Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, CA)
Big Cove Campground (5,700 feet) is located near the shores of Frenchman Lake in Northeastern California. Some families have been returning here for more than thirty years. Situated at the interface between the wild Sierra and the high desert, it's a perfect place to serve as hub for a wide range of recreation opportunities. Plumas National Forest has many back roads open for exploration. Take advantage of the beautiful blue waters of Frenchman Lake for boating, fishing and other water sports. Tell stories around your campfire.
The campground offers single and double family campsites for tent and RV camping. Accessible campsites are available. Fifteen of the 38 campsites can be reserved during peak season. All other campsites may be taken as 'First Come' sites. All 'First Come' sites must be occupied on the first night rented. Big Cove Campground also offers coin operated showers, accessible flush toilets, drinking water, trash bins and paved roads during peak camping season. An RV dump station is located nearby, at Cottonwood Springs Campground.
Need to Know
America the Beautiful, Senior Passes and Access Passes are accepted for single campsites. They are not accepted for double or group campsites.
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.
- Click here to learn more about the Plumas National Forest
Before arriving for your reservation become aware of bear safety. Many black bears live in the nearby forest. They do come into the campground during the day as well as night. Bear safe food lockers are not available in the campground. Please go to the following link for more information: http://www.centerforwildlifeinformation.org/
Get your firewood locally. This will prevent the introduction of pests and invasive species into this area. Campground hosts have firewood for sale, you may collect firewood for your campfire in the National Forest. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon
Natural Features
Just experiencing the drive into the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area is worth the trip. Little Last Chance Creek has eroded through ancient lava flows to produce this very scenic canyon known as the Little Last Chance Scenic Area. At the interface of desert and mountain climates, this area gets less precipitation than areas to the west and more precipitation than areas east. Desert scrub grows alongside pine forest. Some campsites overlook the lake's blue waters and nearby meadows.
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 and a full gas tank.
Recreation
Little Last Chance Creek offers plenty of streamside recreation including fishing, nature viewing, photography and just relaxing. Frenchman Lake provides the perfect location for swimming, boating, lake fishing, skiing, jet skiing, paddle boarding and canoeing. The entire recreation area and surrounding National Forest is available for nature viewing, photography, picnicking, hunting, biking or exploring forest roads.
Dispursed camping is not allowed in the recreation area.
Changes & Cancellations
America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes are accepted for single family sites and not for double sites.
Contact Information
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, take Highway 395 north for 24 miles. Merge onto State Rout 70 west and continue for 5 miles to the town of Chilcoot. Turn right on State Rout 284 and continue for 8 miles to Frenchman Lake. Cross the dam and proceed 2 miles to the campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 000, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 014, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 027, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 034, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 038, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 021, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 030, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 011, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 018, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 037, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 035, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 028, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 024, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 031, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 012, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 025, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 015, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 032, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 010, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 026, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 022, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 033, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 023, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 009, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 029, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 017, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 036, Loop AREA BIG COVE, Type Standard Nonelectric
