What are the hours and season for Big Cove Campground?

Big Cove Campground is open seasonally. Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 12:00 PM.

What are the fire rules at Big Cove Campground?

Fire rules at Big Cove Campground: Campfires in provided fire rings only. Host sells firewood bundles. Check current USFS fire restrictions at fs.usda.gov/plumas before arrival — restrictions frequent July–September.

What is the best time to visit Big Cove Campground?

Jun–Aug: Showers open, host on-site, full lake activity. Best for families with young kids. Sep–Oct: Crowds drop sharply after Labor Day. Fishing is excellent. Fall color in the aspens around the lake.

What are the best things to do near Big Cove Campground?

Near Big Cove Campground: Paddle board or kayak the southwest cove at sunrise — the cove is protected from wind and glassy at dawn. Little Last Chance Canyon on the drive in — stop at the roadside pullouts and walk the canyon rim. The accessible fishing trail within the campground — one of the only ADA-accessible fishing access points on the lake. Night sky viewing — at 5,700ft with zero light pollution from the high desert, the Milky Way is visible with naked eye.

Is there wildlife at Big Cove Campground?

Wildlife alert for Big Cove Campground: Black bears regularly enter camp, including during daylight hours. No food storage lockers provided. All food, coolers, and scented items must be locked in your vehicle. Report bear activity to the camp host immediately.

What are the common problems at Big Cove Campground?

At Big Cove Campground: Coin showers require quarters and many people forget. Solution: Bring a roll of quarters from Reno. Showers are coin-operated and there’s no change machine on-site.

What are the insider tips for Big Cove Campground?

Insider tips for Big Cove Campground: Big Cove fills before Frenchman Campground because of the showers — book your 15 reservable sites the day the 6-month window opens Bring a full roll of quarters for the coin showers — no change machine anywhere near the campground The RV dump station at Cottonwood Springs is 1.5 miles away — call ahead to confirm it’s pumped and open

What makes Big Cove Campground unique?

Big Cove has the only coin-operated showers of any of the five campgrounds in the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area. On a hot July afternoon after a day of boating, that shower is worth its weight in gold. Nobody advertising Frenchman Lake mentions it prominently — most campers only discover it when they arrive. ⇒ Water: Big Cove’s protected south-facing position makes the water here 2–3°F warmer than the main lake. Walk 5 minutes north along the shore to reach an unofficial sandy swimming area used almost exclusively by Big Cove campers.

How do I book a campsite at Big Cove Campground?

Big Cove Campground is a federal campground — book at Recreation.gov (search "Big Cove Campground"). Sites are released 6 months in advance and sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/big-cove-campground-frenchman-lake to be notified the moment a site opens up.

Big Cove Campground

The best-amenity campground on Frenchman Lake — coin showers, flush toilets, families returning 30+ years

Chilcoot, CA4.3 (210)5,700 ft

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Big Cove sits on the southwest shore of Frenchman Lake at 5,700 feet — a separate campground from Frenchman Campground but on the same lake. The key difference: Big Cove has coin-operated showers, accessible flush toilets, and paved roads. Families have been returning here for more than 30 years. 38 sites: 15 reservable on Recreation.gov during peak season, rest first-come. RV and tent sites, accessible sites available. No hookups, but RV dump station at nearby Cottonwood Springs Campground. Frenchman Lake provides swimming, boating, lake fishing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and canoeing right from camp. Bears active — no food lockers, store food in your car.

Things to do nearby

Frenchman CampgroundCottonwood Springs CampgroundSpring Creek CampgroundPaddle board or kayak the southwest cove at s

Best For

Families with young kidsCampers wanting showers without hookupsBoaters and water sportsAccessible camping needsLong stays

Site Types

TentRV

Amenities

Coin Showers

Flush Toilets (accessible)

Drinking Water

Fire Rings

Picnic Tables

Paved Roads

Trash Service

Campground Host

Accessible Sites

Boat Access

Pet Friendly

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

No hookups. No cell service. Bears active with no food lockers. Coin showers require quarters — bring a roll. Some sites are on slopes, difficult for larger rigs to level.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov standard: full refund if cancelled 2+ days before arrival. $10 cancellation fee applies.

Why campers love Big Cove Campground

Big Cove is Frenchman Lake’s best-kept secret and the superior choice for families. Same lake, same elevation, same price — but with coin showers, flush toilets, accessible sites, and paved roads. Families have been returning here for 30+ years, which tells you everything. The southwest shore gives you slightly better afternoon light on the water and the site layout is more open than Frenchman Campground.

What's new in 2026

Paved roads and parking confirmed operational. Flush toilets and showers open during peak season (typically late May through September).

What campers say about Big Cove Campground

"Some families have been returning here for more than thirty years"

— Recreation.gov

"Perfect place to serve as hub for a wide range of recreation opportunities"

— Recreation.gov

"The drive into the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area is worth the trip alone"

— Recreation.gov

Not the right fit if…

✕You want hookups
✕You’re in an RV over 40ft
✕You need reliable cell service

Frequently asked questions

How much does Big Cove Campground cost per night?+

Big Cove Campground costs $38 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: None — no electric/water/sewer. RV dump station at Cottonwood Springs (1.5 mi).

What season is Big Cove Campground open?+

Big Cove Campground is open seasonally. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.

Does Big Cove Campground have hookups?+

None — no electric/water/sewer. RV dump station at Cottonwood Springs (1.5 mi).

What is the maximum RV length at Big Cove Campground?+

Big Cove Campground can accommodate RVs up to 40 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Big Cove Campground?+

Big Cove Campground is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.

Are pets allowed at Big Cove Campground?+

Big Cove Campground is pet friendly. Pets must be kept on leash.

What is the cell service like at Big Cove Campground?+

None. Dead zone from all carriers. Download offline maps (Gaia GPS, Google Maps offline) and emergency contacts before leaving Reno.

How far is Big Cove Campground from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Chilcoot — 8 miles south. Portola — 25 miles for full grocery store.