Strawberry Campground
04 reviewsStrawberry Campground, Plumas National Forest, Feather River Ranger District, California
Strawberry 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
Campsite fees range from $20 to $22 per day depending on season. First come, first served basis only.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of towering firs on the western shores of Sly Creek Reservoir, Strawberry Campground offers an intimate escape with just 17 secluded sites arranged in a single, peaceful loop. This hidden gem beckons water enthusiasts and shade seekers alike, where the gentle lapping of reservoir waters mingles with the whisper of wind through ancient evergreens. Whether you're launching your boat for a day of fishing, diving into crystal-clear swimming spots, or simply savoring the cool forest air, Strawberry provides the perfect basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures.
The campground consists of 17 combined sites that are suitable for trailers and tents. Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Historical SignificanceWhile Strawberry Campground may not boast ancient artifacts or historic markers, its story is written in the rings of the massive firs that have stood sentinel here for generations, creating a timeless sanctuary where modern adventurers can disconnect and rediscover the simple pleasures of outdoor living.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Strawberry unfold in perfect outdoor comfort, with crisp mornings starting in the low 40s°F before warming to pleasant highs around 80°F under brilliantly clear skies. The dry season delivers reliable sunshine for water sports and stargazing, though wise campers pack layers for those refreshingly cool mountain evenings. As autumn approaches, the campground prepares for its winter slumber, with shoulder seasons bringing their own wild beauty—and occasionally unpredictable mountain weather that adds to the adventure.
ElevationPerched at 3,600 feet in the Sierra Nevada foothills, Strawberry Campground offers that sweet spot of mountain camping—high enough to escape the valley heat, yet accessible enough for spontaneous weekend getaways. Spring and fall visitors are rewarded with crisp, invigorating air that makes morning coffee taste better and evening campfires feel cozier, while the elevation provides natural air conditioning during warm summer days.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral where massive fir trees stretch skyward, their interwoven branches creating a natural pavilion of dappled light and deep shade. This verdant forest sanctuary opens dramatically to reveal glimpses of Sly Creek Reservoir's sparkling waters, where the blue expanse reflects the surrounding peaks and provides a stunning contrast to the deep greens of the forest. Each campsite feels like its own private woodland retreat, where nature's architecture provides both shelter and inspiration.
Geological RegionStrawberry Campground claims its place in the magnificent Plumas National Forest, where ancient geological forces sculpted the landscape into today's paradise of forested ridges and pristine waterways. Here, where mixed fir forests meet the engineered beauty of Sly Creek Reservoir, campers experience the best of both worlds—the timeless majesty of old-growth conifers and the recreational opportunities of a mountain lake, all wrapped in the diverse ecosystems that make the Sierra Nevada foothills a year-round destination for nature lovers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityVault toilets are wheelchair accessible.
Sites SizeEach site is described as having a paved parking apron, suitable for trailers.
Sites PrivacyThe sites are located in a single loop within a dense stand of mixed fir, offering natural shade.
Total Campsites17 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommend sites closer to Sly Creek Reservoir for water access and scenic views. Shaded sites are abundant due to dense fir trees.
Best CampsitesSites closest to the lake edge during springtime provide optimal water access and views.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 day maximum stay.
Guests Allowed Per Site
6people per site.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of a single loop layout on the west bank of Sly Creek Reservoir.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable; sites are first come, first served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll 17 sites are first come, first served, with no reservation options available.
Cancellation PolicyReservations cannot be made in advance; cancellation policies are not applicable.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of activities, mostly centered around water sports and outdoor recreation at the nearby Sly Creek Reservoir. Popular activities include motorized boating, fishing, and scenic viewing. Water skiing is unavailable.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include Rainbow and Brown trout and Kokanee salmon in Sly Creek Reservoir.Boating
Boating is supported with a boat ramp located on the west side of Sly Creek Reservoir and another carry-down ramp 0.8 miles from the campground. Both motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted.Wildlife viewing
The campground and surrounding area offer opportunities for scenic viewing and possibly observing local wildlife.Winter Activities
No winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Boating and water activities like motorized boating are available, though water skiing is not supported.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- No specific policies noted, but assume standard Forest Service fire regulations apply.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, lack of potable water, and steep single-lane access roads.
Active alertsNone currently specified.
Weather forecast
87
°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
Emergency Services
Feather River Ranger District (530-534-6500) and emergency services in nearby town of Challenge.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season corresponds with open dates (Memorial Day through Labor Day).
Trash and recyclingNo specific information about trash and recycling facilities is available.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Sly Creek Reservoir, which spans 562 acres and offers a carry-down boat ramp facility 0.8 miles away.
Common complaintsUser reviews indicate rusty non-potable hand-pumped water, occasional maintenance issues like lack of toilet paper, and overgrown campsites.
HostNo campground host specified.
Campground Map
Strawberry Campground, Plumas National Forest, Feather River Ranger District, California
Driving directionsFrom La Porte, CA, take Main St. (LaPorte Rd.) south 10.4 miles to campground directional sign. Turn right and go 1.7 miles to campground. NOTE: Last 1.7 miles is single-lane with turnouts.
The road access includes 1.7 miles of single-lane road with turnouts which may be challenging for larger vehicles or RVs.Nearby places
Challenge (approx. 12.1 miles), La Porte (10.4 miles)
Nearby supplies
Challenge, CA (approx. 12.1 miles) offers limited supplies. Larger grocery, fuel, and camping supply stores available in La Porte or nearby towns.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Strawberry Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's scenic beauty, shaded environment, and proximity to Sly Creek Reservoir as positives. However, they note a lack of potable water, issues with vault toilet supplies, and maintenance concerns at some campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
Campground is 'kind of hidden to the masses,' providing a quiet and scenic retreat. The reservoir and trees create a shaded and natural environment.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
'No running water'; water spigots are described as 'rusty and no good.' Only two bathrooms for 20 campgrounds, and toilet paper supply was an issue. Some campsites need maintenance.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water and be prepared for potentially low supplies of restroom facilities.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviewers generally appreciate the site's natural beauty and activities during warmer months, but no specific seasonal trends are documented.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
'Great campground, kind of hidden to the masses.' 'We call this our home base campground.' 'Good campsites and shady.' 'No running water; pipe in water is rusty, it's no good.' 'Only two bathrooms...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Some campsites 'need to be cleared out,' but no specific site numbers are mentioned.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible vault toilets are available, but no further accessibility reviews are noted.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must remain on a leash and be attended at all times.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025