About RED FEATHER CALIFORNIA
Overview Red Feather Campground is located on the eastern shore of Little Grass Valley Reservoir, providing visitors with ample opportunity to fish, swim, boat, and enjoy nature. It is one of eight campgrounds in the area, providing access to a beautiful mountain lake and various hiking trails that meander through the scenic hills and valleys.Recreation The 1,615-acre lake provides ample opportunities for visitors to fish, boat, swim, and water ski. Anglers can expect a catch of a variety of trout and kokanee salmon, among other species of fish. Fishing licenses are required. The Lakeshore Trail, which loops 13.5 miles around the lake, is available for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. The trail connects to the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail, which stretches from 2,650 miles, across three states from Canada to Mexico. The Lakeshore Trail is popular among day hikers.Facilities The campground offers dozens of single-family campsites, available for tent and RV camping. More than a handful of the sites overlook the beautiful lake, while others are surrounded by characteristic mixed-conifer forest and alpine meadows. The Maidu boat launch ramp is located nearby, adjacent to Little Beaver Campground and the Maidu Amphitheater. Campsites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Flush toilets and drinking water are provided. Utility hookups are not available. All sites have paved parking spurs. Bear-resistant trash collection bins are located throughout the campground.Natural Features The campground is located in the Northern Sierra Nevada Mountains of northern California at an elevation of about 5,100 feet. It is on the eastern shore of the Little Grass Valley Reservoir, which was formed by dam construction and subsequent flooding of the valley in the 1960s. The campground and the lake are surrounded by thick stands of pine and fir trees. Several public campgrounds are located around the lake, as well as private cabins on the south side. Ne
How to Get There
From Oroville, California, travel east on Highway 162 to Olive Highway. Turn right and continue 5 miles to Forbestown Road. Turn right and go 16 miles to La Porte Road. Turn left and travel 27 miles to La Porte, then 2 miles to signs for the recreation area. Turn right and continue just over 2 miles to the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 8 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (45°F low → 68°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to RED FEATHER CALIFORNIA
Heading to RED FEATHER CALIFORNIA? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for RED FEATHER CALIFORNIA?
No central reservation system listed for RED FEATHER CALIFORNIA. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232267) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to RED FEATHER CALIFORNIA?
From Oroville, California, travel east on Highway 162 to Olive Highway. Turn right and continue 5 miles to Forbestown Road. Turn right and go 16 miles to La Porte Road. Turn left and travel 27 miles to La Porte, then 2 miles to signs for the recreation area. Turn right and continue just over 2 miles to the campground.
How do I contact RED FEATHER CALIFORNIA?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-534-6500.
References & Official Resources
