Cottonwood Springs

State: Northern California

Address 1: Near the southwest part of Frenchman Lake.

Open: Seasonal

Number of Sites: 20

Elevation: 5663

County: Plumas

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)

Usage: Moderate

Closest Towns: Chilcoot (CA)

Water: Yes

Restrooms: Vault Toilet (2)

Directions: From Reno take highway 395 North to Halleluiah Junction. Head West on Highway 70 to Chilcoot. Head North on Highway284 to Frenchman Lake, at the dam turn left.