Cottonwood Springs sits at 5,700 feet on the southwest shore of Frenchman Lake, where pine forest meets the high desert edge of the Sierra Nevada. The two group sites here can handle family reunions or friend gatherings up to 50 people, with the lake's 1,580 acres of boating and fishing water right outside camp.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 39.88472, -120.23667
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 408-489-3205 OFF SEASON / 530-832-1076 ON SEASON
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Twenty individual sites spread through the pine forest, all with paved parking and the standard table-and-fire-ring setup. The trees provide real relief during hot summer afternoons — worth noting in this transitional zone where desert plants mix with mountain forest. Group site B holds 25 people and six vehicles; Group site D doubles that to 50 people and 12 vehicles. An accessible fishing trail runs through the campground, and flush toilets and drinking water keep things civilized.
On the Water
Frenchman Lake delivers the full menu of water sports: swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing. The Lunker Point boat launch sits two miles away, with an RV dump station just outside the campground boundary. California's two free fishing days hit in April and September if you're working around license fees. The lake covers 1,580 acres, so there's room to spread out even when the campground fills.
What to Know
You're in the northeast Sierra where precipitation patterns create an unusual ecosystem blend — drought-tolerant plants growing alongside pines. Recent volcanic activity shaped the landscape, evident in the lava flows and erosion patterns around the area. Little Last Chance Canyon Scenic Area and Sierra Valley (the largest valley in the Sierra Nevada) are both nearby. Chilcoot and Loyalton provide basic services. The extensive forest road system here rewards exploration, but the standard backcountry rules apply: map, extra provisions, full tank, dependable vehicle.