Lakes Basin Family Campground .
Currently closed for the season. Opens May 22, 2026. Reservations through Recreation.gov begin June 12. About half the sites remain first-come, first-served. After mid-September, water is turned off and dry camping only is available.
Fire Weather Watch issued August 11 at 10:19AM PDT until August 13 at 9:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
The National Weather Service in Reno has issued a Fire Weather Watch for thunderstorms and strong outflow winds, which is in effect from late Wednesday night through Thursday evening. * Affected Area...Fire Weather Zone 270 Surprise Valley California, Fire Weather Zone 271 Western Lassen, Eastern Plumas, and Eastern Sierra Counties, Fire Weather Zone 272 Greater Lake Tahoe and Truckee Area, Fire Weather Zone 278 Eastern Lassen County, Fire Weather Zone 458 Northern Washoe County. * Thunderstorms...Thunderstorm chances increase to 15 to 30 percent for Thursday leading to lightning strikes on dry fuels. Thunderstorms may also produce hail and periods of moderate to heavy rainfall. * Outflow Winds...Up to 50 mph. * Impacts...Lightning can create new fire starts and may combine with strong outflow winds to cause a fire to rapidly grow in size and intensity before first responders can contain them.
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
Lakes Basin Family Campground occupies a unique setting in the heart of the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, nestled among the ruins of a historic mountain lodge at 6,400 feet elevation. Some of the old stonework remains intact, including steps leading down to a deep swimming hole on Gray Eagle Creek. The campground provides 11 family campsites including one double site, plus a group tent-only site that accommodates up to 25 people. The surrounding area is a high-country paradise with over 20 small alpine lakes, most accessible by the network of 30+ miles of maintained hiking trails branching throughout the basin. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, and exploring the many lakeside trails. Mount Elwell and the Sierra Buttes provide dramatic backdrops to this scenic destination. The campground operates seasonally from late May through late September. After mid-September, water systems are shut down and dry camping is available until snow closes the area. About half the sites are first-come, first-served while others are reservable through Recreation.gov. Sites feature vault toilets, drinking water from shared spigots, fire rings with grills, picnic tables, and trash collection.
Directions
From Graeagle, take Highway 89 southeast three miles to Gold Lake Highway (County Road 519). Proceed on Gold Lake Highway approximately 9 miles to the Lakes Basin Campground entrance. Be prepared for a sharp right turn into the campground.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $30 - $67 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 42ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 832-1076 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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