State: Northern California
Address 1: Off of Frenchman Lake Road, south of Little Last Chance Canyon Scenic Area.
Open: Seasonal
Number of Sites: 40
Free: No
About: Located in the headwaters of the Feather River, Frenchman Lake is only 38 miles northwest of Reno, NV, and 26 miles northwest of Portola, CA. The California Department of Water resources created the lake in 1962 by damming Little Last Chance Creek. A shoreline 21 miles long ends at the 129-foot tall earthen dam, which rises to an elevation of 5,607 feet. During summer, this recreation area offers a variety of outdoor experiences, including: camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, water-skiing, jet-skiing and hunting. Winter activities range from snowmobiling to ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
Fees: $20 (2011)
Closest Towns: Chilcoot (CA)
Water: Yes
Restrictions: 14 day limit.
Restrooms: Flush Toilets
Directions: From Reno take Highway 395 to Hallelujah Junction, head West on Highway 70 to Chilcoot. Head North on Highway 284 to Chilcoot campground.