Frenchman
BLAIRSDEN, California
Free — you'll pick up right here.
No verdict for this campground
We won't guess. Here is exactly what we do and don't know.
What we do know
Inside Plumas National Forest
2 managing-area boundaries mapped — agency alerts for them feed this page automatically.
Boundary data
What's missing
No access route mapped
We don't yet know which road reaches this trailhead, so we can't tell you if it's gated.
Nobody's filed a report here yet — be the first.
Campsite availability
Live from Recreation.gov for Frenchman.
Here's your stay, mapped
Frenchman
Suggested plan · check conditions before you go
Gear for the day
Meals
Photos
About this campground
Overview Frenchman Campground (5,700 feet) sites along the shores of its namesake lake, which boasts 21 miles of shoreline. The campground is situated at the southeastern peninsula of the lake. Situated on a pine covered hillside overlooking the lake, this is the place for campers to get in tune with their surroundings. The lake is at the interface between the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and high desert. Frenchman Lake and the surrounding Plumas National Forest together provide ample opportunity for recreation, relaxation and adventure. Recreation During peak camping season, the campground offers a variety of outdoor experiences including hiking, biking, picnicking and hunting. The nearby lake provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing and fishing. Frenchman Lake Boat Launching Facility and a day use area are near the campground. Winter activities range from ice fishing to snowmobiling. Facilities The campground offers single-family campsites for tent and RV camping. Twelve of the campgrounds 38 campsites can be reserved during peak camping season. All other campsites may be taken on a 'First Come' basis. The campground remains open throughout the years. However, most winters include enough snow to keep the road closed. Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are also provided. Natural Features As part of California's Plumas National Forest, the campground is located in northern California, between the rugged Sierra Nevada and the fringes of the Cascade ranges. The forest is home to hundreds of high alpine lakes and thousands of miles of clear-running streams. Pine trees provide moderate to good shade in most sites. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575. Nearby Attractions Little Last Chance Canyon Scenic Area Sierra Valley - Largest valley in the Sierra nevada Stores and services in the towns of Chilcoot and Loyalton many forest roads to explore - take along a map, full tank and dependable vehicle
Campsite info
- Sites
- 65
- Site types
- Rv, Tent
- Reservable
- Yes
Directions & GPX
Facts about this campground
When to go
Typical monthly averages (not a forecast) from the Doyle 4 Sse, CA weather station, 7.4 mi away. High / low in °F.
- Jan43° high24° low
- Feb49° high27° low
- Mar56° high31° low
- Apr61° high34° low
- May70° high40° low
- Jun79° high45° low
- Jul88° high51° low
- Aug87° high49° low
- Sep80° high43° low
- Oct67° high36° low
- Nov52° high28° low
- Dec42° high24° low
The station sits about 1,200 ft lower than this spot, so expect it to run cooler up here.
Where it is
- Beckwourth Ranger District · Ranger district
- Plumas National Forest · National forest
- Managed by
- Forest Service
Conditions
Active alerts for Plumas National Forest as of Oct 9, 2026:
Stage I Fire Restrictions - Plumas National Forest
fire-restriction · posted Sep 5, 2026
Plumas National Forest Camping Stay and Occupancy Limits
information · posted Aug 24, 2026
Source: USFS forest alerts
Nearby
- Ross CampCamping0.1 mi
- Spring Creek Family Cg.Camping0.5 mi
- Spring CreekCamping0.6 mi
- Grotto, TheRock climbing0.8 mi
- Frenchman LakeRock climbing0.9 mi
- Little Last Chance CreekCanoeing0.9 mi
- SNOW LAKEHiking4 mi
- Long Valley CreekCanoeing5.1 mi
Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 10 miles, PostGIS distance)
Add to a trip & share
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