Frenchman

Plumas National Forest

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.

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.

Need to Know

• Generally, campsites will accommodate 2 vehicles. The first vehicle is included in the site fee, the second vehicle fee will be collected onsite at the daily rate posted on the fee sign.

• Electric hookups are not available.

• Click here to learn more about the Plumas National Forest.

• A variety of wildlife live in this area, including black bears. Before making a reservation, become aware of bear safety.
• Please go to the following link for more information:http://www.centerforwildlifeinformation.org/BeBearAware/Hiking_and_Camping/hiking_and_camping.html
• Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

• Firewood Bundles are for sale from the Campground Host. Wood collecting is allowed.

• OHV vehicles are not allowed on campground, and other facility roads.

• Campsites do not have bear resistant lockers.

• America the Beautiful, Senior Passes, and Access Passes are accepted for single campsites only. They are not accepted for double or group campsites.

• Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon

• Campground Map  

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.

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

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. 

Contact Information

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

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 530-836-2575

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving 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.

Available Campsites

• Site 032, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 013, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 012, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 026, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 004, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 028, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 008, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 019, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 003, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 016, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 037, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 031, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 001, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 022, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 024, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 029, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 009, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 006, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 017, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 034, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 015, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 014, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 007, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 005, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 033, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 002, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 036, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 021, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 018, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 011, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 010, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 035, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 027, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 038, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 030, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 023, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 025, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric
• Site 020, Loop FREN, Type Standard Nonelectric

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