
Cottonwood (Ca) Campground
Plumas National Forest, California
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As of October 2026, Cottonwood (Ca) Campground is a campground in Plumas National Forest, California with 14 campsites. Cottonwood (Ca) Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.
- PermitSnag checks Cottonwood (Ca) Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
- Cottonwood (Ca) Campground is located at 39.8847ยฐ N, 120.2367ยฐ W.
- people allowed on 12 of 14 sites
- 8
- people allowed on the largest site
- 50
Cottonwood (Ca) Campground reservations and next available dates
October 2026
Campsites at Cottonwood (Ca) Campground
- Standard 12
- Group 2
- Accessible 1
Amenities
- restrooms
- potable water
- dump station
At a glance: Setting: Mountain ยท Access: Paved road.
Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, photography, water sports.
All sites at Cottonwood (Ca) Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov
Every site is in the AREA COTTONWOOD loop.
| Site | Type | Sleeps | Access |
|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 002 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 003 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 004 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 005 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 006 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 007 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 008 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 013 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 016 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 019 | Standard | 8 | - |
| 020 | Standard | 8 | - |
| B | Group | 25 | Accessible |
| D | Group | 50 | - |
About Cottonwood (Ca) Campground
Overview
Cottonwood Springs Campground (5,700) is located on the southwest side of Frenchman Lake. The surrounding pine forest provides ample shade during summers' hot afternoons. The lake, recreation area and surrounding forest and rangeland offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities and adventures.
Two group sites provide families and other groups the location to get together for you special outdoor experience. Hunting, fishing, boating, water sports and nature viewing are just some of the possibilities.
Recreation
The nearby 1,580-acre Frenchman Lake provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing. California sponsors two free fishing days every year, in April and September. There is also an accessible fishing trail within the campground. Public forest and range lands are open for you to visit. Plumas national Forest has an extensive road system for you to explore. Make sure you take a map, extra provisions dependable vehicle and plenty of fuel.
Facilities
Cottonwood Springs Campground has 20 single-family campsites available for both tent and RV camping. Need a location for your family or group get together? There are two reservation group sites here. Group site B can accommodate up to 25 guests and six vehicles and Group site D up to 50 guests and 12 vehicles. Lunker Point Boat Launch Facility is about two miles away. An RV dump station is just outside the campground. All sites are equipped with paved parking, tables, campfire rings and grills. The campground has paved roads, hosts, accessible flush toilets and drinking water are also provided.
Natural Features
Frenchman Lake Recreation Area is located in the northeast corner of the Sierra Nevada. The area is characterized by a blending of desert and mountain ecosystems. For example, draught tolerant plants co-mingle with pine forest. There is less precipitation here than what areas to the west receive, more than areas to the east. Erosion and lava flows in the area tell the story of recent geologic activity.
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 extra water, food, map, full tank and dependable vehicle.
Rules and notices at Cottonwood (Ca) Campground
Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check Cottonwood (Ca) Campground on Recreation.gov
Notices from Recreation.gov
Off-road vehicles are prohibited in the campground.
Generally, campsites will accommodate 2 vehicles. The first vehicle is included in the site fee, the second vehicle fee will be collected onsite at the daily rate posted on the fee sign.
American the Beautiful, Senior Passes, and Access Passes are accepted for single campsites only. They are not accepted for double or group campsites.
Click here to learn more about the Plumas National Forest.
A variety of wildlife live in this area, including black bears. Before making a reservation, become aware of bear safety.
Please go to the following link for more information: http://www.centerforwildlifeinformation.org/BeBearAware/Hiking_and_Camping/hiking_and_camping.html
Bear resistant lockers are not provided.
The Showers are open for the camping season.
Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon
Campground Map
Cottonwood (Ca) Campground FAQ
How hard is it to get a campsite at Cottonwood (Ca) Campground?
Cottonwood (Ca) Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 14 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.
How do I find last-minute availability at Cottonwood (Ca) Campground?
Cancellations happen frequently at Cottonwood (Ca) Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.
How many campsites does Cottonwood (Ca) Campground have?
Cottonwood (Ca) Campground has 14 campsites.
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