Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) sits among the stunning landscapes of Plumas National Forest in California . With 38 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, it's a favorite for rural adventurers.
Sites are first-come, first-served , and the best times to visit are Jun-sep when the weather is most comfortable .
🌈 PurpleTents helps LGBTQ+ campers discover welcoming outdoor experiences here and across America.
🏕️ At a Glance
💳 Booking & Fees
Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.
💧 Water Access & Features
📸 Discover the Beauty of Plumas National Forest
🌤️ Best Time to Visit
Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.
🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep
🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings
Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.
Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) located in California, offering 38 camping sites.
Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)
A Rural campground in California
Overview
big Cove Campground (5,700 Feet) Is Located Near the Shores of Frenchman Lake in Northeastern California. Little Last Chance Creek Has Eroded Through Ancient Lava Flows to Produce This Very Scenic Canyon Known As the Little Last Chance Scenic Area.
Nearby Attractions
Little Last Chance Canyon Scenic Area. 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.
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.
Contact Info
for Facility Specific Information, Please Call (530) 836-2575.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.
Charges & Cancellations
America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes Are Accepted for Single Family Sites and Not for Double Sites.Managed by: Usda Forest ServiceSite Details
Campsite Information
- Total Sites: 38
- Hookup Types: Electric
- Max RV Length: 35 feet
Amenities
- 🚻 Restrooms: Available
- 🚿 Showers: Available
- 🗑️ Dump Station: Available
- 💧 Potable Water: Available
- 🛝 Playground: No
- 🧺 Laundry: False
- 📶 WiFi: False
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: No
Map & Location
Address & Coordinates
Address:
City: , California
Coordinates: 39.9019444, -120.1725
Area Type: Rural
Phone: (530) 836-2575
Activities & Attractions
Popular Activities: Swimming|fishing|biking|picnic|shower|dump-station|water|lake|rv|tent
Available Activities:
- 🎣 Fishing: Available
- 🛥️ Boating: Available
- 🥾 Hiking: No
- 🏊 Swimming: Available
Regulations & Permits
🔥 Stay Limits & Fees
Maximum Stay: 14 days
Nightly Fee: Fees Apply
Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)
🌤️ Weather & Climate
Summer High
Winter Low
Annual Precip
Hottest Month
Coldest Month
Best Visit Time
📱 Connectivity
Verizon
Fair Signal
LTE
AT&T
Fair Signal
LTE
T-Mobile
Poor Signal
4G
📺 Television Reception
Major Networks: ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, PBS, CW, ION, UnivisION
Signal Quality: Good
Total Stations: 20 stations
Nearest Market: LOS Angeles/SAN Francisco
Notes: Signals FROM LOS Angeles/SAN Francisco MARKET
📻 Radio Reception
Total Stations: 50 stations (15 AM, 35 FM)
AM Quality: Good | FM Quality: Good
Major Formats: POP, Spanish, Classic ROCK, NEWS/TALK, Country
Local News: KNX 1070 Am
Market: La/Sf/SAN DIEGO
Notes: 15 AM, 35 FM Stations from La/Sf/San Diego
🔌 EV Charging
⚡ The Top Story
Distance: 16.0 miles away
Address: 413 Beckwith St, Loyalton, CA
Network: non-networked
Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772
Plan Your Visit
Essential Information
- Facility ID: 232824
- Managing Agency: Usda Forest Service
- Agency Email:
- Agency Website:
- Parent Park: Plumas National Forest
- Park Website: /parks/plumas-national-forest/
Park System Information
Park Classification & Structure
- Park Type: National Forests
- Parks Post Name: plumas-national-forest
- Parent Park Name: Plumas National Forest
- Correct Park Type Mapping: plumas-national-forest
System Statistics
- Total Campgrounds in System: 39.0
- States Covered: California
- Managing Agencies: Usda Forest Service
System IDs & References
- Parent Organization ID: 131.0
- Parent Recreation Area ID: 1070
- Parks Parent Org IDs: 131.0
- Parks Parent Rec Area IDs: 1070, 1070.0
URL Slugs & Navigation
- State Slug: california
- Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
- Park Type Slug: national-forests
- Parent Park Slug: plumas-national-forest
Additional Park Information
Data Reference Notes
Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service
Explore More Camping Options
View all campgrounds in California | Browse our California camping guide
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