Frenchman

Show on map 530-836-2575 james.bradeen@usda.gov

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7
BLAIRSDEN, CA 96103

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

Camp site features

Across 38 camp sites:

Fire pit: all 38 sites
Picnic table: all 38 sites
Pets allowed: all 38 sites
Longest RV: 50 ft
Largest party: 8 people

Services within 25 miles · OpenStreetMap

Nearest dump station: 18.8 mi · Bordertown RV Resort

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.

Stay Limit

Check in from 2 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

62 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

3 stars

2 stars

1 stars

Scott H

Loop:Fren

Site:

Reviewed a month ago

Lovely campground and Lake. The campground wasn't very big which is just fine by us! The camp host was very nice and helpful. The lake and Marina were well kept and beautiful to boat and kayak on..You have to go early before the wind picks up if you want a smooth Kayak ride!!

Sarah W

Loop:Fren

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The host as always are awesome!!

John S

Loop:Fren

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

Campsites are OK. Tent sites are not as level as they could be. A very fine dirt gets into everything and anything.. Camp hosts were very nice and helpful.

Brandy D

Loop:Fren

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

One of our favorite places to camp is at Frenchman’s campground. We go every year for my husband‘s birthday. The host of the campground does a great job.

Megan G

Loop:Fren

Site:

Reviewed 2 months ago

The camp site hosts were so nice and went out of their way to keep us updated on the local fire since we did not have any cellular service.

Nancy D

Loop:Fren

Site:

Reviewed 3 months ago

When we arrived we were surrounded by striped chipmucks. I made our meals outside and I was constantly alert for chipmunks foraging on the table. They were not afraid of me. There was too much I had to control to try to eliminate chipmunks feasting. We were evacuated less than 2 days on our site due to smoke from The Bug Fire. Your camp host named Chuck was very informative on exit plans. Please thank him for us.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

Reserve