Cottonwood Springs Campground
Closed for the season. Scheduled to open May 15, 2026. Reservations begin May 22. Some family sites are first-come, first-served.
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 situated on the southwest shore of Frenchman Lake in the Plumas National Forest, offering campers direct access to one of northeastern California's most popular recreation lakes. The campground features 20 single-family sites suitable for both tent and RV camping, plus two group sites accommodating 25 and 50 people respectively. At 5,700 feet elevation, the campground is surrounded by mixed conifer forest and high desert vegetation. Frenchman Lake spans 1,580 acres and provides excellent opportunities for swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, and fishing. An accessible fishing trail is available nearby. Hunters also frequent the area in season. The campground has flush toilets, picnic tables, and campfire rings with grills at each site. Campers must bring their own drinking water as potable water is not available. Bear-resistant food lockers are not provided, so proper food storage is required. An RV dump station is located just outside the campground.
Directions
From Reno, take Highway 395 north to Hallelujah Junction. Head west on Highway 70 to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284 toward Frenchman Lake and continue approximately 5 miles to Cottonwood Springs Campground.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $34 - $140 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 836-2575 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
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