How much does camping cost at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Camping fees at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) range from $38-$71/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) first-come first-served or reservation?

Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) before I book?

Yes! Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) is open May 22 to August 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Yes, Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) have?

Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) has 38 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Pets are not allowed at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca). This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Popular activities at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) include Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Q: Can I have a campfire at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

Fire policies at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca): Get your firewood locally. This will prevent the introduction of pests and invasive species into this area. Campground hosts have firewood for sale, you may collect firewood for your campfire in the National Forest. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.13

123 reviews

Top 20%Summer

CReport Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$38 - $71/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Plumas National Forest - Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$38 - $71/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Plumas National Forest - Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

$38.00 - $71.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD DOUBLE RESERVABLE: $71.00; STANDARD RESERVABLE: $38.00; STANDARD: $38.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Provider

530-836-2575james.bradeen@usda.gov

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Campground Map

Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

39.9019, -120.1725

Nearby places

Chilcoot (8 miles), Loyalton (distance not specified)

Weather at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Current alerts(6)

America the Beautiful, Senior Passes and Access Passes are accepted for single campsites. They are not accepted for double or group campsites.
Before arriving for your reservation become aware of bear safety. Many black bears live in the nearby forest. They do come into the campground during the day as well as night. Bear safe food lockers are not available in the campground.
Campground Map
Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon

Best Time to Camp at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Big Cove because the campground is open (May 23–Aug 31) and warm, sunny days (average highs near 85–90°F and cool nights around 55–60°F) make the lake ideal for swimming, boating, and evening campfires. Water-based activities—paddling at sunrise/sunset, warm-water fishing, and shoreline swimming—are at their peak, and trails and boat ramps are fully accessible. Expect the busiest crowds on holiday weekends and in July–early August; reservations open June 24, so I Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 20% in US

Campground open and busiest May 23–Aug 31; summer reviews praise weather, recreation, cleanliness.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to August 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to August 31, 2025, with reservations starting June 24, 2025.

About Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Big Cove sits on the shore of Frenchman Lake in Plumas National Forest, a mid-elevation campground operated by the Forest Service near Chilcoot. The mid-sized facility offers both tent and RV sites with flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Campers fish, swim, and boat on the lake, and the camp hosts maintain notably clean facilities with spacious, well-equipped sites.

Big Cove Campground offers a range of camping accommodations, including tent and RV sites. Accessible sites are available, and there are options for both single and double sites, accommodating different group sizes.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Big Cove because the campground is open (May 23–Aug 31) and warm, sunny days (average highs near 85–90°F and cool nights around 55–60°F) make the lake ideal for swimming, boating, and evening campfires. Water-based activities—paddling at sunrise/sunset, warm-water fishing, and shoreline swimming—are at their peak, and trails and boat ramps are fully accessible. Expect the busiest crowds on holiday weekends and in July–early August; reservations open June 24, so I Peak months: July, August, June, May Avoid: September, October, November, December

Elevation5700 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryLittle Last Chance Creek has carved through ancient lava flows to create Little Last Chance Canyon, the campground's dramatic backdrop. Pine forests transition to desert scrub across the landscape. The creek forms pools and cascades over volcanic rock before reaching Frenchman Lake. This intersection of mountain and desert ecosystems creates a mix of vegetation and terrain uncommon in California's mountain campgrounds.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Typically accommodates up to 12 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov and associated applications. Phone support is also available.

AccessibilityThe campground is wheelchair-accessible, with paved roads and campsites. One user recommended it for large families with handicapped members, noting its suitability for wheelchairs, walkers, and canes.

Site SizeSites are spacious, with some double sites available for larger groups. Reviews describe the sites as "large and flat," providing ample room and privacy.

PrivacySites are well-separated, offering a good level of privacy. One review highlighted "elbow room between sites" as a key positive.

Total Campsites38 campsites

Recommended SitesSome sites are closer to the lake and provide better views. Double sites cater well to larger groups but may attract noisy campers.

Best CampsitesDouble sites offer extra space for larger groups. Site 030 gets mentioned for cleanliness and upkeep. Site 11 has burn damage and is closed. Reviews emphasize that sites are large and flat with good separation. Weekday camping avoids the noisier weekend crowds that sometimes pack the double sites.

Need help booking Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Big Cove Campground offers a variety of amenities for a comfortable camping experience. The campground has 38 sites, including 15 reservable sites during the peak season, with the rest available on a first-come, first-served basis. Amenities include "coin-operated showers, accessible flush toilets, drinking water, trash bins, and paved roads during the peak camping season." Additionally, an RV dump station is located nearby at Cottonwood Springs Campground. While potable water is conveniently located near most campsites, it is worth noting that "there is no electricity in the showers or bathrooms," and reviews highlight the need for more trash receptacles and food lockers due to the abundance of wildlife.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Big Cove Campground, situated near Frenchman Lake, offers a myriad of recreational activities. Visitors can engage in fishing, boating, swimming, and various water sports. The nearby Little Last Chance Creek is ideal for streamside recreation, nature viewing, and photography. The area is also a hub for hiking, biking, picnicking, and exploring forest roads.

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

Fire PolicyGet your firewood locally. This will prevent the introduction of pests and invasive species into this area. Campground hosts have firewood for sale, you may collect firewood for your campfire in the National Forest. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available, but user reviews indicate a need for more receptacles to handle waste effectively.

Cell CoverageSeveral user reviews confirm that the campground has no cell phone reception. This aligns with the remote location near Frenchman Lake.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

123 reviews

Satisfactory

Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews paint a positive picture of Big Cove Campground, highlighting its clean facilities, accommodating hosts, and scenic surroundings. However, some issues like party noise, lack of food lockers, and wasps are noted.

Review Summaries

Based on 123 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts. "The restrooms and showers are spotless and smell nice," noted one camper, while another...

Based on 123 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from parties and RV generators, lack of food lockers, and wasps were common complaints. One user mentioned, "There was loud, thumping music and several groups of partying people making noise...

Based on 123 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 11 was noted as closed due to burn damage in one review. Double sites were appreciated for their size but criticized for attracting noisy groups.

Based on 123 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a wasp trap to manage pests effectively, and consider camping on weekdays to avoid noisy weekend crowds. Early arrival is recommended for securing first-come, first-served sites.

Based on 123 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the campground's popularity and were generally positive regarding weather and recreational activities. However, noise complaints were more frequent during peak seasons.

Based on 123 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The camp hosts are amazing people. Sites and facilities are clean." 2. "Restrooms were well stocked with hand soap and toilet paper." 3. "There wasn’t too much bug activity except at dusk." 4....

Based on 123 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible paved roads and campsites received positive comments, making the campground suitable for families with handicapped members.

Based on 123 reviews

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Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

$38.00 - $71.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD DOUBLE RESERVABLE: $71.00; STANDARD RESERVABLE: $38.00; STANDARD: $38.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No paid fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-836-2575james.bradeen@usda.gov

Go if

You want a well-maintained lakefront base camp for swimming and boating with modern restroom facilities.

Skip if

You need quiet enforcement during peak season or prefer backcountry solitude over developed amenities.

Nearby Campgrounds

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7, BLAIRSDEN, CA 96103, USA

Spring Creek sits along Frenchman Lake in Plumas National Forest, operated by the Beckwourth Ranger District. This mid-elevation forest campground offers tent sites, RV spots, and group camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers come for lake access, with swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking trails drawing visitors during the summer season.

Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

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