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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.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Visitors should always check Alerts and Notices on the Plumas National Forest website.
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|---|---|
| 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
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| 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 |
Activities
Campground Camping
Recreation areas with activity Campground Camping:- Big Cove Campground
- Big Cove Overflow
- Chilcoot
- Cottonwood Springs Campground
- Frenchman Campground
- Spring Creek Campground
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:- Big Cove Campground
- Chilcoot
- Cottonwood Springs Campground
- Frenchman Campground
- Frenchman Dump Station
- Spring Creek Campground
RV camping is available at all campgrounds in Frenchman Lake Recreation Area
Group Camping
Recreation areas with activity Group Camping: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:- Crystal Point Fishing Access
- Day Use at Frenchman Lake
- Frenchman Boat Launch Facility and Day Use Area
- Lunker Point Boat Launch Facility
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.
- Click Here for a Recreation Guide
- Click Here for information about day use at Frenchman Lake Recreation Area
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
- Click Here for a Recreation Guide
- Click Here for information about day use at Frenchman Lake Recreation Area
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:- Day Use at Frenchman Lake
- Frenchman Boat Launch Facility and Day Use Area
- Lunker Point Boat Launch Facility
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: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: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:- Crystal Point Fishing Access
- Day Use at Frenchman Lake
- Frenchman Boat Launch Facility and Day Use Area
Visitors will find many opportunities for picnicking and other day use activities Frenchman Lake Recreation Area.
Boating - Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Motorized:- Day Use at Frenchman Lake
- Frenchman Boat Launch Facility and Day Use Area
- Lunker Point Boat Launch Facility
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.
Boating - Non-Motorized
Recreation areas with activity Boating - Non-Motorized:- Day Use at Frenchman Lake
- Frenchman Boat Launch Facility and Day Use Area
- Lunker Point Boat Launch Facility
sail craft, kayaks, canoes, paddle boards explore the shores and waters of Frenchman Lake.
Waterskiing
Recreation areas with activity Waterskiing:- Day Use at Frenchman Lake
- Frenchman Boat Launch Facility and Day Use Area
- Lunker Point Boat Launch Facility
Frenchman Lake is a home away from home for many water skiers.