Ayers Creek Retreat

Private aspen grove camping 1.5 miles from Lake Davis - Hipcamp Star Host, 100% rating

Location: Portola, CA, CA

Price: From $45 per night

Price range: $45–$65 per night

Rating: 5 out of 5 (15 reviews)

Season: May through October

Ayers Creek Retreat is a private campground on Kari’s own land in a genuine aspen grove with a seasonal creek, 1.5 miles from Lake Davis in Plumas County. Three upgraded sites: Cedar (tent-only, right on the creek), Aspen (RV up to 39ft, water/sewer hookups), and Pine (shaded mid-property, ideal for families). Every site has sun sails, outdoor seating, picnic tables, and a fire pit. On-site barn with bar, karaoke, cornhole, and hammocks. New bathroom with sink and toilet added 2025. Kari greets

Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas. Verizon 4G: 0%. AT&T 4G: 0%. T-Mobile 4G: 0%.

Amenities: 3 private sites (Cedar, Aspen, Pine), Water & sewer hookups at Aspen site (RV up to 39ft), Sun sails on every site, Picnic tables & fire pits, Barn with bar, karaoke & cornhole, Hammocks, Bathroom with sink & toilet (added 2025), Firewood available on-site, Creek access (seasonal), Pet friendly

Ayers Creek Retreat is what private campgrounds should be but rarely are. Three sites on Kari's own land in a genuine aspen grove with a seasonal creek, 1.5 miles from Lake Davis. Each site is its own space: Aspen in the trees at the top of the property, Pine shaded and private, Cedar right on the creek. Kari greets every guest personally, gives local tips, and checks in during your stay without hovering. Her 100% rating across 15 Hipcamp reviews is the rarest thing in campground hosting. The barn with bar, karaoke, and cornhole is the unexpected gem that turns a camping trip into a real experience.

One of only a handful of private campgrounds in California where the owner personally greets every guest and has maintained a 100% rating. Kari built real infrastructure — barn bar, new bathroom, sun sails on every site — making this a destination, not just a field with a fire pit.

Insider tips for Ayers Creek Retreat: Cedar site sits right on the seasonal creek — the sound of water all night is worth the self-contained requirement The barn bar is the hidden gem — Kari will open it for you. Ask when you arrive. Karaoke, cornhole, hammocks. September and early October is the secret season: aspens turn gold, temperatures drop to perfect camping weather, Lake Davis fishing peaks for kokanee salmon Lake Davis kokanee salmon fishing is excellent in fall — Kari knows the best spots. The boat ramp is a 3-minute drive. Firewood is available right on the property — no need to haul it from town

Skip Ayers Creek Retreat if: You need 50A power for a large Class A — Aspen has water and sewer but power is limited. You require an on-site shower — the bathroom has sink and toilet but no shower. You need cell service for remote work — this is genuinely off-grid.

Best time to visit Ayers Creek Retreat: September–October — Aspen trees turn gold, temps drop to 50s–70s, crowds disappear, and Lake Davis kokanee salmon fishing peaks.. June–August — Peak season — warm days, creek running, Lake Davis swimming and paddleboarding. Book well in advance..

Common issues at Ayers Creek Retreat: Cedar tent site is self-contained only. New bathroom with sink and toilet is on the property. For showers, Portola is 10 miles south on Hwy 70. Cell service limited in Plumas County mountains. Download Gaia GPS or Maps.me offline before leaving the highway. Verizon gets occasional signal near the barn. Use it as a feature, not a bug. Only 3 sites — books fast on summer weekends. Book 3 weeks ahead for July/August. Midweek September and early October has best availability and stunning fall colors.

What campers say about Ayers Creek Retreat: "Kari loves this property and you can tell by her attention to detail. Sites are perfectly spaced, clean and peaceful. We can't wait to go back." — Libby — 24ft travel trailer, family with kids "She greeted us when we arrived and showed us around while giving tips about the local wildlife. She checked in every now and then to make sure we had everything we needed." — Hipcamp guest — family with littles "Kari is such an amazing person, she made us feel like family!" — Hipcamp guest

Local info near Ayers Creek Retreat: Nearest fuel: Portola — 10 miles south on Highway 70. Nearest grocery: Portola Market — 10 miles. Basic supplies.. Nearest hospital: Plumas District Hospital, Quincy — 25 miles. Best nearby hike: Lakes Basin Recreation Area — 20 miles west. Multiple alpine lakes, Gold Lake, Sardine Lake. Underrated gem of the Sierra Nevada.. Best fishing: Lake Davis — 1.5 miles. Known statewide for large rainbow trout and kokanee salmon. Boat ramp 3 minutes away.. Best swimming: Lake Davis — warm, shallow entry near the boat ramp. Sandy beach on the north shore..

Best campsites at Ayers Creek Retreat: Cedar — Right on the seasonal creek. Most private and most atmospheric. The water sound at night is exceptional. Tent only.. Aspen — Top of property in a true aspen grove. Drive-through layout, fits RVs to 39ft, water and sewer hookups. Best for RVers.. Pine — Shaded and private mid-property. Best balance of sun and shade. Ideal for families..

Nearby campgrounds: Black Mountain Lookout (Blairsden, CA), Big Cove Campground (Chilcoot, CA), Frenchman Campground (Chilcoot, CA), Crocker Guard Station (BLAIRSDEN, CA).