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Moderate to BookNational Forest

Frenchman Campground

Plumas National Forest, California

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As of October 2026, Frenchman Campground is a campground in Plumas National Forest, California with 15 campsites. Frenchman Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

PermitSnag checks Frenchman Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
Frenchman Campground is located at 39.8997° N, 120.1867° W.

people allowed on each site: 8

Frenchman Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

November 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Campsites at Frenchman Campground

3612131416172023303134353637

Standard 15

What an RV fits

25 ft3 sites
33 ft1 site
35 ft3 sites
37 ft1 site
38 ft3 sites
40 ft2 sites
43 ft1 site
45 ft1 site

Amenities

restrooms
potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, wildlife, photography, water sports.

All sites at Frenchman Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the FREN loop.

Site	Type	Sleeps	Max RV
003	Standard	8	25 ft
006	Standard	8	35 ft
012	Standard	8	38 ft
013	Standard	8	35 ft
014	Standard	8	35 ft
016	Standard	8	38 ft
017	Standard	8	38 ft
020	Standard	8	43 ft
023	Standard	8	25 ft
030	Standard	8	45 ft
031	Standard	8	33 ft
034	Standard	8	40 ft
035	Standard	8	37 ft
036	Standard	8	40 ft
037	Standard	8	25 ft

About Frenchman 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

Rules and notices at Frenchman Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 30, 2026. Check Frenchman Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

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.

Electric hookups are not available.

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

Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Firewood Bundles are for sale from the Campground Host. Wood collecting is allowed.

OHV vehicles are not allowed on campground, and other facility roads.

Campsites do not have bear resistant lockers.

America the Beautiful, Senior Passes, and Access Passes are accepted for single campsites only. They are not accepted for double or group campsites.

Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon

Campground Map

Recreation.gov permit and campground cancellations →

Frenchman Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at Frenchman Campground?

Frenchman Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 15 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at Frenchman Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at Frenchman 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 Frenchman Campground have?

Frenchman Campground has 15 campsites.