Lakes Basin
Closed — Closed for the season. The campground closed September 28, 2025 and typically reopens in late May after Gold Lake Highway and access roads are clear of snow.
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.…
Plumas National Forest Camping Stay and Occupancy Limits
A Forest Closure Order with the limits for amount of time and number of people allowed when camping on the Plumas National Forest. The maximum time is 14 days in a developed campground, 14 days dispersed camping per Ranger District per year, not exceeding 30 days camping per year on the Plumas…
Winter Storm Warning issued April 10 at 10:34AM PDT until April 12 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations 1 to 2 feet above 4500 feet, with up to 3 to 4 feet at the highest peaks. Minor snowfall accumulations of 2 to 4 inches down to 4000 feet. Wind gusts as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties. * WHEN...From 5 PM this afternoon to 11 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult to impossible. The hazardous conditions could impact the this evenings commute and weekend mountain travel. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels generally remain above pass levels through this afternoon, dropping to around 6000-7000 ft tonight-Saturday, then lowering to around 4000-5000 ft Sunday. Heavy snowfall rates of 1-2 inch per hour, with the heaviest snowfall Saturday afternoon through Sunday.
About
Lakes Basin Campground is situated at 6,400 feet elevation in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, nine miles southwest of Graeagle. The campground occupies the site of an old mining community, with remnants of stonework still visible, including steps leading into Gray Eagle Creek. Set among fir and aspen trees with Mt. Elwell towering to the west, the campground offers 23 sites plus a tent-only group site. The area was carved by glaciers and features breathtaking mountain scenery, including the craggy peaks of the Sierra Buttes and over 20 natural glacial lakes accessible by well-maintained hiking trails. A network of over 30 miles of trails branches out across the area, connecting to the Pacific Crest Trail. The 1-mile Grassy Lakes Trail is accessible directly from the campground. Many trails are open to hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Nearby Gold Lake provides a boat ramp and excellent fishing for brown and rainbow trout and Mackinaws. The area offers proximity to Plumas Eureka State Park, Mills Peak Fire Lookout, Frazier Falls Trail, and the Sierra Buttes lookout.
Directions
Take County Road 519 off of State Route 89 just outside of Graeagle. Proceed north approximately nine miles to the campground turnoff on the right. Continue 0.3 miles on the single-lane access road.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $36 - $80 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| james.bradeen@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (530) 836-2575 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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