Gansner Bar Campground (Ca)
4.627 reviewsnull
Gansner Bar Campground (Ca)
$30.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$31.00
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
The nightly rate is $31 during the peak season (May 23 - August 31) and $30 during the first-come, first-served season (September 1 - September 28). No discounts, taxes, or incremental charges are included in these rates.
About this campground
Nestled along the scenic Highway 70 in the heart of the Feather River Canyon, Gansner Bar Campground offers an authentic outdoor experience for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts. While you won't find hookups here, you'll discover something better: a genuine connection with nature. Each single-family campsite comes thoughtfully equipped with a sturdy table for memorable meals under the stars, a campfire ring with grill for evening gatherings, and access to clean vault toilets and fresh drinking water. This is camping as it was meant to be – simple, serene, and surrounded by the raw beauty of Northern California's wilderness.
Gansner Bar Campground accommodates tent and RV camping with single-family sites. No hookups are available for RVs. Group camping, cabins, or glamping options are not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceGansner Bar carries the weathered soul of California's camping heritage, where generations of families have created memories around crackling fires and beneath towering pines. Recent thoughtful upgrades have enhanced visitor comfort while preserving the campground's timeless character. The landscape here tells its own story – bearing the scars of recent wildfires that swept through the region, yet demonstrating nature's remarkable resilience as new growth emerges from the ashes. It's a place where the past and present converge, reminding us of both the fragility and endurance of these wild spaces.
Weather and SeasonsThe canyon's microclimate creates a fascinating tapestry of weather throughout the year. Some weeks bring crisp, clear skies perfect for stargazing and hiking, while others usher in dramatic weather displays – from gentle rains that perfume the forest air to winter snows that dust the surrounding peaks. The savvy camper knows to check conditions before arriving, as the canyon can surprise with sudden winds or storms. Those lucky enough to visit during the golden weeks of stable weather are rewarded with moderate temperatures and that perfect dry mountain air that makes every breath feel refreshing.
ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet above sea level, Gansner Bar occupies that sweet spot where the heat of the valley gives way to the cool embrace of mountain air. This elevation gifts the campground with temperatures that can be 10-15 degrees cooler than the scorching valley floor below, creating a natural refuge during summer months. The mountain atmosphere here is palpable – crisp mornings that call for an extra layer, afternoons perfect for exploration, and evenings that invite you to gather around the campfire as the temperature drops with the setting sun.
Natural Features and SceneryThe Feather River Canyon reveals itself as nature's masterpiece, with Gansner Bar positioned perfectly to showcase its dramatic beauty. Crystal-clear streams tumble over ancient rocks, feeding into serene lakes that mirror the sky. Deep canyons carved by millennia of flowing water create a landscape of stunning contrasts – from sun-drenched ridges to shadowy ravines. Mountain valleys open like hidden rooms, each revealing wildflower meadows in spring and golden grasses in fall. Towering peaks frame every vista, their slopes clothed in forests that whisper stories of the wilderness. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is nothing short of paradise – a playground where hiking trails lead to hidden waterfalls, fishing spots promise solitude, and every sunrise paints the canyon walls in shades of gold and rose.
Geological RegionGansner Bar Campground claims its place within the majestic Plumas National Forest, where the Feather River has spent countless centuries carving one of California's most spectacular canyons. This geological wonderland showcases the powerful forces that shaped the Sierra Nevada – ancient volcanic activity, relentless erosion, and the patient work of water and ice. The result is a diverse landscape where rushing streams have cut deep gorges between weathered granite peaks, creating a terrain that shifts dramatically from gentle meadows to precipitous cliffs. Lakes nestle in high basins like jewels, while the canyon walls reveal layers of geological history to those who know how to read them. It's a region where every rock formation, every bend in the river, and every mountain vista tells the story of Earth's incredible creative power.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific details on accessibility options were provided.
Sites SizeSites accommodate both tent and RV camping.
Sites PrivacyNo detailed information on privacy is provided in the sources.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesOpt for sites closer to the river for better scenery and activities. Campsite 013 is particularly recommended for families.
Best CampsitesCampsites 007, 010, and 013 have received positive reviews for cleanliness, proximity to the river, and family-friendly amenities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-In is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-Out is Noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay allowed is 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Generally, campsites will accommodate 2 vehicles and likely have space for average-sized groups. No specific guest count is detailed.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle-family campsites laid out near the Feather River. Specific loop or section descriptions are not provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season starts May 23, 2025; reservable dates begin Jun 25, 2025. Closes for reservations on August 31, 2025. First-come, first-served season runs from September 1, 2025 to September 28, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov. Walk-up availability is offered outside of peak season.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during the first-come, first-served season (September 1 - September 28, 2025).
Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made ahead of your arrival date with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (starting from midnight 1 calendar day before check-in) incur additional penalties including forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee. Modifications carry a $10 fee unless extending or shortening stays or switching to a similar campsite.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers various recreational opportunities, including fishing, swimming, and wading in the nearby Feather River. "Anglers enjoy a healthy supply of rainbow trout," and the river is within walking distance. The lush natural setting also provides an appealing environment for relaxation and family fun.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires must adhere to local guidelines. Firewood bundles can be purchased from the campground host.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent bear activity requires campers to store food appropriately. Cell service is unreliable.
Active alertsHeavy burn damage is reported at the location, which may impact aesthetics and usability.
Weather forecast
96
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 20%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10.1 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
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
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Good to know
Peak season datesMay 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025
Trash and recyclingNo specific details provided about trash and recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresClose to the Feather River, which is popular for swimming, wading, and fishing.
Common complaintsSome users noted dissatisfaction due to fire damage. Others appreciated the quiet environment and helpful camp host.
HostCamp hosts are described as helpful and approachable, with some users praising their service over decades.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsGansner Bar Campground is located on Highway 70 just east of the Highway 89 intersection; just east of where Spanish Creek and Indian Creek merge together to create the east branch of the North Fork Feather River.
The campground is accessible from Highway 70, which is a paved road. No specific mention of seasonal road closures or challenging terrain.Nearby places
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Nearby supplies
A full-service store, gas, and phone service are available less than 10 miles away.
Camper Reviews
4.6
7 reviews
Gansner Bar Campground (Ca) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Gansner Bar Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with an average sentiment score of 4.59 overall and 4.71 for campgrounds specifically. Visitors frequently mention the excellent camp host, clean facilities, and the tranquil river setting. However, some reviewers noted the impact of fire damage on the site's appeal.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests praised the "clean bathrooms," "helpful camp hosts," and "peaceful river running adjacent to the campsite." The abundance of rainbow trout and the opportunities for family activities in the...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users pointed out the effects of prior fire damage on the campground's ambiance, and one review noted that the location "is not that great anymore" due to fire impacts.
Based on 7 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own firewood or plan to buy it from the campground host. Be prepared for limited cell phone service. The nearby river is great for fishing, so pack fishing gear.
Based on 7 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer is particularly popular for family activities like swimming and fishing, as indicated by multiple reviewers enjoying the river during their July visits.
Based on 7 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Loved this location! Clean bathrooms with running water, helpful camp host. Peaceful river running adjacent to the campsite." "Had a great time. Beautiful, well-kept camp host was great, very...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 007: "Camp host is superb. Due to fire last year location is not that great anymore, but nearby river has plenty of spots for fun." Site 013: "Loved it! Would love more space on the water but...
Based on 7 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025