Lakes Basin Campground
Plumas National Forest

Gold Lake, Plumas National Forest, California
Gold Lake, Plumas National Forest, California

Lakes Basin Campground
Plumas National Forest


Lakes Basin Campground

Lakes Basin Campground is in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area of the Plumas National Forest, 12 miles southeast of Graeagle. Visitors to the lake enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, mountain biking, horseback riding, swimming, and windsurfing. Lakes Basin Campground is located near tiny Grass Lake, a short distance off the Gold Lake Highway and a mile by trail west of Long Lake. Gold Lake (shown above) is 2 miles to the south. Trails connect many of the lakes to one another.

Lakes Basin Campground has 23 single campsites and one double site spread through a forest of fir and aspens. Large granite boulders dot the area. The campground includes a Group Campsite. Most sites will accommodate RVs, trailers and tents. However, no RVs are allowed at the group site or at tent-only sites 10, 13, and 22. Sites 10 and 22 can only have 1 vehicle. Some sites are first-come, first served, but most may be reserved. After mid-September dry camping is allowed and no camping fee is collected.

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Lakes Basin Campground Basics
Lakes Basin Campground Location: Off Gold Lake Highway, 2 miles north of Gold Lake
Elevation: 6,400 feet
Mileage and driving time from gateway city: Chico - 114 miles, 2:22
Sacramento - 131 miles, 2:32
Number of Sites: 24
Camping Season: Services late May through mid-September; open for camping with no services the rest of the year, weather permitting.
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 (fee per night for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: on leash, always attended
Operated by Outdoors in Plumas for Plumas National Forest
Beckwourth Ranger District: (530) 836-2575

Reservations for Lakes Basin Campground
Reservations available Reservations are available for some sites from late May through mod-October. From late May through mid_October many campsites are always available first-come, first-served. At other times all campsites are first-come, first served.
Booking Window: from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival
Maximum RV/trailer Length: 26 feet
Accessible Sites: #1 (group site) and family site #4. Two others are available. Accessible vault toilets nearby.
Fees: $32 per night for single site, $55 for double
Reservations: Lakes Basin Campground Reservations
Check-in, check-out: 2:00 PM, check-out Noon

Lakes Basin Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, food locker, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Vault toilets, tap water
Showers: No
Dump station: No
Attractions near Lakes Basin Campground: Gold Lake Stables, all the lakes in Gold Lake Basin, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, boating, Graeagle, Middle Fork of the Feather River




Lakes Basin Group Campsite

The group campsite at Lakes Basin Campground is designated for up to 25 people and 8 vehicles. It is a tent-only site and RVs or trailers are not allowed because of limited access roads. The site and its facilities are wheelchair accessible. Check-in and check-out time is 2:00 PM. The site has fire rings and grills, piped water, picnic tables, and accessible vault toilets. Reservations can be made from 4 days up to 12 months in advance of arrival date.
Fee: $80
Reservations: Lakes Basin Group Campsite Reservations

General Camping Information

Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site (if available) 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.




Lakes Basin Campground, Plumas National Forest

Lakes Basin Campground

Plumas National Forest
Attractions and Activities

Located in the northern Sierra Nevada, the scenic Plumas National Forest is filled with wonderful places to explore. Campers at Lakes Basin Campground have many great lakes and trails nearby. Short dray trips lead to other wonders in the forest.

  • 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.
  • Spend the day at Plumas Eureka State Park.
  • Visit Black Mountain lookout for great views of Honey Lake and surrounding country.
  • Spend some days at Little Grass Valley Recreation Area and enjoy boating, waterskiing, sailing, and fishing.
  • 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.

Key Lakes Basin Campground Regulations

  1. Obtain firewood locally to avoid bringing in pests.
  2. Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times.
  3. Avoid problems with bears by storing food and similar items in bear-proof lockers.
  4. Confine campfires to the provided fire pits.

    Check Plumas National Forest - Lakes Basin Campground for any campground updates.