USDA Forest Service · California
Cottonwood (Ca)
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 26
- Hookups
- 14 no hookups
- Season
- May 23 to September 28
- Group sites
- Yes
- Drinking water
- Yes
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 5,722 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
- COTTONWOOD SPR CG (NFSR 24N91) · asphalt · high degree of user comfort
- Lake
- Plumas National Forest
- Nearest town
- Portola
- Phone
- 408-489-3205 OFF SEASON / 530-832-1076 ON SEASON
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Scenic Drive, Swimming Site, Water Access, Water Skiing, Water Sports, Wildlife Viewing
22 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Cottonwood Springs Campground (5,700) is located on the southwest side of Frenchman Lake. The surrounding pine forest provides ample shade during summers' hot afternoons. The lake, recreation area and surrounding forest and rangeland offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities and adventures.
Two group sites provide families and other groups the location to get together for you special outdoor experience. Hunting, fishing, boating, water sports and nature viewing are just some of the possibilities.
Recreation
The nearby 1,580-acre Frenchman Lake provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing. California sponsors two free fishing days every year, in April and September. There is also an accessible fishing trail within the campground. Public forest and range lands are open for you to visit. Plumas national Forest has an extensive road system for you to explore. Make sure you take a map, extra provisions dependable vehicle and plenty of fuel.
Facilities
Cottonwood Springs Campground has 20 single-family campsites available for both tent and RV camping. Need a location for your family or group get together? There are two reservation group sites here. Group site B can accommodate up to 25 guests and six vehicles and Group site D up to 50 guests and 12 vehicles. Lunker Point Boat Launch Facility is about two miles away. An RV dump station is just outside the campground. All sites are equipped with paved parking, tables, campfire rings and grills. The campground has paved roads, hosts, accessible flush toilets and drinking water are also provided.
Natural Features
Frenchman Lake Recreation Area is located in the northeast corner of the Sierra Nevada. The area is characterized by a blending of desert and mountain ecosystems. For example, draught tolerant plants co-mingle with pine forest. There is less precipitation here than what areas to the west receive, more than areas to the east. Erosion and lava flows in the area tell the story of recent geologic activity.
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 extra water, food, map, full tank and dependable vehicle.
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 | 38° | 23° | 4° | 54° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 38° | 23° | 2° | 58° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 42° | 24° | 3° | 74° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 53° | 30° | 10° | 66° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 65° | 40° | 27° | 79° | 3 of 11 |
| June | 77° | 48° | 33° | 92° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 87° | 55° | 45° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 85° | 56° | 51° | 94° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 76° | 50° | 38° | 86° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 64° | 39° | 27° | 76° | 6 of 10 |
| November | 50° | 30° | 10° | 67° | 8 of 10 |
| December | 39° | 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
- Frenchman · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 65 sites
- Spring Creek · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 56 sites
- Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, CA) · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 67 sites
- Chilcoot · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 40 sites
- Meadow View Family Campground · USDA Forest Service · 10 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.