Elam Campground
4.5918 reviewsElam Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Facility rates showed that no discounts or significant price differences were noted for specific time ranges.
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About this campground
Escape to a hidden sanctuary where towering pines whisper ancient stories and crystal-clear streams carve their way through untouched wilderness. This remarkable campground offers the perfect blend of backcountry adventure and accessible comfort, inviting you to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature's timeless rhythms. Whether you're seeking solitary reflection beneath star-studded skies or family memories around crackling campfires, this pristine retreat delivers an authentic outdoor experience that will linger in your heart long after you've returned home.
Elam Campground offers standard camping sites, accommodating both tents and RVs. It provides a developed camping experience with basic facilities like picnic tables and grills.
Historical SignificanceStep into a living museum where indigenous peoples once followed seasonal hunting paths and early settlers carved out homesteads from the wilderness. Ancient petroglyphs etched into nearby cliff faces tell stories spanning millennia, while remnants of old mining camps and pioneer cabins offer glimpses into the dreams and hardships of those who came before. The campground sits along historic trading routes that connected distant communities, and local legends speak of hidden treasures and ghostly encounters that add mystique to evening campfire tales. Today, interpretive trails and educational programs help visitors connect with this rich tapestry of human history woven into the natural landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience nature's ever-changing canvas as each season paints the landscape with its unique palette. Spring arrives with wildflower meadows bursting into color and gentle rains that awaken the forest floor. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and hiking, with cool mountain breezes providing natural air conditioning. Fall transforms the campground into a photographer's paradise of golden aspens and crimson maples, while crisp nights invite cozy gatherings around the fire. Winter blankets the area in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts willing to brave the cold for unparalleled serenity.
ElevationPerched at an elevation that strikes the perfect balance between accessibility and alpine adventure, the campground offers a natural climate advantage that extends the camping season. The altitude creates a unique microclimate where summer temperatures remain pleasantly cool even during heat waves in the valleys below, while the thinner air adds a crisp clarity to morning sunrises and evening stargazing. This elevation supports a diverse ecosystem where lowland and mountain species converge, creating exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors should allow time to acclimate to the altitude, but most find the slight breathlessness a small price to pay for the spectacular vistas and refreshing mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryNature has crafted a masterpiece of diverse landscapes that unfold like chapters in an epic adventure novel. Dramatic granite cliffs rise like ancient sentinels, their faces painted with lichens in shades of orange and green. Pristine alpine lakes mirror the sky with such clarity that clouds seem to float both above and below. Meandering trails lead through groves of old-growth forest where shafts of sunlight create natural cathedrals, while hidden waterfalls reward those who venture off the beaten path. Wildlife thrives in this protected habitat – from majestic elk grazing in dawn meadows to playful otters in mountain streams, each day brings new discoveries for observant visitors.
Geological RegionImmerse yourself in a geological wonderland millions of years in the making, where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape that tells Earth's epic story. Volcanic activity, glacial carving, and tectonic shifts have created a terrain rich with fascinating formations – from towering spires of columnar basalt to smooth granite domes polished by ice age glaciers. Mineral-rich hot springs bubble up from deep underground, their vibrant colors creating natural art installations. Rock hounds delight in discovering semi-precious stones and fossils that speak of prehistoric seas and extinct creatures. Educational signage throughout the campground helps visitors decode the geological mysteries surrounding them, turning every hike into a journey through deep time.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe campground contains 15 designated campsites, which are described as small by some reviewers.
Sites PrivacySites are in a small campground, suggesting limited privacy.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonMay 15, 2025
Reservation PlatformsMultiple links and phone contact numbers and varrets.
Walk-in Availability}}
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be canceled within any activity or policy
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Recreational activities at Elam Campground include fishing in the creek, hiking in nearby trails, wildlife viewing, and enjoying the natural surroundings and creekside ambiance.
Hiking
The campground is close to hiking opportunities, though specific trail details are not provided.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, especially for families. Children enjoy fishing in the creek, which is said to be stocked, while adults can explore further upstream for larger fish.Wildlife viewing
Campers have reported seeing deer and chipmunks in the area, adding to the wildlife experience.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather forecast
87
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.1 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Campground Map
Camper Reviews
4.6
18 reviews
Elam Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Elam Campground is described as a small, peaceful destination with convenient access to highway routes, making it an ideal stopover for travelers. While the proximity to the highway is appreciated by some for convenience, others find the traffic noise disruptive. The campground is noted for its quaint charm and serene creekside setting, making it a favorite for repeat family visits.
Review Summaries
Based on 18 reviews
What Campers Love
"Nice little campground w/ fee, right along Highway 32 N of Chico. Super convenient overnight stop near 2 highways," notes a reviewer. Others highlight the clean facilities, the lovely creek for...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The campground's proximity to the highway is a common complaint, with noise being disruptive to some campers. Some users have also expressed dissatisfaction with the presence of RVs running...
Based on 18 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
"Plan for no mobile service, as the signal is out from an hour south of the campground to Chester." Another tip includes keeping food secure as bears have been known to frequent the area.
Based on 18 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summers are busier with families fishing and enjoying the creek, while weekdays tend to be quieter. The cooler months see fewer visitors, and wildlife like deer may be more visible.
Based on 18 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Clean campgrounds. People we met were very cool and the place was dead silent at night." "Great campsite, nice people, just a bit close to the road for unbroken sleep."
Based on 18 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific site numbers are not mentioned in reviews.
Based on 18 reviewsAccessibility Features
There are no specific accessibility-related reviews mentioned.
Based on 18 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is crowded, which some reviewers feel is not ideal for pets due to limited space and high activity.
Based on 18 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025