Honker Cove Overflow
03 reviewsEast side of Lake Davis, County Road 112, Portola, CA
Honker Cove Overflow
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
No fee structure is mentioned in the authoritative sources. It is recommended to call the Beckwourth Ranger District at 530-836-2575 for details.
About this campground
Tucked away on the eastern shores of Lake Davis, Honker Cove Overflow serves as a hidden gem within Plumas National Forest—a peaceful retreat that opens its gates when neighboring campgrounds reach capacity. This exclusive overflow area offers the same stunning lake access and forest immersion as its busier counterparts, but with a more intimate, off-the-beaten-path atmosphere that many campers find unexpectedly delightful.
Honker Cove Overflow is an emergency overflow camping site with minimal amenities. It is intended for use only when other nearby campgrounds are at capacity.
Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint Honker Cove in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-globe wonderland, with up to 17 inches of fresh powder blanketing the forest weekly. As spring arrives, the thaw brings moderate temperatures and gentle rains that awaken the wildflowers. Summer delivers those perfect Sierra days—warm 80-degree afternoons under crystal-clear skies, ideal for swimming and fishing. Fall wraps the forest in golden hues as temperatures cool and the first whispers of winter return to the mountain air.
ElevationPerched at 5,900 feet in the Sierra Nevada, Honker Cove offers that sweet spot of mountain elevation—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet accessible enough for comfortable camping. The crisp mountain air and cooler evening temperatures create perfect sleeping weather, though first-time visitors should stay hydrated and take it easy on their first day as they adjust to the thinner air.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests in the embrace of a classic Sierra Nevada mixed-conifer forest, where towering pines and firs create a natural cathedral overhead. Lake Davis sparkles through the trees, its waters reflecting the surrounding peaks and offering endless opportunities for quiet contemplation. The understated beauty of this overflow area—with its filtered sunlight, forest fragrances, and gentle lake breezes—creates an atmosphere of profound tranquility that feels worlds away from civilization.
Geological RegionHonker Cove sits within the greater Plumas National Forest ecosystem, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable diversity. The mixed-conifer forests here represent millions of years of evolution, creating a perfect habitat where Douglas firs mingle with sugar pines, and where the volcanic origins of the region have blessed the area with mineral-rich soils that support this thriving mountain ecosystem. Lake Davis itself fills a natural basin, creating one of the Sierra's most accessible high-elevation water playgrounds.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information regarding accessibility features for campers with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not specified.
Sites PrivacyThe level of privacy provided at the campsites is not detailed.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 day limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
6people per site
Groups
No detailed information about group camping or accommodations is provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific seasonal closures or openings are mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsReservations cannot be made in advance, as this campground only opens when other local campgrounds are full.
Walk-in AvailabilityThis campground operates exclusively on a first-come, first-served basis when other area campgrounds are full.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation rules are not specified.
Activities you can enjoy
Honker Cove Overflow Campground primarily serves as a basic camping area without detailed information about available recreational activities.
Winter Activities
No specifics about winter recreation are provided.Water Sports
No information about non-motorized water sports is available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fire guidelines are not mentioned in the authoritative sources.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is a notable concern given the 'Be Bear Aware' advisory. Additional hazards may include cold weather and snow during winter months.
Weather forecast
78
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 11.2 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
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
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are likely located in Portola, CA, approximately 7 miles away.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingSpecifics about trash and recycling facilities, including their locations or schedules, are not available.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located by Lake Davis, providing easy access to water-based activities.
Common complaintsNo common complaints were highlighted in authoritative sources or user reviews.
Campground Map
East side of Lake Davis, County Road 112, Portola, CA
Driving directionsFrom Portola CA, take County Road 126 North for 7 miles. Then take County Road 112 to the east side of Lake Davis and drive approximately 3 miles to find the campground on the right.
Access to the campground involves driving on County Roads 126 and 112, which are likely paved but may not be frequently maintained. No details on seasonal closures, terrain difficulties, or road conditions are provided.Nearby places
Portola, CA (7 miles, ~15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel is likely in Portola, CA, approximately 7 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Honker Cove Overflow has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users comment on the convenient location of Honker Cove Overflow Campground and its proximity to other facilities like boat ramps. However, the lack of amenities such as restrooms and potable water is notable.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
Several users praise the nearby boat ramp for its accessibility and ample parking: 'This is a really nice boat ramp, it has a drive down to the water' and 'nice personal bathrooms and even has...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
The campground's minimal amenities, including the lack of restrooms, potable water, and detailed recreational opportunities, are apparent drawbacks.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers should be entirely self-sufficient as restrooms, potable water, and other facilities are not provided. Reviewers also suggest exploring nearby areas like Grasshopper Flats and Grizzly...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are explicitly mentioned in the user reviews.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
- 'This is also one of the only places around that has coin-operated hot showers 👍👍.'
- 'Small boats only, water is below cement ramp.'
- 'A nice boat ramp, nice personal bathrooms and even has...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews provide site-specific details like site numbers or rankings.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No details or reviews regarding accessibility features for individuals with disabilities are present.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No information or user reviews about pet policies or pet-friendly features are available.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025