Frenchman Campground sits on a pine-covered hillside at the southeastern peninsula of its namesake 21-mile lake, where the Sierra Nevada meets high desert at 5,700 feet. The setting delivers both mountain camping and big water recreation, with 38 sites that stay open year-round when snow doesn't close the access road.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Developed
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 38
- 💵Fee per Night
- $38
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,700 ft
- 📍GPS
- 39.89972, -120.18667
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-836-2575
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Pine trees provide moderate to good shade across most of the 38 single-family sites, which accommodate both tents and RVs. Each site comes with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill, plus access to vault toilets and drinking water. The campground spreads across the hillside overlooking Frenchman Lake's expansive shoreline, positioning you at the transition zone between Sierra Nevada mountains and high desert terrain.
What to Know
Twelve sites accept reservations during peak camping season, while the remaining 26 operate first-come, first-served. The campground stays open all year, but winter snow typically closes road access. Peak season brings the full range of lake activities — swimming, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, and fishing — with a boat launch facility and day-use area nearby. Winter transforms the area for ice fishing and snowmobiling when conditions allow access.
The location puts you in prime position for both water and land recreation. The lake interface between mountain and desert creates habitat for varied wildlife, while the surrounding Plumas National Forest extends the possibilities with hundreds of alpine lakes and thousands of miles of streams.
Nearby
Little Last Chance Canyon Scenic Area and Sierra Valley — the largest valley in the Sierra Nevada — provide nearby exploration options. Chilcoot and Loyalton offer stores and services, while numerous forest roads branch out for those with maps, full gas tanks, and dependable vehicles. The campground serves as a hub for hiking, biking, and hunting during peak season, with the lake and surrounding national forest terrain offering ample territory for both relaxation and adventure.