Frenchman

Campground · California · 38 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Plumas National Forest (NF) · Open Access

38
Bookable sites
50 ft
Max rig length
up to 8
People per site
5,633 ft
Elevation
FRENCHMAN Launch
Photo: OIP · Recreation.gov

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

The facts

  • 38 bookable sites
  • 65 sites in total, including non-bookable
  • Vehicles up to 50 ft
  • Up to 8 people per site
  • Loops: AREA FRENCHMAN, FREN

Site types

  • 38 Standard Nonelectric
  • 27 Management

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

65 campsites at Frenchman

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
001AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
002AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
003AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
004AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
005AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
008AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
009AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
010AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
011AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
012AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
015AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
018AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
019AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
020AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
021AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
022AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
025AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
026AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
027AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
028AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
029AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
032AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
033AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
034AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
035AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
038AREA FRENCHMANManagement————
XXXAREA FRENCHMANManagementBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
001FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved41 ft8 🐾
002FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
003FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8 🐾
004FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
005FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved33 ft8 🐾
006FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
007FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved43 ft8 🐾
008FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
009FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
010FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved40 ft8 🐾
011FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved40 ft8 🐾
012FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved38 ft8 🐾
013FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
014FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
015FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
016FRENStandard NonelectricBack InGravel38 ft8 🐾
017FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved38 ft8 🐾
018FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved42 ft8 🐾
019FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved32 ft8 🐾
020FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved43 ft8 🐾
021FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved50 ft8 🐾
022FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved42 ft8 🐾
023FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8 🐾
024FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved32 ft8 🐾
025FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8 🐾
026FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved34 ft8 🐾
027FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved32 ft8 🐾
028FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved38 ft8 🐾
029FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved35 ft8 🐾
030FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved45 ft8 🐾
031FRENStandard Nonelectric—Paved33 ft8 🐾
032FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8 🐾
033FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved37 ft8 🐾
034FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved40 ft8 🐾
035FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved37 ft8 🐾
036FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved40 ft8 🐾
037FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved25 ft8 🐾
038FRENStandard NonelectricBack InPaved33 ft8 🐾

Getting there

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.

39.89972, -120.18667 · 39°53'59.0"N 120°11'12.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in2.42.12.01.00.90.60.40.30.41.01.32.3

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 6.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

FRENCHMAN Day Use Parking
Photo: OIP · Recreation.gov
FRENCHMAN Lake
Photo: OIP · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Common questions about Frenchman

Can you reserve a site at Frenchman?
Yes, Frenchman is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Frenchman have?
65 sites in total, of which 38 can be booked.
What is the maximum RV length at Frenchman?
50 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Frenchman?
Yes, pets are allowed at Frenchman.
Are campfires allowed at Frenchman?
Campfires are allowed at Frenchman. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Also listed by

Frenchman also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Frenchman's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Senior and Access passes are honored for single campsites only

Restrictions:

  • 14 day camping limit
  • Maximum of 6 people per camp site
  • Maximum of 2 vehicles per camp site
  • OHV riding is not allowed in the campground
  • Be Bear Aware - store all food, trash and scented items appropriately

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Frenchman

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-05-08.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.