Frenchman Campground

State: Northern California

Address 1: Near the south part of Frenchman Lake.

Open: Seasonal

Number of Sites: 38

Elevation: 5646

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)

Closest Towns: Chilcoot (CA)

Water: Yes

Restrictions: 14 day camping limit.

Restrooms: Vault Toilets

Directions: From Reno NV. take Highway 395 North to Hallelujah Junction, Head West on Highway 70 to Chilcoot, head North on Highway 284 to Frenchman Lake, go left at the dam.