What are the hours and season for Frenchman Campground?

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

What are the fire rules at Frenchman Campground?

Fire rules at Frenchman Campground: Campfires permitted in provided fire rings only. No collecting firewood from living trees. Host sells bundles on-site. Check current USFS fire restrictions before arrival — restrictions common July–September.

What is the best time to visit Frenchman Campground?

Jun–Aug: Full lake activity. Warm water for swimming. Campground host on-site. Water and trash service running. Sep–Oct: Summer crowds gone. Fall colors in the aspen groves. Fishing picks back up. Nights crisp, days perfect.

What are the best things to do near Frenchman Campground?

Near Frenchman Campground: Little Last Chance Scenic Canyon — the drive in on Hwy 284 from Chilcoot. Stop, walk, photograph.. Sunrise from a lakeside site — the water reflects Mount Ingalls and the desert ridge at dawn. Ice fishing in winter — the lake freezes solid and locals drill through to catch trout from January. Jet ski or kayak the full shoreline — 21 miles, uninhabited most of the way.

Is there wildlife at Frenchman Campground?

Wildlife alert for Frenchman Campground: Black bears are active and bold — they enter camp in daylight. No food lockers on-site. Lock all food, coolers, and scented items in your vehicle. Camp host will advise on recent bear activity.

What are the common problems at Frenchman Campground?

At Frenchman Campground: Sites are sloped — every review mentions it. Solution: Bring leveling blocks for RVs. Tent campers need a thick sleeping pad, not just a mat. Request sites 22–25 which are the flattest and closest to water.

What are the insider tips for Frenchman Campground?

Insider tips for Frenchman Campground: Sites 22–25 are closest to the lake and most level — specifically request them when you reserve on Recreation.gov The recreation.gov booking window opens exactly 6 months out at midnight Pacific — set a calendar alert or you’ll miss peak dates Bring quarters for the coin showers at Big Cove (2 miles away) — Frenchman Campground has vault toilets only

What makes Frenchman Campground unique?

The drive in on Highway 284 through Little Last Chance Canyon is one of the most spectacular 8-mile approaches in the Sierra — Little Last Chance Creek carved through ancient lava flows creating a dramatic dark rock canyon. Most campers blast through it. Stop at the viewpoints, especially at mile 4. It’s genuinely stunning and almost nobody talks about it. ⇒ Water: The designated swimming area at the north end of Frenchman Lake — a sandy-bottomed cove 200 yards from camp — reaches 72°F by late July. The south shore has a quieter unofficial swimming area with less boat traffic. Fish from the bank at dawn before the wind picks up.

How do I book a campsite at Frenchman Campground?

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

Frenchman Campground

Sierra Nevada meets high desert — lakeside camping 45 min from Reno

Chilcoot, CA4.1 (182)5,700 ft

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Frenchman Campground sits on the southeastern peninsula of Frenchman Lake at 5,700 feet in Plumas National Forest — right at the dramatic interface where the Sierra Nevada meets the high desert. The lake has 21 miles of shoreline and is one of the best kept secrets within 45 minutes of Reno. Pine-shaded hillside sites, most with paved back-in pads. 38 sites total: 12 reservable on Recreation.gov during peak season, the rest first-come first-served. No hookups. Vault toilets, drinking water, campground host on-site. Black bears active — no bear lockers, hang your food. Zero cell service confirmed by multiple campers — pack a map.

Things to do nearby

Big Cove CampgroundCottonwood Springs CampgroundSpring Creek CampgroundLittle Last Chance Scenic Canyon

Best For

Reno day-trippers wanting lake accessDog-friendly campingBoaters and jet skiersAnglersWinter ice fishing

Site Types

TentRV

Amenities

Drinking Water

Vault Toilets

Fire Rings

Picnic Tables

Campground Host

Boat Launch (nearby)

Pet Friendly

Firewood for Sale

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

No hookups. Sites are sloped — leveling required for RVs over 25ft. Max RV length 38ft on best sites, many sites limited to 25ft. Dusty in summer. Bears active — no food lockers.

Cancellation Policy

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

Why campers love Frenchman Campground

The closest proper lakeside campground to Reno that most people don’t know exists. 45 minutes northwest and you’re at 5,700 feet on a lake with 21 miles of shoreline, zero crowds on weekdays, and complete cell silence. Frenchman Lake sits at the geological meeting point of the Sierra Nevada and the Great Basin high desert — it’s a landscape you don’t see anywhere else, pine forest meets sage desert right at the waterline.

What's new in 2026

Bear resistant lockers are being evaluated for the 2025 season per USFS notes. Call (530) 836-2575 to confirm before arrival.

What campers say about Frenchman Campground

"Absolutely no cell service so it was a nice escape from the hustle and bustle of life"

— PerfectCamp

"Great lake for recreation, the camping options are ample and well set up"

— PerfectCamp

"Sites all sit on a slope — if you’re tent camping be prepared to not sleep well"

— PerfectCamp

Not the right fit if…

✕You need hookups or cell service
✕You have an RV over 38ft
✕You’re visiting July 4th or Labor Day weekend without a reservation

Frequently asked questions

How much does Frenchman Campground cost per night?+

Frenchman Campground costs $38 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: None — no electric, water, or sewer hookups

What season is Frenchman Campground open?+

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

Does Frenchman Campground have hookups?+

None — no electric, water, or sewer hookups

What is the maximum RV length at Frenchman Campground?+

Frenchman Campground can accommodate RVs up to 38 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Frenchman Campground?+

Frenchman 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 Frenchman Campground?+

Frenchman Campground is pet friendly. Pets must be kept on leash.

What is the cell service like at Frenchman Campground?+

None. Every carrier dead. Complete digital detox. Download everything offline before leaving Reno.

How far is Frenchman Campground from the nearest town?+

Nearest services: Chilcoot — 8 miles south on Hwy 284. Small store. Portola — 25 miles for full grocery.