Lakes Basin

Star3.81
41 reviews
PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7, BLAIRSDEN, CA, USA, 96103
Lakes Basin
$30.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by season and site type. Peak season fees range from $36-$80 per night. First-come, first-served fees during shoulder season are $30-$80...
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Standard Site Fee$36.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$80.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$116.00

Share this campground
Recreation.gov
Provider
(530) 836-2575jandmtharp@earthlink.net

About this campground

Perched at 6,445 feet in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Lakes Basin Campground offers an authentic mountain escape where families gather around crackling fires and stars fill the night sky. This well-appointed retreat features family campsites nestled among towering firs, a dedicated group tent area for larger gatherings, and a spacious double-family site perfect for extended clan adventures. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with fire rings and grills for evening cookouts, sturdy picnic tables for mountain meals, and essential amenities including vault toilets and seasonal drinking water that flows fresh from mountain springs during peak months.
Lakes Basin Campground caters to a range of campers with options for family camping, group tent camping, and double-family sites. It is oriented toward tent and non-electric primitive camping.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time as you explore the echoes of California's gold rush era woven throughout Lakes Basin. Your campground rests within the weathered bones of an old mining community, where fortune seekers once dreamed of striking it rich. Wander near Gray Eagle Creek and you'll discover mysterious stonework—silent sentinels from a bygone era when picks rang against granite and hopes ran as high as the surrounding peaks.
Weather and SeasonsThe high-elevation climate here dances with the seasons, transforming the campground experience throughout the year. Summer's peak weeks bring those perfect mountain days—warm sunshine filtered through pine boughs and cool evenings that call for cozy fleeces. As autumn approaches and crowds thin, the shoulder seasons reveal a more intimate side of the mountains, where golden aspens whisper secrets and morning frost sparkles like diamonds, though some amenities may hibernate until the next summer surge.
ElevationAt 6,445 feet above sea level, Lakes Basin Campground exists in that sweet spot where the air turns crisp and clear, offering natural air conditioning even on summer's warmest days. This lofty perch rewards visitors with expansive mountain vistas that stretch to the horizon, while the thin mountain air adds an invigorating edge to every breath and makes the stars seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryPrepare to lose your breath—and not just from the elevation. Ancient glaciers carved this landscape into a masterpiece of jagged peaks and pristine valleys, with the iconic Sierra Buttes standing guard like granite sentinels. Gray Eagle Creek tumbles through camp, its melodic waters providing nature's soundtrack, while dense forests of fragrant fir create cathedral-like groves. Come autumn, scattered aspen groves burst into golden flames against the evergreen tapestry, creating a photographer's paradise.
Geological RegionWelcome to glacier country, where the raw power of ice age forces sculpted one of California's most dramatic mountain landscapes. The Sierra Nevada range reveals its geological story here through the craggy silhouette of the Sierra Buttes and a stunning collection of more than 20 pristine glacial lakes that sparkle like sapphires in granite settings. Each lake tells a tale of massive ice sheets that once ground through these valleys, carving amphitheaters and polishing stone into the spectacular wilderness playground that awaits today's adventurers.

Campsite details

AccessibilityThe Frazier Falls Trail near the campground is described as a one-mile paved and accessible trail. Specific accessibility features within the campground such as ADA-compliant facilities were not detailed.
Sites SizeThe campground offers a mix of family campsites, one group tent-only site, and a double-family site. Some sites are reported to be large, while others are rocky and better suited for limited setups.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at the sites is minimal, with some reviews noting that the spaces are closely packed and lack seclusion.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near trailheads for easier access to hiking. Avoid sites with known maintenance issues based on recent user reviews.
Best CampsitesSite 002 is noted for proximity to bathrooms and trailheads. Group tent site offers scenic views and shade.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive nights allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Generally accommodates 2 vehicles per site. Additional fees apply for second vehicle.
Groups
The group tent-only site accommodates up to 25 people but has been criticized for inadequate garbage capacity and water spigots that stopped functioning during one visitor's stay.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle-loop campground layout. Shared water spigots between sites. Sites accommodate 2 vehicles, but restrictions apply for certain sites.
Open and Closed SeasonCampground is open mid-June to late September. Dry camping only after mid-September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityMost sites are available first-come, first-served during shoulder season in September. Walk-in sites open year-round weather permitting.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled at any time before arrival. Cancellation fees include a $10 fee plus forfeiture of first night's fee for late cancellations.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lakes Basin Campground offers an array of activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and horseback riding. The campground serves as a gateway to over 30 miles of maintained trails, including access to the Pacific Crest Trail. The nearby Gold Lake provides opportunities for boating and fishing, and there are specific trails leading directly from the campground to scenic spots.
Hiking
The campground is situated near a network of over 30 miles of well-maintained trails. The one-mile Grassy Lakes Trail is accessible from the campground. Additional trails lead to nearby lakes, providing options for different skill levels. Some reviewers highlighted trails to Long Lake and Big Bear Lake as must-dos.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant at nearby Gold Lake, where anglers can catch brown and rainbow trout and Mackinaws in the clear waters.
Swimming
Swimming is possible in Gray Eagle Creek and nearby lakes. However, the water is described as cold, making it less suitable for prolonged swimming.
Biking
Many of the trails in the area are open to mountain biking. Specific details about the terrain and difficulty are not provided.
Boating
Boating can be enjoyed at Gold Lake, which features a boat ramp. Smaller watercraft can be launched at the Gold Lake Dam Day Use Area.
Winter Activities
Winter activities are not mentioned, though the area may experience heavy snowfall during winter months.
Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding may be possible at Gold Lake, though this is not explicitly described.

