Frenchman

About

Frenchman Campground occupies a scenic pine-forested peninsula on the southeastern shore of Frenchman Lake at 5,700 feet elevation in Plumas National Forest. The lake's 21 miles of shoreline provide ample opportunity for swimming, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, and fishing. The campground sits at the ecological transition zone between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the high desert, creating a unique landscape. The campground features 38 single-family campsites suitable for both tent and RV camping, with 17 sites available for advance reservation and the remaining sites on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring with grill. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided during peak season. The campground has paved roads and parking pads. Firewood bundles are available for purchase from the campground host. Recreational opportunities extend beyond the lake. Hiking and biking trails traverse the surrounding national forest, and the area supports seasonal hunting. Little Last Chance Canyon Scenic Area and Sierra Valley, the largest valley in the Sierra Nevada, are nearby. Winter activities include ice fishing and snowmobiling when road conditions permit.

Directions

From Reno, Nevada, travel north on Highway 395. Merge onto Highway 70 west and travel 5 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284 and continue 8 miles to Frenchman Lake, turn right, cross the dam, and travel a mile to the campground.