Lightning Tree sits on the shores of Lake Davis, a 1967 reservoir that stretches 32 miles of shoreline through the hills north of Portola. With more than three dozen sites for tents and RVs, it anchors the Lake Davis Recreation Area alongside two other family campgrounds. The setting delivers straightforward lake camping with fishing, boating, and mountain access.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 💵Fee per Night
- $38
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,900 ft
- 📍GPS
- 39.92546, -120.51049
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Lightning Tree operates as a developed campground at 5,800 feet, offering both single and double-capacity sites that handle tents and RVs. Some sites meet accessibility standards. The campground serves as one of three family-friendly options in the Lake Davis Recreation Area, positioned to take advantage of the lake's boat launches and fishing access points scattered around the perimeter.
Most sites operate first-come, first-served, though some open for reservations up to six months ahead. For showers, you'll need to drive 4 miles to Grasshopper Flat Campground and bring coins.
The Water
Lake Davis was created by damming Grizzly Creek, originally to supply water to Portola while creating fishing and recreation opportunities. Anglers work the shoreline and deeper water for rainbow trout, brown trout, bass, and catfish. A boat ramp sits nearby for launching.
Swimming and general boating round out the water activities. Winter brings ice fishing when conditions allow, plus snowmobiling and cross-country skiing access.
Beyond the Lake
Smith Peak State Game Refuge stretches south and west of the lake, offering bird watching and wildlife viewing opportunities. The restored Basque-style sheepherder bread oven at Jenkins Point provides a glimpse into the area's ranching past, when large sheep operations used these meadows before the dam.
For broader views, Smith Peak Fire Lookout delivers panoramas across Lake Davis, Sierra Valley, and peaks in both the Sierra Nevada and Cascade ranges. Mountain biking, hiking, and hunting extend the recreation menu beyond the water.
Portola handles supply runs with restaurants, stores, and services, plus the largest railroad museum in the Western United States.