Frenchman sits among the stunning landscapes of Plumas National Forest in California . With 38 campsites (RV-friendly up to 35 feet feet) , restrooms, potable water, great hiking, 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

⛺ Sites: 38
🚙 Max RV: 35 feet ft
🏛️ Agency: Usda Forest Service
🚻 Restrooms: Yes
💧 Water: Yes
🐕 Pets: Allowed
🚿 Showers: No
🥾 Hiking: Available
🦅 Birding: 100/100 (Pacific Flyway)
⏱️ Stay Limit: 14 days
💲 Nightly Fee: $32-45
📅 Reservations: First-come, first-served
🌆 Best Seasons: Jun-sep
📍 GPS: 39.8997, -120.1867
🆔 Facility ID: 232137

💳 Booking & Fees

📅 Reservations: First-come, first-served. View on Recreation.gov →
💵 Nightly Fee: $32-45
📋 Cancellation Policy:

Cancellations made 3+ days before arrival typically receive a refund minus service fees. Check Recreation.gov for specific policies and deadlines.

⏰ Stay Limit: 14 days
💡 Tip: Book early for peak season (Jun-sep). Sites can fill up months in advance.

💧 Water Access & Features

🔒 PLUS+ Content
Unlock distance to water, flow data, water availability details, and safety information for this campground.
📏 Distance✅ Availability🗺️ All Sources💡 Safety Tips
Unlock with PLUS+ ✦$7/mo or $60/year (save 30%)

📸 Discover the Beauty of Plumas National Forest

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip during the optimal season for this campground.

🌞 Jun-sep

🦅 Peak birding: Apr, May, Sep

🦌 Recent Wildlife Sightings

Recent wildlife observations near this campground from the iNaturalist community.

🔒 PLUS+ Content
Unlock real-time wildlife sightings from iNaturalist community scientists near this campground, including photos, species names, and observation dates.
🦅 Birds🦌 Mammals🦎 Reptiles📸 Photos
Unlock with PLUS+ ✦$7/mo or $60/year (save 30%)

Frenchman located in California, offering 38 camping sites.

Frenchman

A Rural campground in California

📍
Location
, California
💰
Fees
$32-45

Stay Limit
14 days
🚌
Max RV Length
35 feet
🐾
Pets
Available
📡
Cell Coverage
Verizon: Fair
AT&T: Fair
T-Mobile: Poor

Overview

frenchman Campground (5,700 Feet) Sites Along the Shores of Its Namesake Lake, Which Boasts 21 Miles of Shoreline. a Variety of Wildlife Make Its Home in the Area. the Campground Is Situated at the Southeastern Peninsula of the Lake. Situated on a Pine Covered Hillside Overlooking the Lake, This Is the Place for Campers to Get in Tune with Their Surroundings. the Lake Is at the Interface Between the Mountains of the Sierra Nevada and High Desert. Frenchman Lake and the Surrounding Plumas National Forest Together Provide Ample Opportunity for Recreation, Relaxation and Adventure.

During Peak Camping Season, the Campground Offers a Variety of Outdoor Experiences Including Hiking, Biking, Picnicking and Hunting. the Nearby Lake Provides Ample Opportunities for Swimming, Boating, Waterskiing, Jet Skiing and Fishing. Frenchman Lake Boat Launching Facility and a Day Use Area Are Near the Campground. Winter Activities Range From Ice Fishing to Snowmobiling.

the Campground Offers Single-Family Campsites for Tent and RV Camping. Twelve of the Campgrounds 38 Campsites Can Be Reserved During Peak Camping Season. All Other Campsites May Be Taken on a ‘First Come’ Basis. the Campground Remains Open Throughout the Years. However, Most Winters Include Enough Snow to Keep the Road Closed. Each Site Is Equipped with Tables and Campfire Rings with Grills. Vault Toilets and Drinking Water Are Also Provided.

As Part of California’S Plumas National Forest, the Campground Is Located in Northern California, Between the Rugged Sierra Nevada and the Fringes of the Cascade Ranges. the Forest Is Home to Hundreds of High Alpine Lakes and Thousands of Miles of Clear-Running Streams.
Pine Trees Provide Moderate to Good Shade in Most Sites.

Contact Info

for Facility Specific Information, Please Call (530) 836-2575.

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 Map, Full Tank and Dependable Vehicle

Managed by: Usda Forest Service

Site Details

Campsite Information

  • Total Sites: 38
  • Hookup Types: Electric
  • Max RV Length: 35 feet

Amenities

  • 🚻 Restrooms: Available
  • 🚿 Showers: No
  • 🗑️ Dump Station: No
  • 💧 Potable Water: Available
  • 🛝 Playground: No
  • 🧺 Laundry: False
  • 📶 WiFi: False
  • 🏊 Swimming: Available
  • 🎣 Fishing: Available
  • 🛥️ Boating: Available
  • 🥾 Hiking: Available

Map & Location

Address & Coordinates

Address:

City: , California

Coordinates: 39.8997222, -120.1866667

Area Type: Rural

Phone: (530) 836-2575

Activities & Attractions

Popular Activities: Swimming|fishing|hiking|biking|picnic|water|fire-ring|lake|rv|tent

Available Activities:

  • 🎣 Fishing: Available
  • 🛥️ Boating: Available
  • 🥾 Hiking: Available
  • 🏊 Swimming: Available

Regulations & Permits

🔥 Stay Limits & Fees

Maximum Stay: 14 days

Nightly Fee: $32-45

Federal Pass: Yes (50% discount)

📋 Reservations

Reservations: First Come First Served

Book on Recreation.gov

🌤️ Weather & Climate

81.3°F
Summer High
18.4°F
Winter Low
14.29″
Annual Precip
Jul
Hottest Month
Dec
Coldest Month
Jun-sep
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: 15.7 miles away

Address: 413 Beckwith St, Loyalton, CA

Network: non-networked

Charging Type: Standard-charging-available • J1772

Essential Information

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

Welcome to Plumas National Forest! This Beautiful Destination Features 39 Campgrounds Across California. Managed by Usda Forest Service, This Location Offers Incredible Camping Opportunities for Every Type of Outdoor Enthusiast.

Data Reference Notes

Managing Agency Slug: usda-forest-service

232137 Frenchman