Cottonwood Springs Campground

Closed — Closed for the season. The campground operates from mid-May through late September and closed for the season on September 28, 2025.

About

Cottonwood Springs Campground is situated near Frenchman Lake in the Plumas National Forest of northeastern California, combining mixed conifer forest with high desert vegetation at 5,700 feet elevation. The campground is part of the popular Frenchman Lake Recreation Area and offers a total of 20 family campsites plus two group sites. Half of the family sites are available by reservation through Recreation.gov, while the other half operate on a first-come, first-served basis. The surrounding pine forest provides ample shade during summer's hot afternoons. Both group sites require reservations: Group site D accommodates up to 50 campers, while Group site B holds up to 25 campers. The campground operates seasonally and does not have bear-resistant lockers, so campers must store all food, trash, and scented items appropriately and practice bear awareness. Each campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring, with a limit of 6 people and 2 vehicles per site. A 14-day stay limit applies. The location offers easy access to Frenchman Lake for fishing, boating, and water recreation.

Directions

From Reno take Highway 395 North to Hallelujah Junction. Head West on Highway 70 to Chilcoot. Head North on Highway 284 to Frenchman Lake. Cross the dam and proceed to the campground entrance on the left.

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