Plumas-Eureka State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Perched high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Plumas-Eureka State Park is a dream for history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts. This is one of California’s hidden gems; in one trip, you can explore the remains of a historic town from the Gold Rush, fish in cold mountain lakes, and hike high into the rocky peaks. Whether you’re exploring on foot or on horseback, chances are good that you’ll spot a relic from the region’s rich mining tradition. Although it feels remote and isolated, Plumas-Eureka State Park is surprisingly easy to reach — it’s just 64 miles from Reno, Nevada, and 68 miles from Incline Village on the shores of Lake Tahoe. The village of Graeagle, California, is just 6 miles east. Late spring through early fall is the best time to visit; in the winter, come prepared for snow and cold weather.
Spring 35-60 F
Summer 60-80 F
Fall 50-65 F
Winter 20-40 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Plumas-Eureka State Park
Temperatures in Plumas-Eureka State Park can swing dramatically from day to night. An RV is a comfortable way to enjoy the park and stay cozy in changing weather conditions. If you’re not an RV owner quite yet, a rental motorhome or trailer is a great alternative. With RVshare, you can pick exactly the features you need for your trip and camp in luxury.
Upper Jamison Creek Campground
Upper Jamison Creek Campground is located inside Plumas-Eureka State Park — in fact, it’s so conveniently located that you can start hiking just a few steps from your campsite. Each of the 67 sites comes with a private picnic table and fire ring; you’ll also get a bear locker to keep food safe during the trip. Although the campground doesn’t offer hookups, you’ll find hot showers and flush toilets for comfort. Campers are also welcome to use the on-site dumpstation. Keep in mind that sites at Upper Jamison Creek are suited for RVs up to 28 feet long. Sites here start at $35 per night.
Little Bear RV Park
Enjoy a luxurious wilderness camping experience at Little Bear RV Park, which is set among the trees and peaks just a few miles from Plumas-Eureka State Park. Choose from 80 sites with full hookups and 10 sites with water and electric. Each site also includes access to satellite TV and free Wi-Fi, so everyone in your family can stay entertained after a long day. Pets are welcome on a leash, and there’s even a handy off-leash area for active play. Just a short walk from your site, the camp store, horseshoe pits, swings, and ping-pong tables await. Feel free to make a campfire or bring your own grill to take your adventure to the next level. RV sites at Little Bear start at $36 in the low season for sites without sewer hookups; for a full-hookup site with 50-amp electricity, rates start at $50 per night. Expect higher prices during the summer.
What to Do at
Plumas-Eureka State Park
Inside Plumas-Eureka State Park
If you’re visiting Plumas-Eureka State Park from Memorial Day to mid-September, start your visit at the park’s museum. The thoughtfully curated exhibits offer a peek into Gold Rush life. You can also watch historic reenactors demonstrate blacksmithing equipment, show how a mining family lived, and provide tours of each building. When you're ready to check things out on your own, lace up your hiking boots and explore the high Sierras on foot and hike the Grass Lake Trail or the Talking Forest Nature Trail. Anglers can drop a line in Jamison Creek and try their luck fishing for trout.
Outside Plumas-Eureka State Park
Plumas-Eureka State Park is surrounded by some of California’s most beautiful landscapes and fascinating history. Whether you’re a novice hiker or a seasoned trekker, it’s easy to find the perfect trail. Individuals, groups, and families will all find plenty to do within an hour or two of the park. Blairsden and Graeagle are both home to several great places to eat and shop.
Restaurants
The Iron Door
The Iron Door is the closest restaurant to the park, making it an easy option before or after a day of adventure. It’s built inside a historic wooden building. Be sure to ask about the ghost that allegedly haunts the site.
Type: American
Location: 5417 Johnsville Rd, Blairsden-Graeagle, CA 96103
Bread & Butter
Stop by this food truck for a fun family breakfast or lunch. Bread & Butter is known for its huge sandwiches and fresh ingredients. For a treat, try the massive cinnamon rolls.
Type: American
Location: 21 Bonta St, Blairsden, CA 96103
Graeagle Mountain Frostee
Relaxed and kid-friendly, this eatery is fun for families and anyone looking for a quick burger. Leave room for the restaurant’s iconic tall ice cream cones.
