Gold Lake 4 X 4 Campground

About this site

Overview Gold Lake 4x4 campground in northeast Plumas County, CA lies at 6,400 feet in elevation within the Plumas National Forest. The mountains, forest and lake setting provide a picturesque landscape for relaxation, adventure and exploration. A popular location with access to the backcountry, visitors should carefully review what this facility provides. This campground is not a luxury destination and may not meet your comfort level. This is a rustic campground with no utilities, water, hookups, trash service, or restroom facilities. Campers must pack out all their sanitation and trash. Families may decide one of the other campgrounds nearby is better suited to meet their needs and expectations. Visitors staying at the 4x4 campground will be within the Lakes Basin Recreation Area that requires camping within developed campsites. For those seeking a more dispersed experience, campers must ensure they are well outside the boundaries of the recreation area. The Lakes Basin & Sierra Buttes Map illustrates where boundaries and forest roads are found. These maps are available at the USGS Store online or from Plumas National Forest Offices. Recreation Visitors often use this campground as a home base to enjoy water sports, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting and a host of other activities. The OHV access road continues beyond the campground and onto the adjacent Tahoe National Forest. From here, other roads lead north toward "A-Tree", LaPorte and Plumas Eureka State Park, southwest towards Downieville and Sierra City and south toward Packer Lake and Sardine Lakes. Make sure to take a suitable vehicle, a map, and extra food and water. Facilities Visitors often use this campground as a home base to enjoy water sports, mountain biking, hiking, fishing, hunting and a host of other activities. The OHV access road continues beyond the campground and onto the adjacent Tahoe National Forest. From here, other roads lead north toward "A-Tree", LaPorte and Plumas Eureka State Park, southwest towards Downieville and Sierra City and south toward Packer Lake and Sardine Lakes. Make sure to take a suitable vehicle, a map, and extra food and water. Natural Features As the Lakes Basin Recreation Area name implies, the region has many crystal clear alpine lakes to explore. Glacial carved granite peaks and ridges, sunrises and sunsets reflected in the waters over Gold Lake, the whisper of pines rustling in the wind or a glimpse of a shy doe will leave an indelible memory and entice you to return again and again. The region is rich in history that includes Native American use, gold discovery, westward migration, forestry, railroads, grazing, and agriculture. You may even find evidence of those that travelled here decades or centuries before you. Nearby Attractions Though in a remote location, Gold Lake 4X4 Campground is near several attractions worth visiting. Mills Peak Fire Lookout is manned during fire season and welcomes visitors. Mills Peak Trail, a premier mountain bike trail, descends from the lookout towards the community of Graeagle. Pan for gold and explore the hard rock mining history or attend one of the other interpretive activities at Plumas Eureka State Park. Try not to miss the spectacular views of and from the Sierra Buttes and its lookout. All aboard! Take a ride on the rails while checking out the Railroad Museum in Portola. The Reid Cattle Company can offer cowboys and cowgirls trail rides at the outlet of Gold Lake or from their Graeagle location. Additional Info: No water, toilet facilities, or trash service available. Restrooms have been removed. Access via boulder-strewn OHV road requiring high-clearance 4x4 vehicle. Boat access possible from east side of Gold Lake but no facilities at site. Reservations required; first-come camping prohibited. Each site has picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker.

Amenities & access

Contact

• 530-836-2575
• https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10309566

Location

39.669501, -120.665467