Campground rules

  • Pets are allowed
  • Campfires allowed within provided fire rings.
  • Quiet hours are enforced but specific times are not mentioned.

Hazards

General hazardsFrequent wildlife such as bears and raccoons. Food must be stored in approved containers.
Active alertsNo potable water and limited amenities during shoulder seasons. Group site water spigots experienced unexpected outages.

Weather forecast

45
°F
Oct 10
Friday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Humidity: 75%

High humidity, may feel muggy

Wind: 22.8 mph

Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected

Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast

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Daily & Hourly Insights

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Temperature Trends

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Precipitation Trends

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Weather Summaries

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Emergency Services

Closest emergency services are likely in Graeagle. No specific hospital or police station mentioned.

Good to know

Peak season datesJune 13 to August 31
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is provided, but the facilities have been criticized for being insufficient at times. Overflowing garbage bins and inadequate capacity for large groups have been noted by reviewers.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Gray Eagle Creek and close to Gold Lake, which offers boating and fishing.
Common complaintsNumerous reviews note problems such as lack of potable water, overflowing garbage, and poor site maintenance during peak seasons.
HostCampground hosts available during peak season but reportedly absent in recent years.

Campground Map

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7, BLAIRSDEN, CA, USA, 96103
Driving directionsIn Graeagle, CA, at the intersection of State Rt. 89 and Forest Rt. 24 (Gold Lakes directional sign), turn onto Rt. 24 and go 6.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right onto the single-lane road and proceed 0.3 miles. The campground will be on the right.
The access road is single-lane and paved. Some sections might be narrow for larger vehicles, but no specific navigation challenges or seasonal closures were mentioned.
Nearby places
Graeagle (approximately 6.9 miles, about 15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Graeagle, approximately 6.9 miles away.

Camper Reviews

3.8
41 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Lakes Basin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews present a mixed picture of Lakes Basin Campground. While many campers praised the location's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, frequent issues with maintenance, reservations, and facilities have been highlighted. Complaints about lack of water, overflowing trash, unclean toilets, and absent camp hosts were common in recent reviews.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

'The Long Lake-Big Bear Lake Loop is a must-do!' 'Wonderful area and we enjoyed our hikes and swims!' 'Dogs are welcome, and our pooch loved this campground.' 'Great location with hiking trails to...
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Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

- 'No camp host to resolve issues on-site.' - 'No running water.' - 'Garbage dumpster was overflowing.' - 'Toilets were unclean and out of toilet paper.' - 'Reservations and site management were...
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Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- 'Bring your own water and firewood as these may not be available.' - 'Check the campground's operational status before arrival.' - 'Carry extra toilet paper due to potential shortages.' - 'Plan...
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Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During early seasons, the campground has experienced delayed openings and lack of communication about closures. In peak summer, issues with maintenance, water supply, and trash management were most...
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Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'This is a beautiful campsite in a spectacular area with great hiking.' - 'Vault toilets hadn’t been cleaned out since the year before.' - 'The camp host was not on-site, and the dumpster was...
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Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 002: Large site, good for kids, close to bathrooms. Site 018: Beautiful but often mismanaged. Group Site 001: Fantastic views but lacked water and had overflowing garbage.
Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

A paved accessible trail to Frazier Falls is highlighted as nearby. Specific accessibility reviews for the campground itself are limited.
Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and appreciated by users, though dogs must be on a leash. 'Great location for hiking with your leashed dog.'
Based on 41 reviews

Last updated August 10, 2025

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