Lakes Basin Family Campground .

Closed — Closed for the season as of September 28, 2025. The campground typically operates from early June through late September, opening after Gold Lake Highway is cleared of snow.

About

Lakes Basin Family Campground is situated at 6,400 feet elevation in the scenic Lakes Basin Recreation Area, built among the ruins of an old mountain lodge. Historic stonework remains visible throughout, including stone steps that lead down to a deep swimming hole on Gray Eagle Creek. The campground's unique setting combines history with natural beauty in the Plumas National Forest. The location provides exceptional access to recreation in the Lakes Basin, with over 20 small alpine lakes within reach via hiking trails. The 1-mile Grassy Lakes Trail is accessible directly from the campground. Nearby Gold Lake offers a boat ramp for convenient access to boating and fishing for brown and rainbow trout and Mackinaws. Many trails in the area accommodate hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The campground offers both single and double campsites, with picnic tables at each site and vault toilets. Drinking water is available from a hand pump. Sites are reservable through Recreation.gov, with peak season rates from mid-June through August and lower non-peak rates in September. The facility operates seasonally, typically from after Gold Lake Highway opens in early summer through late September.

Directions

From Graeagle, take Highway 89 southeast three miles to Gold Lake Highway (County Road 519). Proceed north on Gold Lake Highway approximately 9 miles to the entrance for Lakes Basin Campground. Be prepared for a sharp right turn into the campground, which is less than a mile from the turnoff.

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