USDA Forest Service · California
Frenchman
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 65
- Hookups
- 38 no hookups
- Season
- May 22 to October 11
- Max RV length
- 50 ft
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 5,646 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- FRENCHMAN CG (NFSR 24N76) · asphalt · high degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Plumas National Forest
- Nearest town
- BLAIRSDEN
- Address
- PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, BLAIRSDEN, CA, 96103
- Phone
- 530-836-2575
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Cross Country Skiing, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Jet Skiing, Swimming
64 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Frenchman Campground (5,700 feet) sites along the shores of its namesake lake, which boasts 21 miles of shoreline. 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.
Recreation
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.
Facilities
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.
Natural Features
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. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.
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
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38° | 23° | 4° | 54° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 38° | 23° | 2° | 58° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 43° | 25° | 3° | 74° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 53° | 31° | 10° | 66° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 65° | 41° | 27° | 79° | 3 of 11 |
| June | 77° | 48° | 33° | 93° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 88° | 56° | 45° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 86° | 56° | 51° | 95° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 76° | 50° | 39° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 65° | 39° | 27° | 77° | 6 of 10 |
| November | 50° | 30° | 10° | 67° | 8 of 10 |
| December | 40° | 24° | 7° | 54° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Spring Creek · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 56 sites
- Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, CA) · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 67 sites
- Cottonwood (Ca) · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 26 sites
- Chilcoot · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 40 sites
- Meadow View Family Campground · USDA Forest Service · 9 mi · 9 sites
All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-05-08. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.