Peninsula Tent Campground
4.617 reviewsPeninsula Tent Campground, La Porte, CA
Peninsula Tent Campground
$22.00 - $23.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$23.00
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
Overnight use fees are $23 per site per night, payable by cash or check. Senior and Access passes provide a 50% discount for single campsites occupied by the pass holder. Reservation fees may apply for reservable sites.
About this campground
Escape to Peninsula Tent Campground, where 25 secluded walk-in sites await on a pristine peninsula extending into the crystal-clear waters of Little Grass Valley Reservoir. Each thoughtfully placed campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, perfect for evening gatherings under towering fir trees. Modern flush toilets and regular trash service ensure comfort without compromising the wilderness experience. Adventure beckons just minutes away at the sandy shores of Pancake Beach, along the scenic Lakeshore Trail, or amid the dramatic rock formations of Chimney Rock. Smooth paved roads make arrival easy, while the walk-in design preserves the peaceful, intimate atmosphere that makes this hidden gem so special.
Peninsula Tent Campground is exclusively for tent camping. It offers a simple yet well-equipped experience suitable for individual and group campers.
Historical SignificanceWhile Peninsula Tent Campground may not bear ancient petroglyphs or historic markers, its story unfolds in the timeless tradition of American camping—a place where generations have come to disconnect from modern life and reconnect with nature, creating their own histories around crackling campfires and starlit skies.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect mountain summer at Peninsula, where daytime temperatures hover in the comfortable low 80s°F, ideal for hiking and water activities, while evenings cool to a refreshing 50°F—perfect sleeping weather in your tent. The campground opens its gates from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, timing that captures the Sierra's most glorious months. As autumn approaches, crisp mornings hint at the transformation ahead, when winter blankets the landscape in snow and temperatures plunge below freezing, creating a completely different world until spring's return.
ElevationPerched at 5,100 feet above sea level, Peninsula Tent Campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where summer heat gives way to cool, pine-scented breezes. This elevation creates an ideal microclimate—warm enough for comfortable camping yet high enough to escape the valley's sweltering temperatures. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered wonderland, though the campground rests peacefully under its white blanket, awaiting the return of camping season.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering fir trees stand like ancient sentinels throughout Peninsula Tent Campground, their thick canopy creating a natural cathedral of dappled sunlight and cooling shade. Each campsite feels like its own private forest retreat, with generous spacing that lets you truly immerse yourself in nature. The shimmering expanse of Little Grass Valley Reservoir beckons through the trees, while scenic trails wind through the surrounding mountains, revealing breathtaking vistas at every turn. This peninsula setting offers the rare combination of forest and water, where morning mist rises off the lake and evening light paints the mountains in shades of gold and purple.
Geological RegionPeninsula Tent Campground claims one of Plumas National Forest's most enviable locations—a dramatic finger of land that reaches boldly into Little Grass Valley Reservoir. This unique geological formation creates a camping experience surrounded by water on three sides, where ancient granite bedrock meets the gentle lapping of reservoir waves. Mature fir forests blanket the peninsula, their roots anchored in soil that tells the story of volcanic activity and glacial carving that shaped this spectacular Sierra Nevada landscape over millions of years.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground has wheelchair-friendly toilets.
Sites SizeStandard tent sites are available.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are scattered among mature fir trees, offering ample shade and good privacy, according to official descriptions and user reviews.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites scattered among fir trees provide shade and privacy. Choose sites closer to Little Grass Valley Reservoir for better water access.
Best CampsitesNo specific best campsites mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 p.m.
Check-out
12:00 p.m.
Stay Limit
- 14-day limit
- open seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Guests Allowed Per Site
6people per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are dispersed among mature fir trees with paved paths and walk-in access. Adjacent RV parking for Tooms RV Campground is available.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day; weather-dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations accepted; sites are first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 25 sites are first-come, first-served. Fill patterns may vary based on nearby closures or peak periods.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific cancellation policy provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. Water-based activities such as swimming, sailing, and power-boating are also popular due to the proximity to Little Grass Valley Reservoir.
