahoe National Forest, offers a relatively accessible yet profoundly wild escape from the urban sprawl. This means Californians can easily transition from their daily routines to the tranquility of a riverside forest, making it perfect for weekend getaways or longer, rejuvenating vacations.

The consistent positive reviews highlight the campground's unique appeal: a

"beautiful campground along the Truckee river"

vault toilets

"white noise to sleep in"

"stunning"

bracingly cold swimming holes and a gorgeous waterfall

The cool summer temperatures provide a refreshing contrast to warmer inland areas, though preparation with

plenty of blankets/sleeping bags

Wild Plum Campground

Sierra City, CA 96125, USA