California / Plumas County / Plumas National Forest

Cottonwood

Closed — Closed for the season as of September 28, 2025. Typically operates from mid-May through late September.

About

Cottonwood Springs Campground is situated at 5,700 feet elevation on the southwest side of Frenchman Lake in the Frenchman Recreation Area of Plumas National Forest. The campground blends mountain and desert ecosystems, with pine forest providing ample shade alongside drought-tolerant plants characteristic of the northeast Sierra Nevada. The facility includes 20 family campsites and two group sites, with several family sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Group site D accommodates up to 50 campers, while group site B holds up to 25. The nearby 1,580-acre Frenchman Lake provides diverse water recreation including swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing. An accessible fishing trail runs through the campground, making it suitable for anglers of all abilities. The recreation area sits in a unique transition zone where desert and mountain ecosystems meet, with less precipitation than areas to the west but more than the eastern desert. The surrounding public forest lands feature an extensive road system for exploration. An RV waste disposal station is located adjacent to the campground and operates seasonally. Campers should note that sites do not have bear-resistant lockers, so proper food storage and bear awareness are essential. The campground is managed by Royal Elk Property Management during the operating season.

Directions

From Reno, Nevada, travel north on Highway 395 to Hallelujah Junction. Head west on Highway 70 for 5 miles 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.

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