Frenchman Recreation Area
Located in the headwaters of the Feather River, Frenchman Lake is only 38 miles northwest of Reno, NV, and 26 miles northeast of Portola, CA. The California Department of Water resources created the lake in 1962 by damming Little Last Chance Creek. A shoreline 21 miles long ends at the 129-foot-tall earthen dam, which rises to an elevation of 5,607 feet. During summer, this recreation area offers a variety of outdoor experiences, including camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, water-skiing, jet- skiing and hunting. Winter activities range from snowmobiling to ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
There are five campgrounds, two picnic areas, several fishing accesses and two boat ramps with seasonal docks. An RV waste disposal site is located near the Cottonwood Springs Campground.
General Information
Information is posted at information kiosks located at each recreation facility. Gathering wood for campfires is allowed
- Dispersed camping is not allowed
- Cutting fuelwood is not allowed
Getting There
Directions
From Highway 70 in Chilcoot take road 284 north. The recreation area begins just before the scenic Little Last Chance Scenic Area.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
