North Fork Campground (Plumas)

Star4.35
24 reviews
North Fork Campground (Plumas)
$30.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
"Rates vary seasonally: $45 for Standard Electric peak season; $35 for Standard Non-electric during peak season; $40 for Standard Electric...
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Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$45.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$80.00

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
530-927-7878info@outdoorsinplumas.com

About this campground

Nestled along the pristine waters of the Feather River, North Fork Campground seamlessly blends modern amenities with the rustic appeal of its storied past. This recently renovated gem welcomes both tent campers seeking a traditional experience and RV travelers looking for comfort in the wilderness. Each thoughtfully designed site offers the perfect balance of accessibility and natural immersion, making it an ideal basecamp for your Sierra Nevada adventures.
North Fork Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping. It offers a mix of electric and non-electric sites, and some sites are noted for their spaciousness, while others are described as small and closely packed. Group camping, primitive camping, and luxury options like glamping are not mentioned.
Weather and SeasonsThe campground truly comes alive from May through August, when gentle mountain breezes replace winter's chill and wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant hues. During these peak months, expect pleasantly warm days perfect for river activities and cool, star-filled nights that invite campfire gatherings. Early season visitors might encounter lingering snow on higher peaks, while late summer brings golden afternoons and the first hints of autumn's approach.
ElevationPerched at 2,000 feet within the dramatic Feather River Canyon, the campground offers a sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool without the thin atmosphere of higher elevations. This moderate altitude provides stunning canyon views while keeping you comfortable for all your outdoor pursuits, from morning hikes to evening stargazing sessions.
Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by the breathtaking tapestry of Plumas National Forest, North Fork Campground serves as your gateway to a wonderland of cascading streams, crystalline mountain lakes, and dramatic canyon walls. Towering pines and firs frame distant peaks, while wildflower-dotted meadows open to reveal panoramic vistas. The nearby Feather River Canyon carves through the landscape, creating a natural amphitheater where the sounds of rushing water blend with birdsong and rustling leaves.
Geological RegionSet within the spectacular Feather River Canyon in Plumas National Forest, the campground sits at the heart of a geological masterpiece millions of years in the making. Ancient volcanic activity and patient river erosion have sculpted this landscape of deep canyons, fertile mountain valleys, and alpine meadows crowned by majestic peaks. This diverse terrain creates countless microclimates and ecosystems, offering visitors an ever-changing panorama of Northern California's most stunning mountain scenery.
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Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specifically mentioned in the authoritative content or user reviews.
Sites SizeSites sizes vary, with some noted as large and spacious. However, other reviews mention that the sites are small and in close proximity to one another, reducing privacy.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels are low, with campsites described as being very close together. One user noted, 'you can hear and see everything your neighbors are doing.'
Total Campsites21 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Site 3 has spacious setup for trailers; site 16 has shade, good for tent trailers."
Best Campsites"Sites 1-4 offer hookups; site 16 overlooks river; site 11 near clean bathrooms."

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
"2:00 PM."
Check-out
"12:00 PM."
Stay Limit
"You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground all year round."
Groups
There are no group camping sites available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layout"21 sites, spaced closely; loop includes sites with hookups and larger pads."
Open and Closed Season"Open from May 23 to August 31 for reservations; first-come, first-served from September 1 to September 28."
Reservation Platforms"Reservations through Recreation.gov, in-person, app, or contact center."
Walk-in Availability"Available from September 1 to September 28."
Cancellation Policy"Reservations can be changed or canceled before arrival with a $10 fee for modifications or cancellations. Late cancellations lose the first night’s fee and a $10 fee."

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Electricity hookups

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, swimming, and wading in the Feather River and North Fork, which are within easy walking distance. Wildlife viewing and dirt biking are also popular. However, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the fishing quality.
Fishing
Fishing is popular in the nearby Feather River and North Fork, with rainbow trout being the primary catch. Some users reported good experiences, catching several fish, while others described the fishing as poor.
Swimming
Swimming and wading are common activities in the nearby rivers. The waters are described as clean and easily accessible.
Wildlife viewing
The area is known for its rich natural features, making it suitable for wildlife viewing. Specific wildlife species are not mentioned.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like tubing and swimming are popular in the nearby rivers.
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Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • "Campfires allowed with restrictions; local firewood purchase encouraged to prevent pests."
  • Quiet hours are "10:00 PM."

Hazards

General hazards"Bears frequent the area, wildfires are a concern, and cell service is unreliable."
Active alerts"No specific alerts present, but heavy burn damage is noted."

Weather forecast

61
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Humidity: 31%

Comfortable humidity levels

Wind: 0.7 mph

Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities

Clear sky

7 day forecast

Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

"Emergency services are not explicitly stated; however, basic necessities like gas and phone service are within 10 miles."

Good to know

Peak season dates"May 23 - August 31."
Trash and recyclingDumpsters are provided for trash and recycling, but users have reported issues with them overflowing. One user noted that trash had to be cleaned up daily due to bears rummaging through the dumpsters.
Proximity to water features"Walking distance to Feather River for trout fishing, swimming, and wading."
Common complaints"Small, closely spaced sites, rude or absent hosts, and crowded river access mentioned in reviews."
Host"Hosts Ron & Sharon praised for cleanliness in 2019 reviews; others noted hands-off approach."

Campground Map

"Easy access from Highway 70, just east of the Highway 89 intersection."
Nearby supplies
"A full-service store, gas, and phone service is available less than 10 miles away."

Camper Reviews

4.4
24 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
North Fork Campground (Plumas) is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for North Fork Campground are mixed, with an average sentiment of 3.92 for campground-specific experiences. Common themes include clean facilities, proximity to the river, and friendly hosts, but issues with site proximity, overflowing trash, and inconsistent host behavior were also noted. Experiences seem to vary significantly between visits, often dependent on host and seasonal conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects highlighted in reviews include the proximity to the river ('30 or so feet from our site'), clean restrooms and showers ('cleanest bathrooms I've seen in a campground'), the...
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Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include small and closely packed sites, lack of privacy, inconsistent host behavior, trash overflow, and occasional issues with facilities such as showers being out of order. Some...
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Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include ensuring you have quarters for the coin-operated showers, being prepared for unreliable cell service, and arriving early to secure better sites. Visitors also recommend...
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Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews suggest that the best experiences occur in early summer when the river is full and clean. Late summer and fall visits are marred by issues like fire damage, overcrowding, and reduced privacy....
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Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Nice and clean! Camp host was wonderful! Easy access for trout fishing.' 2. 'The river was clean and full in July.' 3. 'Sites are very small and very close to each other.'</p>','4. 'Clean hot...
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Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #3: Features 30-amp service and is close to the creek for swimming; however, the fire pit and picnic table placement is awkward. Site #16: Offers river views but no access due to fire damage....
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Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews do not provide specific insights into accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 24 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and the campground is described as pet-friendly, though one user reported inconsistent enforcement of leash rules. Campground hosts' attitudes towards pets appear to vary.
Based on 24 reviews

Last updated November 24, 2025
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