Lakes Basin
Plumas National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking
Location: BLAIRSDEN, CA, CA
Price: From $36 per night
Price range: $36–$80 per night
Rating: 4.2 out of 5 (61 reviews)
Season: May through October
Lakes Basin Campground (6,445 feet) is situated in the ruins of an old lodge, Lakes Center Lodge, built in 1912 and removed in the late 1970’s. Some of the old stonework still exists, including steps leading into a deep pool of Gray Eagle Creek. This campground is within easy reach of many trailheads.
Cell coverage (FCC estimate): none signal. Actual signal may vary in remote areas.
Amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water, Fishing, Boat Launch
Availability alerts: Set a free cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/lakes-basin to be notified when sites open up.
Lakes Basin is a well-maintained federal campground at 6,445 feet with excellent access to hiking trails, lakes, and recreational activities. Google reviewers consistently praise the clean facilities, helpful camp host, and proximity to outdoor recreation including Long Lake and Mount Elwell.
Wildlife alert: American Black Bear present in area — use bear-safe food storage. Also present: Yellow-bellied Marmot, Long-eared Chipmunk, Pacific Marten, Mountain Bluebird, Evening Grosbeak, and Sierra Garter Snake.
Insider tips for Lakes Basin: Book early — this is a popular federal campground with only 11 sites. Bring a self-contained RV or plan for tent camping; no hookups available. Multiple trailheads accessible directly from camp for hiking and mountain biking. Group tent-only site available by reservation for larger parties.
Skip Lakes Basin if: You need RV hookups — none available at most sites.. You prefer year-round camping — seasonal closure November through April.. You want spontaneous camping — book in advance for this high-demand site..
Best time to visit Lakes Basin: May-October — Official operating season for Lakes Basin Campground..
Nearby campgrounds: Gold Lake 4 X 4 Campground (Blairsden, CA), Gold Lake Campground (Ca) (Graeagle, CA), Diablo (Nevada City, CA), Packsaddle (Nevada City, CA).
Cell Phone Coverage at Lakes Basin
Cell signal at Lakes Basin (BLAIRSDEN, CA): none overall signal based on FCC broadband data.
Coverage data source: FCC Broadband Data Collection (BDC). Actual signal may vary due to terrain, tree cover, and distance from towers. Camper reports are more reliable than coverage maps in remote areas.
Lakes Basin Campground (6,445 feet) is situated in the ruins of an old lodge, Lakes Center Lodge, built in 1912 and removed in the late 1970’s. Some of the old stonework still exists, including steps leading into a deep pool of Gray Eagle Creek. This campground is within easy reach of many trailheads.
Verified facts
RIDB / Recreation.gov official databaseAmenities
RIDB /facilities /campsites · owner-verifiedStraight talk
CamperWatch intel · curated from camper reportsKnown issues, each with the workaround. Read before you book.
Insider tips & when to go
CamperWatch intel · hand-curated entryBook early
this is a popular federal campground with only 11 sites.
Bring a self-contained RV or plan for tent camping; no hookups available.
Multiple trailheads accessible directly from camp for hiking and mountain biking.
Group tent-only site available by reservation for larger parties.
Official operating season for Lakes Basin Campground.
Things to do nearby
RIDB /activities /recareas + intelConditions today
LiveCell signal
FCC BDC · quarterly datasetFCC maps are theoretical — camper reports confirm signal.
Wildlife nearby
iNaturalist · research-grade · 8 kmLocation
Leaflet · OpenStreetMap tiles
Getting there →
In Graeagle, CA, at the intersection of State Rt. 89 and Forest Rt. 24 (Gold Lakes directional sign), turn onto Rt. 24 and go 6.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right onto the single-lane road and proceed 0.3 miles. The campground will be on the right.
Campground entrance
Google Maps APICommunity
#community · posts, photos & Q&A · AI-moderated (Claude Vision)Pro tips
- Book on recreation.gov exactly 6 months ahead at 10am ET — Plumas National Forest fills fast in peak season.
- Check current road conditions at Plumas National Forest before arrival — seasonal closures common.
Frequently asked questions
RIDB facts + intel · FAQPage schema, speakableHow much does Lakes Basin cost per night?+
What season is Lakes Basin open?+
Does Lakes Basin have hookups?+
What is the maximum RV length at Lakes Basin?+
How do I make reservations at Lakes Basin?+
What is the cell service like at Lakes Basin?+
What season is Lakes Basin open, and what are check-in times?+
Official resources
●Data sources on this page
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