Chilcoot sits away from Frenchman Lake's busier shores, tucked into pine and cottonwood forest alongside Last Chance Creek. The sound of flowing water and distance from the main recreation area make this the quieter choice among the five campgrounds here—though you're still close enough to hit the lake when you want it.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Primitive
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 40
- 💵Fee per Night
- $34
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,700 ft
- 📍GPS
- 39.86556, -120.16611
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-836-2575
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Set at 5,100 feet where desert scrub meets mountain forest, Chilcoot occupies an unusual ecological sweet spot. The campground spreads across 40 sites along Last Chance Creek, with paved roads and parking pads handling both tents and RVs. Some sites are tent-only. Each comes with the standard table, fire ring, and bear-resistant food storage—necessary gear this close to the Sierra Nevada.
The forest mix of pine and cottonwood provides decent shade, while the creek adds a steady soundtrack that drowns out neighboring conversations. This is the southern gateway to Little Last Chance Scenic Area, where the creek has carved through ancient lava flows to create the kind of terrain that makes you pull out your phone for photos.
What to Know
Peak season brings full services: flush toilets, potable water, camp host, firewood sales, and trash pickup. Fifteen sites take reservations during busy periods; the rest operate first-come, first-served. The shoulder seasons see reduced services but also fewer people—worth considering if you can handle vault toilets and packing out your trash.
The campground sits far enough from Frenchman Lake (under three miles) to avoid the water sports crowds but close enough for easy access to fishing, swimming, and boat launches. Winter transforms the area into snowmobile and cross-country ski territory, though the campground typically closes.
Nearby
Frenchman Lake handles the big recreation: two boat ramps, multiple fishing access points, and day-use areas for swimming. The lake supports everything from jet skis to quiet fishing, depending on your speed preference. Forest roads branch out for hiking and exploring, while Sierra Valley—the Sierra Nevada's largest valley—spreads out to the east. Towns of Chilcoot and Loyalton provide basic supplies and services when camp stores run short.