Grizzly sits on the eastern shore of Lake Davis, where tall pines throw shade over 55 sites and the fishing is the main draw. It's one of three campgrounds in the recreation area, designed for families who want lake access without the noise of motorized watersports. Most sites lack lake views, but you're half a mile from a boat ramp and surrounded by forest roads worth exploring.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 55
- 💵Fee per Night
- $38
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,900 ft
- 📍GPS
- 39.88722, -120.47250
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-836-2575
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground spreads through pine forest at 5,777 feet, with sites equipped for both tents and RVs — though no hookups are provided. Two sites meet accessibility standards. The pines deliver solid shade, but don't expect much privacy between sites; understory is sparse. Only a handful of the 55 sites have actual lake views, despite the shoreline location.
Each site gets a picnic table and fire ring with grill, plus space for two vehicles. Flush toilets and drinking water are on-site, with a campground host present. For showers, you'll drive half a mile to Grasshopper Flat Campground and feed the coin machine.
What to Know
A large portion of sites operate first-come, first-served, though reservations are required for some. Lake Davis bans water skiing and jet skiing, keeping things quieter than your typical recreational lake. The 4,000-acre lake offers 32 miles of shoreline and four boat launches, with the nearest ramp just north of camp.
Anglers find rainbow trout, brown trout, bass, and catfish. The Smith Peak State Game Refuge borders the lake's east and south sides, creating habitat that draws wildlife watchers and hunters during appropriate seasons.
Nearby
Portola sits 9 miles away and houses one of the West's largest railroad museums. For a different perspective on the area, Smith Peak Fire Lookout is accessible when lightning isn't a concern.
The forest roads around Lake Davis reward exploration if you bring a map, full gas tank, and reliable vehicle. Fall brings aspen color to complement the year-round pine forest. The setting combines meadow rangeland with pine forest in every direction, backed by the recreational opportunities of a managed lake system built in 1967.