USDA Forest Service · California
Chilcoot
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 40
- Hookups
- 35 no hookups
- Season
- May 23 to September 28
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 5,157 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- AT&T weak · Verizon weak · T-Mobile none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- CHILCOOT CG (NFSR 23N05) · asphalt · high degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Plumas National Forest
- Nearest town
- Portola
- Phone
- 530-836-2575
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming, Water Skiing
40 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Chilcoot Campground (5,100 feet) is located just downstream from Frenchman Lake alongside Last Chance Creek. The sound of flowing water along with shade from the surrounding pine and cottonwood forest are key features making this a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Chilcoot Campground is one of five campgrounds in the popular Frenchman Lake Recreation Area of Northeastern California's Plumas National Forest. The campground is far enough away from the lake that visitors can experience the serene sense of solitude that the remote mountain setting provides.
Recreation
Frenchman Recreation Area offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Water sports including fishing, skiing, jet skiing, swimming are readily available supported by two boat launch facilities, several fishing access points and day use areas. Camping, picnicking hiking and exploring forest roads can each provide the type of adventure you are looking for. Dispersed camping (camping outside developed campgrounds) is not allowed in the recreation area. Winter activities range from snowmobiling to ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
Facilities
The campground has 40 single-family tent and RV camp sites. Some sites are available for tent camping only. Fifteen campsites are available for reservations during peak camping season. All other campsites are available as 'First Come' sites as long as the campground is open. Paved roads, paved campsite parking, water, flush toilets, host, firewood and trash service are available during peak camping season. Tables, campfire rings and recently added bear resistant containers are provided at each campsite
Natural Features
This campground is situated at the southern end of Last Chance Scenic Area. The scenic area is the result of Little Last Chance Creek cutting through ancient lava flows. This is the interface of desert and mountain climates characterized by less precipitation than areas to the west and more than areas to the east. Desert scrub grows alongside pine forest. A variety of wildlife make this area home.
Nearby Attractions
Chilcoot Campground is one of five campgrounds in the Frenchman Recreation Area.
Little Last Chance Scenic Area
Frenchman Lake is less than three miles from the campground.
Sierra Valley - Largest valley in the Sierra Nevada.
Stores and services in the towns of Chilcoot and Loyalton.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40° | 25° | 6° | 56° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 40° | 25° | 4° | 60° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 44° | 27° | 5° | 76° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 55° | 32° | 12° | 68° | 9 of 11 |
| May | 67° | 42° | 29° | 81° | 2 of 11 |
| June | 79° | 50° | 35° | 94° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 89° | 57° | 47° | 98° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 87° | 58° | 53° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 78° | 52° | 40° | 88° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 66° | 41° | 29° | 78° | 4 of 10 |
| November | 52° | 32° | 12° | 69° | 8 of 10 |
| December | 41° | 26° | 9° | 56° | 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 · 2 mi · 56 sites
- Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, CA) · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 67 sites
- Frenchman · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 65 sites
- Cottonwood (Ca) · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 26 sites
- Meadow View Family Campground · USDA Forest Service · 12 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.