Big Cove
Closed for the season. The campground typically opens in late May, weather permitting, through late September. Fifteen of 38 sites are reservable through Recreation.gov during peak season; remaining sites are first-come, first-served.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Plumas National Forest Camping Stay and Occupancy Limits
A Forest Closure Order with the limits for amount of time and number of people allowed when camping on the Plumas National Forest. The maximum time is 14 days in a developed campground, 14 days dispersed camping per Ranger District per year, not exceeding 30 days camping per year on the Plumas…
About
Big Cove Campground is located at 5,700 feet elevation near the shores of Frenchman Lake in Plumas National Forest. Situated at the interface between the Sierra Nevada and the high desert, this campground has been a favorite destination for families, some returning for more than thirty years. The area features a unique blend of desert scrub alongside pine forest, with some sites overlooking the lake's blue waters and nearby meadows. The campground offers 38 single and double family campsites suitable for tents and RVs. Amenities include coin-operated showers, accessible flush toilets, drinking water from faucets, fire rings with grills, picnic tables, trash service, and paved roads during peak season. An RV dump station is available nearby at Cottonwood Springs Campground. Black bears frequent the area day and night, so proper food storage is essential as bear-proof lockers are not provided. Frenchman Lake offers swimming, boating, fishing, water skiing, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and canoeing. The scenic Little Last Chance Creek canyon provides additional streamside recreation. Dispersed camping is not permitted within the recreation area. The campground operates seasonally, typically from late May through late September.
Directions
From Reno, Nevada, take Highway 395 north for 24 miles. Merge onto State Route 70 west and continue for 5 miles to the town of Chilcoot. Turn right on State Route 284 and continue for 8 miles to Frenchman Lake. Cross the dam and proceed 2 miles to the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $71 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 45ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 45ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| james.bradeen@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 836-2575 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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