Hiking
The Lakeshore Trail, a 22-mile loop that accommodates both foot and equestrian traffic, is a popular hiking trail near the campground. Visitors have access to other trails leading to landmarks like Chimney Rock and Fowler Peak.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include catching rainbow trout, brown trout, and Kokanee salmon in Little Grass Valley Reservoir. The lake is stocked with trout in the fall, making it an ideal fishing spot.Swimming
Swimming is permitted in Little Grass Valley Reservoir, providing recreation for warm-weather campers.Biking
Mountain biking is a popular activity around the campground, with trails of varying difficulty levels accessible from the site.Boating
Boating opportunities are abundant at Little Grass Valley Reservoir. Power-boating, sailing, and non-motorized boating are supported. A boat ramp is available for easy access.Wildlife viewing
The campground offers ample opportunities for nature and wildlife viewing. Specific species or viewing areas are not detailed.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive programs are occasionally offered at the campground. Details and schedules can be found on the fee board.Winter Activities
No information on winter-specific activities is available.Water Sports
The campground supports multiple water sports such as water skiing, power-boating, and sailing. Non-motorized water sports like kayaking are less emphasized.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires allowed within designated fire rings.
- Quiet hours are Not explicitly mentioned, but users reported noisy groups and lack of nightly enforcement.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include bears, with frequent sightings reported in user reviews. "Kevin the brown bear" has been mentioned as a food scavenger. Always use bear boxes.
Active alertsNo current alerts provided.
Weather forecast
83
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 28%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 9.5 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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 in La Porte, CA, approximately 4.8 miles away. Includes basic healthcare facilities and law enforcement.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Trash and recyclingTrash service is available, but the details on recycling are not provided. User reviews do not elaborate further.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Little Grass Valley Reservoir, which spans 1,615 acres.
Common complaintsUser complaints include noise disturbances from large groups, lack of camp host oversight, and bathroom cleanliness issues.
HostSeasonal hosts may be available, but not consistently staffed. Oversight seems minimal according to user reviews.
Campground Map
Peninsula Tent Campground, La Porte, CA
Driving directionsFrom La Porte, CA, take Main St. (Laporte-Quincy Hwy) north 4.3 miles to Peninsula sign. Turn right and go 0.5 miles to campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. The route includes Main St/Quincy La Porte Rd and Little Grass Valley Rd, followed by a turn onto Peninsula Rd, which leads directly to the campground. Seasonal weather conditions may impact road accessibility.Nearby places
La Porte (approximately 4.8 miles, 10-minute drive).
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, fuel, and camping supplies can be found in La Porte, CA, approximately 4.8 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
7 reviews
Peninsula Tent Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Peninsula Tent Campground are mixed, with some highlighting its peaceful and well-maintained environment, while others mention issues such as loud groups and lack of a camp host.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive comments frequently mention the proximity to Little Grass Valley Reservoir for recreation, clean campsites, and good privacy between sites. One user said, 'Absolutely beautiful up here, very...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Issues raised by users include noisy groups, lack of camp host presence, and bathrooms needing better maintenance. One user stated, 'Bathrooms can use some cleaning and maintenance,' (2020-07-22),...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend storing food in bear-proof containers due to active bear activity ('Kevin the brown bear will eat it,' 2023-07-29). Arriving early to secure a site is also advised since the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
The summer months are the busiest, with overlapping closures of nearby campgrounds contributing to crowds. Fall is noted for quieter conditions and better fishing as the reservoir is stocked with...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
- 'Bathrooms can use some cleaning and maintenance.' - Thanh T. (2020-07-22)
- 'The Little Grass Valley lake is a great place to cool off.' - Jim Sullivan (2023-07-29)
- 'Very nice campgrounds, but u...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not singled out in reviews, but the campground as a whole is highlighted for its privacy and spaciousness.
Based on 7 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 7 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned in user reviews, though there are references to pet-related activities like walking dogs on leashes.
Based on 7 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025