Cottonwood
Open for the 2026 season. Water availability may be limited; confirm potable water status before arrival. Reservations available via Recreation.gov. 14-day stay limit applies.
Heat Advisory issued August 8 at 11:53PM PDT until August 10 at 8:00AM PDT by NWS Reno NV
* WHAT...High temperatures of 97 to 102 degrees with overnight lows of 55 to 70 degrees. Widespread Moderate to Major HeatRisk. * WHERE...In California, Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties and Surprise Valley California. In Nevada, Northern Washoe County and Greater Reno-Carson City-Minden Area. * WHEN...Until 8 AM PDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Heat related illnesses will be more likely, especially for those spending extended periods outdoors, in poorly cooled indoor spaces, or who are sensitive to heat.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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.…
About
Cottonwood Springs Campground is located on the southwest shore of Frenchman Lake in the northeast corner of the Sierra Nevada, where mountain and high desert ecosystems blend together. At 5,700 feet elevation, the surrounding pine forest provides welcome shade during summer afternoons. The campground features 20 single-family sites plus two group sites (Site B accommodates up to 25 guests with 6 vehicles; Site D accommodates up to 50 guests with 12 vehicles). The nearby 1,580-acre Frenchman Lake provides excellent opportunities for swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing. An accessible fishing trail within the campground offers lake access. Two boat ramps with seasonal docks serve the lake. The area is home to black bears, so visitors must store all food, trash, and scented items appropriately as bear-resistant lockers are not provided. Facilities include flush toilets, paved roads and parking, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills at each site. An RV waste disposal station is located near the campground. OHV use is prohibited within the campground. Sites are limited to 6 people and 2 vehicles each, with a 14-day stay limit.
Directions
From Reno, NV, take Highway 395 north to Hallelujah Junction. Head west on Highway 70 to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284 and continue 8 miles to Frenchman Lake. Cross the dam and proceed to the campground entrance on the left.
Location
Amenities
| Water | — |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $34 - $140 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 836-2575 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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