Frenchman Recreation Area

Area Status: Open

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.

At a Glance

Current Conditions:	Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
Reservations:	All five campgrounds in this recreation area accept reservations during peak season. Reservations for Chilcoot Campground, Frenchman Campground, Spring Creek Campground, Big Cove Campground and Cottonwood Springs Campground sites can be made by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at www.recreation.gov All campgrounds have first come first serve camp sites.
Best Season:	Summer
Busiest Season:	Summer
Restrictions:	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
Closest Towns:	Chilcoot
Passes:	Senior and Access passes honored for single campsites. These passes are available at the Beckwourth Ranger Station in Blairsden, CA. from 8 am to 4 pm. Call (530) 836-2575 for information.
Information Center:	For information about this location please call the Beckwourth Ranger District Office in Blairsden, CA at (530) 836-2575

Recreation Map

Map showing recreational areas. Map Information

Activities

Campground Camping

Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:

Frenchman Lake Recreation Area;

Chilcoot Campground - 40 reservation and first come sites
Frenchman Campground - 38 reservation and first come sites
Spring Creek Campground - 35 reservation and first come sites
Big Cove Campground - 38 reservation and first come sites
Big Cover Overflow Campground - open only when required
Cottonwood Springs Campground - 20 reservation and first come sites and 2 group sites

RV Camping

Recreation areas with activity RV Camping:

RV camping is available at all campgrounds in Frenchman Lake Recreation Area

Group Camping

Recreation areas with activity Group Camping:

Cottonwood Springs Campground

There are two group campsites available by reservation only at Cottonwood Springs Campground

Lake and Pond Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Lake and Pond Fishing:

Fishing in all areas of Plumas National Forest are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Fishing from the shores or on Frenchman Lake will likely be a rewarding experience.

Ice Fishing

Recreation areas with activity Ice Fishing:

When conditions are right, ice fishing is available on Frenchman Lake. Fishermen should know how to recognize and avoid the dangers associated with this activity. Many will make a call to Goodwins General Store at 530-993-4683 for information

Big Game Hunting

Recreation areas with activity Big Game Hunting:

Hunting in all areas of Plumas National Forest are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Game Bird/Waterfowl

Recreation areas with activity Game Bird/Waterfowl:

Hunting in all areas of Plumas National Forest are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Viewing Plants

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Plants:

Day Use at Frenchman Lake

There is an abundance of plant species in this ecological interface combining high desert and mountain ecosystems.

Click Here for information about Beckwourth Ranger District trees

Viewing Scenery

Recreation areas with activity Viewing Scenery:

Day Use at Frenchman Lake

Just the entrance to Frenchman Lake Recreation Area through the Last Chance Scenic Area is worth the visit. Mountains of the Sierra Nevada provide the perfect backdrop for the blue waters of Frenchman Lake.

Picnicking

Recreation areas with activity Picnicking:

Visitors will find many opportunities for picnicking and other day use activities Frenchman Lake Recreation Area.

Click Here for information about day use at Frenchman Lake Recreation Area.

Boating - Motorized

Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:

Pleasure craft, water skiers and jet skiers all enjoy summer conditions on the blue waters of Frenchman Lake. Two boat ramps are available with seasonal loading docks.