Cottonwood (CA)
Plumas National Forest
Cottonwood Springs Campground (5,700) is located on the southwest side of Frenchman Lake. The surrounding pine forest provides ample shade during summers' hot afternoons. The lake, recreation area and surrounding forest and rangeland offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities and adventures.
Two group sites provide families and other groups the location to get together for you special outdoor experience. Hunting, fishing, boating, water sports and nature viewing are just some of the possibilities.
Cottonwood Springs Campground has 20 single-family campsites available for both tent and RV camping. Need a location for your family or group get together? There are two reservation group sites here. Group site B can accommodate up to 25 guests and six vehicles and Group site D up to 50 guests and 12 vehicles. Lunker Point Boat Launch Facility is about two miles away. An RV dump station is just outside the campground. All sites are equipped with paved parking, tables, campfire rings and grills. The campground has paved roads, hosts, accessible flush toilets and drinking water are also provided.
Need to Know
Off-road vehicles are prohibited in the campground.
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.
American the Beautiful, Senior Passes, and Access Passes are accepted for single campsites only. They are not accepted for double or group campsites.
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
Bear resistant lockers are not provided.
The Showers are open for the camping season.
Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon
Campground Map
Natural Features
Frenchman Lake Recreation Area is located in the northeast corner of the Sierra Nevada. The area is characterized by a blending of desert and mountain ecosystems. For example, draught tolerant plants co-mingle with pine forest. There is less precipitation here than what areas to the west receive, more than areas to the east. Erosion and lava flows in the area tell the story of recent geologic activity.
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 extra water, food, map, full tank and dependable vehicle.
Recreation
The nearby 1,580-acre Frenchman Lake provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing. California sponsors two free fishing days every year, in April and September. There is also an accessible fishing trail within the campground. Public forest and range lands are open for you to visit. Plumas national Forest has an extensive road system for you to explore. Make sure you take a map, extra provisions dependable vehicle and plenty of fuel.
Contact Information
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 408-489-3205 OFF SEASON / 530-832-1076 ON SEASON
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From Reno, Nevada, travel north on Highway 395, then merge onto Highway 70 west and travel 5 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284 and continue for 8 miles to the Frenchman Lake Reservoir, then turn left before crossing the dam and travel 2.5 miles to the Cottonwood Campground.
Available Campsites
- Site D, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 006, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 003, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 004, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 016, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 002, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 007, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 020, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 001, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 019, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 008, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 013, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site 005, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Standard Nonelectric
- Site B, Loop AREA COTTONWOOD, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
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