Type: American
Location: 28 CA-89, Blairsden-Graeagle, CA 96103
Coyote Bar & Grill
With its varied menu, this restaurant is ideal for groups with different tastes. Although many of the dishes lean toward Southwestern fare, you’ll also find fried chicken, seafood, and more.
Type: Southwest
Location: Graeagle, CA 96103
The Brewing Lair
Sip a locally made beer on the outdoor patio at this chill spot, which is surrounded by the forest and welcoming to families. While you’re at it, take a tour of the brewery or play a round of disc golf.
Type: Brewery
Location: 67007 CA-70, Blairsden, CA 96103
Shopping
Briar Patch
Pick up a gift or a handmade souvenir from Briar Patch, a tiny store that’s packed with fascinating treasures.
Location: 7525 CA-89, Blairsden-Graeagle, CA 96103
Graeagle Mercantile
Modeled after an old-fashioned mercantile, this store carries everything from clothing to souvenirs.
Location: 108, CA-89, Graeagle, CA 96103
Queen Bee
This women’s clothing store offers a range of casual items as well as a selection of antiques.
Location: 7701 CA-89, Graeagle, CA 96103
Buckaroo Chocolates
Grab a snack for the road at this friendly spot, which specializes in indulgent treats.
Location: 7386 CA-89, Graeagle, CA 96103
Feathers
With its stock of gifts and home goods, Feathers is a fun spot to browse on a cool afternoon.
Location: 7467 CA-89, Graeagle, CA 96103
Sightseeing
Lakes Basin Recreation Area
Bring your hiking gear to this recreation area. Miles of trails crisscross the region, which boasts more than 20 lakes and some of the most expansive views in the high Sierras. If you prefer to relax, bring your fishing gear or go for a swim in the cool mountain water. In the winter, the area opens for skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing.
Pacific Crest Trail
Hike a section of this fabled trail, which lies east of the park. Bring plenty of layers and keep an eye out for the hardy through-hikers as they attempt to walk the entire length.
Eureka Peak
Close to Plumas-Eureka State Park, you’ll find the trail to Eureka Peak. It’s rocky and steep in some sections, but it’s manageable for families; at the top, the views across the Sierras are well worth the walk.
Plumas Pines Golf Course
Play 18 of the most beautiful holes in California at this golf course, which sits less than 10 minutes from the park. With its rolling hills and forested edges, this spot looks straight out of a postcard.
Lake Davis
Located to the east of Plumas-Eureka State Park, this lake is the perfect spot for year-round recreation. Swim, fish, and boat in the summer. When the snow falls, try ice fishing or cross-country skiing.
How to Get to
Plumas-Eureka State Park
If you’re traveling in an RV, the easiest way to reach Plumas-Eureka State Park is on Graeagle Johnsville Road. This route minimizes your time on narrow mountain roads. To get there, take Highway 70 to Blairsden or Highway 89 to Graeagle and head west.
By RV
View RV RentalsEntering Plumas-Eureka State Park
Plumas-Eureka State Park is open year-round; however, the museum closes down for the winter starting in mid-September. If you’re visiting when it’s closed, the park staff encourages you to check out the grounds and the historic buildings. The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
Plumas-Eureka State Park Per vehicle : $0.0
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Frequently Asked Questions About Plumas-Eureka State Park
Plumas Eureka State Park is open all year during the day. That means that the best time to visit is during the early summer when the daylight lasts longer than in the other seasons.
The climate is dry, and during the summer, it sometimes doesn't rain at all for two months. The heat and cold are temperate throughout the seasons, which means that you don't have to pack extra gear for temperature extremes.
Plumas Eureka State Park contains an abundance of wildlife, some of which includes dangerous predators like mountain lions. Black bears usually don't bother people, however. You shouldn't feed the bears either.
The park is an old boom town from the California Gold Rush. There are 60 campsites, 41 of which can accommodate small RVs. The others are tent-only. There is an additional tent-only campground as well.
Plumas Eureka State Park requires reservations at least seven months in advance. The staff releases the available dates in one-month blocks on the first of every month, so to get a spot that you want, be vigilant.