How much does camping cost at Chilcoot?

Camping fees at Chilcoot range from $33.97-$34/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Chilcoot first-come first-served or reservation?

Chilcoot 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 Chilcoot before I book?

Yes! Chilcoot 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 Chilcoot?

Chilcoot is open May 22 to September 28. 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 Chilcoot?

Chilcoot does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Chilcoot?

Fire policies at Chilcoot: 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.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Chilcoot have?

Chilcoot has 40 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Chilcoot?

Pets are not allowed at Chilcoot. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Chilcoot?

Chilcoot offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Chilcoot?

Popular activities at Chilcoot include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Chilcoot

4.56

83 reviews

Top 16%Summer

Summer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$33.97 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Outdoors in Plumas Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,100 ft

Price

$33.97 - $34/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

40 campsites

Season

Open from May 23 to ...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Outdoors in Plumas Official Website

Get Directions

Chilcoot

$33.97 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $34.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $34.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

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Plan a trip to Chilcoot

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Campground Map

Chilcoot

39.8656, -120.1661

Nearby places

Chilcoot (approx. 5 miles), Loyalton (approx. 10 miles), Reno (approx. 60 miles)

Weather at Chilcoot

Current alerts(9)

A variety of wildlife live in this area, including black bears. Before making a reservation, become aware of bear safety.
America the Beautiful, Senior Passes, and Access Passes are accepted for single campsites only. They are not accepted for double or group campsites.
Campground Map
Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon

Best Time to Camp at Chilcoot

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather (mornings around 59°F, afternoons near 87°F), full access to Chilcoot's lakeshore and creek, and peak recreational services — making it ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and stargazing. Trails and boat ramps are fully open and the pine/cottonwood canopy is lush, while long daylight hours maximize time on Frenchman Lake and Last Chance Creek. Expect the busiest conditions from Memorial Day through early September (peak crowds and campsite-ﬁ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in US

Summer is most popular; reliable weather (59–87°F), full lake and trail access; many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 28. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 23 to September 28 with peak season lasting until September 6.

About Chilcoot

Chilcoot sits in Plumas National Forest near Frenchman Lake, operated by Outdoors in Plumas with flush toilets and potable water at each site. The mid-elevation campground offers tent and RV sites under pine and cottonwood canopy, with a nearby creek and lake access for swimming, boating, and fishing. Reviewers praise spacious sites and the scenic creek, though some note surprise vehicle fees and check-out time changes.

Chilcoot Campground offers options for tent camping and RV camping. A mix of reservable and first-come, first-served sites are available. Some sites are designated as tent-only.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable warm weather (mornings around 59°F, afternoons near 87°F), full access to Chilcoot's lakeshore and creek, and peak recreational services — making it ideal for swimming, boating, fishing, hiking, and stargazing. Trails and boat ramps are fully open and the pine/cottonwood canopy is lush, while long daylight hours maximize time on Frenchman Lake and Last Chance Creek. Expect the busiest conditions from Memorial Day through early September (peak crowds and campsite-ﬁ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies terrain shaped by ancient lava flows, where pine forest meets high desert vegetation. Last Chance Creek runs through the property, creating a riparian corridor that attracts deer at dawn and eagles overhead. The mix of pines, cottonwoods, and desert scrub produces an unusual visual contrast. Sites near the creek offer shade and the sound of moving water. The surrounding Last Chance Scenic Area preserves this transition zone between two distinct ecosystems.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging or other accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned in the available information.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Typically accommodates up to 2 vehicles 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 through Recreation.gov online or via the mobile app.

AccessibilitySite #3 is identified as an accessible site, and users have commented positively on its accessibility and proximity to the creek.

Site SizeSites are noted for their spacious layout, with some being large enough to accommodate multiple vehicles when permitted.

PrivacyThe sites provide a mix of privacy levels. Many are described as private and secluded, particularly those near the creek. One user stated, "The sites are spacious and most are private.

Total Campsites40 campsites

Recommended SitesSites near the creek provide privacy, shade, and soothing water sounds. Sites #7 and #27 are highly recommended.

Best CampsitesSites 7, 27, and 5 get the most praise for their creek proximity. Reviews emphasize choosing creek-side spots when available. One camper noted the sites are spacious and most offer good privacy, especially those near the water.

Need help booking Chilcoot?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Chilcoot Campground provides a wide range of amenities, including 40 single-family tent and RV campsites. Features include paved roads, paved campsite parking, flush toilets, firewood for sale, trash service, and bear-resistant containers at each site. Sites are equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Drinking water is available seasonally. As one user noted, "running water in restrooms" is provided but there are no showers on the premises.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Chilcoot Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and water-based activities at nearby Frenchman Lake. The creek running through the campground itself provides opportunities for small-scale water play and relaxation.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Food Storage RequiredBear-resistant containers are provided at all campsites to safely store food and other items.

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).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.6

83 reviews

Top-Rated

Chilcoot is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is well-loved for its natural beauty, proximity to a creek, and serene environment. User reviews highlight spacious sites, clean facilities, and friendly hosts. "The sound of the creek is soothing," mentioned one camper.

Review Summaries

Based on 83 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 83 reviews.

Site #7Loved
Site #7 is often highlighted as a top choice, located along the river and described as spacious.
Site #3Mentioned
Site #3 is noted for accessibility.

What Campers Love

Highlights include the scenic creek, spacious campsites, and the campground's location near Frenchman Lake. Many users also praised the helpful and friendly camp hosts.

Based on 83 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of showers, occasional issues with locked restrooms, and some grievances about new management policies, such as the $8 extra vehicle fee.

Based on 83 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

For the best experience, choose sites near the creek. Bring all necessary supplies as the campground is remote, with limited nearby services. Download maps in advance due to lack of cell service.

Based on 83 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most popular season, with many visitors enjoying the creek and proximity to Frenchman Lake. Winter activities are also available but are less frequently mentioned in reviews.

Based on 83 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The hosts were very nice, some of the guests were a little loud after hours," "Clean bathrooms, no showers," and "The creek is nice, and there is a small area for children to play in shallow water."

Based on 83 reviews

Accessibility Features

Site #3 is wheelchair-accessible and praised for its proximity to the creek. "The camp host, Reta is exceptional. She is friendly and helpful," wrote one user.

Based on 83 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want lakeside recreation with full amenities and spacious sites under forest canopy.

Skip if

You need predictable fees and fixed check-out times without last-minute changes.

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.