Frenchman Campground
Frenchman Lake

Frenchamn Lake, Plumas National Forest, California
Frenchamn Lake, Plumas National Forest, California

Frenchman Campground
Frenchman Lake


Frenchman Campground

Frenchman Campground is on a peninsula at the southern end of Frenchman Lake in the Plumas National Forest. Frenchman Lake is 11 miles north of Highway 70 and another 6 miles west of Highway 395.

The 4-mile-long lake is a popular destination for fishing, hunting, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, swimming, and mountain biking. A boat launch ramp is located adjacent to the campground.

Frenchman Campground has 38 campsites which can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Pine trees provide moderate to good shade in most sites. Some sites offer a view of the lake. Reservations can be made for 12 of the campsites. The others are available first-come, first served.

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Frenchman Campground Basics
Frenchman Campground Location: 17 miles northwest of Highway 395 at Hallelujah Junction
Elevation: 5,630 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Reno- 42 miles, 51 minutes
Truckee - 61 miles, 1:17 (via Hwy 89 & 49)
Number of Sites: 38
Camping Season: April through December, depending on weather. Not all services available late in the season.
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 ($5 per night for untowed 2nd vehicle)
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Thousand Trails Management Services for Plumas National Forest
Beckwourth Ranger District: (530) 836-2575

Reservations for Frenchman Campground
Reservations available Reservations can be made for some sites from late May through early September; otherwise campsites are first-come, first served. Resevations can be made up to 6 months in advance.
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 35 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated, but there are accessible features
Fees: $34 per night
Reservations: Frenchman Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, check-out Noon

Frenchman Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: Nearby
Attractions near Frenchman Campground: Boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, boat ramp near Frenchman Campground, Little Last Chance Canyon, trail to Spring Creek and Big Cove campgrounds, OHV





map of Frenchman Lake, CA


Frenchman Campground, Frenchman Lake, Plumas National Forest

Frenchman Campground

Plumas National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Located in the northern Sierra Nevada, just south of the Cascade Range, uncrowded Pumas National Forest is filled with wonderful places to visit and interesting things to do. For those camped at Frenchman Campground, many of the forest attractions are nearby.

  • Drive through Little Last Chance Secnic Area along Highway 284 south of Frenchman Lake.
  • Take your camera out to Crystal Point and other scenic points around Frenchman Lake.
  • Stop at Beckwourth Pass, an emigrant trail crossing point, along Highway 70.
  • Visit Black Mountain lookout for great views of Honey Lake and surrounding country.
  • Take a scenic drive through the Indian Valley Area north of Quincy.
  • Hike in the Bucks Lake Wilderness.
  • Hike portions of the famous Pacific Crest Trail.
  • Horseback ride in Deanes Valley or Lakes Basin.
  • Fish in Lake Davis, Antelope Lake, and round Valley Reservoir.
  • Head out for some OHV excitement at Bucks Lake Recreation Area or Gold Lake.
  • Take your boat out to Lake Davis, Antelope Lake, or Lower Bucks Lake.

Key Frenchman Campground Regulations

  1. Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
  2. Confine campfires to the provided fire pits.
  3. Obtain firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.

    Check Plumas National Forest - Frenchman Campground for any campground updates.


General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.