Campsite for booking · Portola

Frenchman

via Recreation.gov Blairsden, CA, Portola, California, United States

Overview

Pitches
38
Pitch types
caravan, motorhome, tent
Season
Not stated: check on Recreation.gov
Check-in / out
14:00 / 12:00

Facilities

  • Dogs allowedListed by Recreation.gov
  • Hardstanding pitchesListed by Recreation.gov

Policies

PetsYes
SmokingNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
Instant bookingNot stated: check on Recreation.gov
CancellationNot stated: check on Recreation.gov

About this campsite

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

Managed by a US federal agency. Data source: ridb.recreation.gov.

Description supplied by Recreation.gov.

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Where you can stay nearby

Campsites, aires and parking within 30 km, from OpenStreetMap.

  1. Frenchman lake campground
    Campground · Portola, California
    170 m from the pick-up area
  2. Spring Creek
    Campground · Portola, California
    800 m from the pick-up area
  3. Big Cove
    Campground · Portola, California
    1.1 km from the pick-up area
  4. Cottonwood Springs
    Campground · Portola, California
    2.2 km from the pick-up area
  5. Chilcoot Campground
    Campground · Cold Springs, Nevada
    4.2 km from the pick-up area
  6. Meadow View
    Campground · Portola, California
    15 km from the pick-up area

Nearest dump station and water

  1. Service point near Verdi
    RV dump station · Verdi, Nevada · PaidWaste
    47 km from the pick-up area
  2. Water point near Truckee
    Water fill station · Truckee, CaliforniaWater
    74 km from the pick-up area
Pick-up10 kmPlot of OpenStreetMap data
Map of 6 places to stay near Frenchman. CampsiteFull map

Similar campsites nearby

Spring Creek

Blairsden, CA, California · 980 m away

Campsite · via Recreation.gov

  • Hardstanding pitches
  • Dogs allowed
Price on partner site

Chilcoot

Cold Springs, Nevada · 4.2 km away

Campsite · via Recreation.gov

  • Hardstanding pitches
  • Dogs allowed
Price on partner site

Cottonwood (Ca)

Portola, California · 4.6 km away

Campsite · via Recreation.gov

  • Hardstanding pitches
  • Dogs allowed
Price on partner site

Data: Recreation.gov (RIDB), from ridb.recreation.gov, last updated 13 October 2026. Federal agencies provide this data and are responsible for it; it may be incomplete. Not endorsed by Recreation.gov or the U.S. Government. About this data. Places data © OpenStreetMap contributors.

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