Sly Creek Campground
4.2621 reviewsSly Creek Campground
$20.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
Fees range from $20 to $22 per day per site. An additional $2 parking fee applies for additional vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled along the sparkling waters of Sly Creek Reservoir, this 30-site campground beckons adventurers with three distinct camping experiences. Choose from sun-drenched sites that offer sweeping reservoir vistas perfect for sunrise coffee, intimate forest hideaways sheltered beneath towering cedars and pines, or convenient tent sites near the boat launch for easy water access. While the hum of boat engines and dirt bikes creates a lively atmosphere that appeals to motorsport enthusiasts, the campground's generous spacing ensures everyone finds their perfect spot to unwind beneath the Sierra sky.
The campground supports primitive camping with 25 units, including areas suitable for RVs and tents. The sites are first-come, first-served.
Weather and SeasonsBlessed with California's signature sunshine, Sly Creek enjoys comfortable temperatures throughout the camping season, making it an ideal basecamp for outdoor adventures. While summer days can bring warmth that invites refreshing dips in the reservoir, the elevation keeps evenings pleasantly cool. Clear skies dominate the forecast, creating perfect conditions for stargazing and ensuring your camping plans rarely meet with disappointment.
ElevationPerched at 3,530 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air meets comfortable camping, providing refreshing breezes and stunning vistas without the challenges of high-altitude camping.
Natural Features and ScenerySly Creek Reservoir sparkles like a sapphire jewel against a backdrop of emerald forests, where majestic cedars and pines mingle with the distinctive red-barked Pacific Madrone trees. The landscape offers a delightful contrast between sun-soaked meadows that frame panoramic water views and cool, shaded groves where dappled sunlight filters through the canopy. This diverse terrain creates intimate natural rooms within the larger campground, each with its own character and charm.
Geological RegionSet within the magnificent Plumas National Forest, Sly Creek Campground showcases the region's remarkable diversity. The terrain gracefully transitions from open, sun-warmed slopes overlooking the reservoir to dense forest pockets where ancient cedars, pines, and Pacific Madrones create natural cathedral ceilings. This unique positioning offers campers the best of both worlds: easy access to water recreation and the tranquil embrace of the Sierra Nevada forest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned beyond the presence of wheelchair-friendly vault toilets.
Sites SizeCampsites are designed to accommodate trailers up to 22 feet. The parking aprons are paved.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy varies by section: sites near the reservoir are open and sunny with poor privacy, while those away from the reservoir offer better privacy with ample shade from trees like cedar and pine.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose shaded sites for privacy and open sites near the reservoir for views.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 days.
Groups
No dedicated group sites are mentioned in the authoritative content.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of three sections: open sunny areas near the reservoir's edge, shaded areas with better privacy, and tent sites near the parking lot and boat ramp.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather dependent.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-served.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sly Creek Campground provides diverse recreational opportunities, particularly water-based activities and scenery viewing. Common activities include fishing, motorized boating, and hiking.
Hiking
Hiking is permitted within the recreation area, though OHV use is restricted outside of designated areas. No specific trails or difficulty levels are mentioned.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include species like rainbow and brown trout, as well as kokanee salmon, in the 562-acre Sly Creek Reservoir.Boating
Boating is a popular activity, with facilities like a boat ramp available. Both motorized and non-motorized boating are supported.Winter Activities
No winter activities are mentioned, as the campground is generally open seasonally from May to October.Water Sports
Water sports like waterskiing and kayaking are supported in the Sly Creek Reservoir, which spans 562 acres.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfire rings are provided at each site.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal low water levels in the reservoir and steep/narrow road conditions on Forest Rt. 120 for RVs.
Weather forecast
88
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 26%
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
Good to know
Trash and recyclingGarbage service is provided, and there are two dumpsters on-site as noted in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresCampground is on the west bank of Sly Creek Reservoir, which is 562 acres. A boat ramp is available.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention noisy conditions due to dirt bikes and loud campers, crowded atmosphere, and inadequate restroom cleanliness.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom La Porte, CA, take Main St. (LaPorte Rd.) south 13.6 miles to Sly Creek Recreation sign. Turn right onto Barton Hill Rd. and go 4 miles to campground. NOTE: If using RV, do not attempt driving to La Porte from Quincy via Forest Rt. 120 - very steep grades and narrow road.
The campground is accessible by paved roads, but accessing it via Forest Rt. 120 is recommended against for RVs due to steep grades and narrow road conditions.Nearby places
La Porte: Approx. 13.6 miles south
Camper Reviews
4.3
21 reviews
Sly Creek Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, highlighting the natural beauty of Sly Creek Reservoir but also noting issues with maintenance, noise levels, and overcrowding during peak season.
Review Summaries
Based on 21 reviews
What Campers Love
Users frequently praise the scenery and clear blue water of the reservoir. For instance, one review states, 'The water is soo blue and clear and nice to swim in,' while another mentions, 'Great...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include noise from dirt bikers, overcrowding during summer, and poorly maintained bathrooms. One user noted, 'The bathrooms were disgusting,' and another stated, 'It's a popular party...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds and noise. One user advises, 'Get there early,' especially for boat trailer parking, while another suggests Little Grass Valley...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews indicate that summer can be crowded and noisy, with fluctuating water levels. Spring and early summer may offer a quieter and more enjoyable experience.
Based on 21 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'The scenery is beautiful, and the water is clear and not too cold to swim in during the Summer.' - Elaina Silva
2. 'The bathrooms were disgusting, and the fire pits were so full of ash that the...
Based on 21 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites near the reservoir offer scenic views but less privacy, while those in the shaded areas provide better privacy. The boat launch area tends to have available spots on weekdays.
Based on 21 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific reviews addressing accessibility features were found.
Based on 21 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be leashed and attended at all times. No specific user feedback on pet experiences is available.
Based on 21 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025