Frenchman

FS USDA Forest Service · BLAIRSDEN, CA · Developed

Conditions

Road Access Paved
Driveway Surface Paved
Season Not recorded
Campfires Campfires Allowed
Max RV Length 50 ft

The managing agency hasn't published season for this campground. The description and directions below often mention it — and it's worth calling the agency before a long drive.

Features

Seasonal Snow Area
Rig Size Back In Only
Hookup Dry Camping
Access Paved Access
Style Potable Water Vault Toilet Reservable

Campground Stats

Total Sites65
Sites Accepting RVs38
Overnight Sites65
Max RV Length50 ft
Back-In Sites38
SurfacePaved

Location

39.8997222, -120.1866667 · PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT , BLAIRSDEN , CA 96103

Description

Overview

Frenchman Campground (5,700 feet) sites along the shores of its namesake lake, which boasts 21 miles of shoreline. The campground is situated at the southeastern peninsula of the lake. Situated on a pine covered hillside overlooking the lake, this is the place for campers to get in tune with their surroundings. The lake is at the interface between the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and high desert. Frenchman Lake and the surrounding Plumas National Forest together provide ample opportunity for recreation, relaxation and adventure.

Recreation

During peak camping season, the campground offers a variety of outdoor experiences including hiking, biking, picnicking and hunting. The nearby lake provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing and fishing. Frenchman Lake Boat Launching Facility and a day use area are near the campground. Winter activities range from ice fishing to snowmobiling. 

Facilities

The campground offers single-family campsites for tent and RV camping. Twelve of the campgrounds 38 campsites can be reserved during peak camping season. All other campsites may be taken on a 'First Come' basis. The campground remains open throughout the years. However, most winters include enough snow to keep the road closed. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are also provided.

Natural Features

As part of California's Plumas National Forest, the campground is located in northern California, between the rugged Sierra Nevada and the fringes of the Cascade ranges. The forest is home to hundreds of high alpine lakes and thousands of miles of clear-running streams.
Pine trees provide moderate to good shade in most sites. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.

Nearby Attractions

Little Last Chance Canyon Scenic Area

Sierra Valley - Largest valley in the Sierra nevada

Stores and services in the towns of Chilcoot and Loyalton

many forest roads to explore - take along a map, full tank and dependable vehicle

Directions

From Reno, Nevada, travel north on Highway 395. Merge onto Highway 70 west and travel 5 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284 and continue 8 miles to Frenchman Lake, turn right, cross the dam, and travel a mile to the campground.

Activities

BOATING CAMPING FISHING HIKING HUNTING SWIMMING SITE WATER SPORTS WINTER SPORTS

Details

Phone530-836-2575
Email[email protected]
ADA AccessN
ReservableYes

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Spring Creek 0.6 mi · FS · 56 sites
Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, CA) 0.8 mi · FS · 67 sites
Chilcoot 2.6 mi · FS · 40 sites
Cottonwood (CA) 2.8 mi · FS · 26 sites
Meadow View Family Campground 9.5 mi · FS · 9 sites
Crocker Campground 12.5 mi · FS · 9 sites
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Grizzly 15.2 mi · FS · 57 sites