Frenchman

Star4.12
182 reviews
PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7, BLAIRSDEN, CA, 96103, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$30 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens Plumas National Forest - Beckwourth Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Frenchman
$30.00 - $38.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rate is $38 from May 23 to August 31. First-come, first-served season rate is $30 from September 1 to October 12. Additional fees...
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Standard Site Fee$38.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-836-2575jackjodyparker@yahoo.com
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What Campers Say

4.12

Satisfactory

Based on 182 reviews

132 Google reviews

Most mentioned

scenerylake

Some mention

noisesmall

"Overall, Frenchman Campground has mixed reviews. Positive aspects include its scenic location and activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. However, issues such as unclean vault toilets, poor cell phone service, and strict or rude camp hosts are common complaints."

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Campground Map

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

Frenchman

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

Driving directionsFrom Reno, Nevada, travel north on Highway 395. Merge onto Highway 70 west and travel 5 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284 and continue 8 miles to Frenchman Lake, turn right, cross the dam, and travel a mile to the campground.
The access road is paved and generally accessible during warmer months. Seasonal snow closures may restrict access in winter. Roads leading to the campground are well-marked but can be narrow with sharp turns.
Nearby places
Chilcoot (8 miles), Loyalton (approximately 20 miles)
Nearby supplies
Stores and services in Chilcoot and Loyalton offer groceries, camping gear, and fuel. Firewood is available for sale from the campground host.

Best Time to Camp at Frenchman

Summer transforms this high-altitude haven into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite endless outdoor adventures, though mountain breezes can pick up unexpectedly, adding a refreshing coolness to afternoon explorations. As autumn arrives, the campground takes on a golden glow before winter's embrace brings pristine snowscapes that may temporarily close access roads, creating a seasonal rhythm that defines life in these mountains.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer offers best weather and full water recreation, but peak-season crowds and noise are common.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Shoulder season is quieter and scenic; fewer reviews specifically call out fall colors or events.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Shoulder-season variable conditions; lower water levels reported at times, fewer crowds than summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but snow closures limit access; winters are quieter but facilities may be impacted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but snow closures commonly occur in winter.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal closures due to snow and post-fire recovery efforts may impact access and site conditions.

About Frenchman

Nestled into pine-dotted hillsides above the sparkling waters of Frenchman Lake, this mountain retreat beckons adventurers seeking the perfect blend of forest and waterfront camping. At 5,700 feet elevation, Frenchman Campground welcomes both tent enthusiasts and RV travelers to its collection of standard non-electric sites, where the scent of pine mingles with crisp mountain air and the gentle lapping of lake waters creates nature's perfect soundtrack.
The Frenchman Campground accommodates tent camping and RV camping. Group camping and primitive options are not detailed.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Frenchman Campground offers a variety of activities during the peak camping season, including hiking, biking, picnicking, and hunting. The nearby Frenchman Lake supports water activities like swimming, boating, jet skiing, and fishing. Winter activities include ice fishing and snowmobiling.
HikingHiking opportunities are available, with scenic trails around the forested and lakeside areas. "Absolutely perfect weather... The views were outstanding!" - Jo Ann Young.
FishingFishing is available but can be hit-or-miss. "I'm a decent fisherman, and the fishing was horrible (I was there in July)." - Glen San Marcos; "Great spot for fishing!" - Jose Chavez.
SwimmingThe lake supports swimming, but safety measures and designated areas are not detailed.
BikingBiking is mentioned as an available activity, though detailed information about trails and terrain is missing.
BoatingBoating is popular, with facilities like ramps and docks. However, low water levels and submerged rocks have been noted as hazards. "The dock is not in the water, and there are submerged rocks along the boat ramp." - Shawn Kelley.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, with deer frequently spotted in campsites. "A mama deer and 4 babies came right to our campsite." - Joseph Piceno.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPost-fire damage from the Beckwourth fire has affected tree coverage, leading to potential hazards like 'widowmakers' (dead branches). Wildlife, including bears, can pose challenges if food safety is not maintained.
Active Alertsroad closed. | Seasonal closures due to snow and post-fire recovery efforts may impact access and site conditions.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Frenchman

Reviews

4.1
182 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Frenchman is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, Frenchman Campground has mixed reviews. Positive aspects include its scenic location and activities like fishing, boating, and hiking. However, issues such as unclean vault toilets, poor cell phone service, and strict or rude camp hosts are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 182 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful scenery, proximity to Frenchman Lake, and opportunities for outdoor recreation are consistent positives. "Frenchman’s is the best place to boat, swim, fish, camp, and play." - Marina...
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Based on 182 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance of vault toilets, overcrowding on weekends, and rude or strict camp hosts. "The bathrooms were disgusting... Feces all over the insert of the toilet." -...
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Based on 182 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Mid-week visits are quieter, and sites close to the lake, like 23 and 24, offer easier access to the water. "Mid-week it is quiet; weekends are crazy." - L Met.
Based on 182 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak seasons like summer attract large crowds, but the campground can be noisy. Winters are quieter but access can be limited by snow.
Based on 182 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The grass was green, the dirt was dry, the lake was full and the sky was blue." - John O'Neal. "The trees provide ample shade in most sites." - Glen San Marcos. "The restrooms were spotless." -...
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Based on 182 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 23 and 24 are highlighted for their proximity to the lake but are noted to have shared driveways. "Sites 23 and 24 have the best access to water, though they share a driveway." - Alex Filatov.
Based on 182 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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