How much does camping cost at Frenchman Dump Station?

Camping fees at Frenchman Dump Station are $17/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Frenchman Dump Station first-come first-served or reservation?

Frenchman Dump Station operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Not explicitly stated whether sites are walk-up or first-come, first-served.

What is the best time to visit Frenchman Dump Station?

Frenchman Dump Station is open May 16 through September 28 (operating season).. 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 Frenchman Dump Station?

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

Can I have a campfire at Frenchman Dump Station?

Fire policies at Frenchman Dump Station: Not mentioned, but visitors should check local fire regulations during dry seasons.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

Are dogs allowed at Frenchman Dump Station?

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

What amenities are available at Frenchman Dump Station?

Frenchman Dump Station offers: Dump Station. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Frenchman Dump Station

3 reviews

Cottonwood Springs Campground, Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, Plumas National Forest

Summer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping California

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open from May 16 thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

$17/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

Varies

Season

Open from May 16 thr...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Frenchman Dump Station

$17.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A flat fee of $17 is applicable for using the dump station, which operates from May 16 through September 28, 2025. Operated by Royal Elk Property...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

530-836-2575

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Cottonwood Springs Campground, Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, Plumas National Forest

Frenchman Dump Station

Cottonwood Springs Campground, Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, Plumas National Forest

Nearby places

Reno, Nevada: 24 miles (approx. 30 minutes)

Chilcoot, California: 10 miles (approx. 15 minutes).

Nearby supplies

Nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel not explicitly mentioned. Likely available in Chilcoot or Reno.

Weather at Frenchman Dump Station

Best Time to Camp at Frenchman Dump Station

Summer is the clear choice here. July and August bring daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with nights dropping into the 30s–50s°F. The dump station operates during these months, and lake access is best for boating, swimming, and fishing. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally. Winter closes the facility and buries the area in snow, though the region attracts winter sports enthusiasts who stay elsewhere.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is the clear choice; dump station operates May 16–Sep 28 with favorable temps noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 16 through September 28 (operating season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from May 16 through September 28, 2025.

About Frenchman Dump Station

Frenchman Dump Station sits at 5,600 feet in Plumas National Forest, adjacent to Cottonwood Springs Campground near Frenchman Lake. It's a no-frills facility ($17/night) with a dump station and RV sites, offering access to Sierra Nevada recreation without full campground amenities. You won't find restrooms or potable water here.

The Frenchman Dump Station is an RV-centric facility with no mention of accommodations for other types of camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is the clear choice here. July and August bring daytime highs in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F, with nights dropping into the 30s–50s°F. The dump station operates during these months, and lake access is best for boating, swimming, and fishing. Afternoon thunderstorms roll through occasionally. Winter closes the facility and buries the area in snow, though the region attracts winter sports enthusiasts who stay elsewhere.

ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet above sea level, this mountain retreat offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere. At this elevation, you'll breathe the crisp, clean air that only the Sierra Nevada can provide, while enjoying cooler temperatures that offer respite from valley heat. The altitude creates a unique environment where mountain meadows meet towering pines, and where every sunrise and sunset seems painted across a canvas stretched wider than anywhere else.

Natural Features and SceneryThe dump station sits within the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, where pine and fir forests meet the shoreline of an alpine lake. The surrounding Sierra Nevada landscape shows its volcanic and glacial origins through granite outcrops and forested slopes. At this elevation, the forest is dense with conifers, and the lake provides water access for those willing to walk from their site.

Geological RegionSet within the legendary Sierra Nevada mountain range, this location showcases nature's architectural prowess. Ancient volcanic activity and millennia of glacial sculpting have created a dramatic landscape where granite peaks pierce the sky and pristine alpine lakes mirror the heavens. The rugged terrain tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where forests cling to mountainsides and hidden valleys shelter diverse ecosystems. This is classic Sierra Nevada country - wild, beautiful, and endlessly captivating.

Scenic ViewsNo specific views or vistas are described in the provided information.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging options, such as cabins or hotel-style accommodations, are mentioned in the sources.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this area.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified.

Check-out

Not specified.

Stay Limit

Information not provided in the source materials.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Information not provided in the source materials.

Groups

Information about group sites is not provided.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations or inquiries can be made by calling the Beckwourth Ranger District at 530-836-2575.

Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated whether sites are walk-up or first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation information is not explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityAccessibility-specific features are not discussed in the provided information.

Site SizeDetails about campsite sizes are not provided.

PrivacyThe information does not detail the level of privacy between campsites.

Recommended SitesNo site-specific advice or recommendations are available.

Amenities available

Potable water is not available at this site.

Dump station

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Frenchman Dump Station

Activities are not the focus at the Frenchman Dump Station, and no recreational options are explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources.

Water Sports3.0/5

Proximity to Frenchman Lake suggests kayaking possible, but the facility gives no kayaking details.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/55600 ft, remote Plumas NF lakeshore implies good dark-sky potential though not explicitly stated.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo explicit safety concerns or hazards were mentioned.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at the site, as explicitly stated.

Fire PolicyNot mentioned, but visitors should check local fire regulations during dry seasons.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesBeckwourth Ranger District: 530-836-2575. Distance to the nearest hospital or urgent care not provided.

Trash & RecyclingNo details on trash or recycling facilities are mentioned in the available sources.

Water FeaturesLocated in the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, suggesting proximity to the lake.

Camp HostOperated by Royal Elk Property Management, but no further details about campground hosts were provided.

Cell CoverageNo information about cell phone reception is provided at this site.

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

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Frenchman Dump Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

No user reviews are available in the provided materials.

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

There are no user reviews to extract positive highlights from.

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

No user complaints are mentioned in the resources.

Based on 3 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews addressing particular campsites or areas are included.

Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

No user-generated tips or recommendations are provided.

Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No seasonal trends are identified, as there are no user reviews.

Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

Direct quotes from users are unavailable.

Based on 3 reviews

Accessibility Features

Reviews discussing accessibility experiences are not provided.

Based on 3 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No details on pet-related experiences or policies are mentioned.

Based on 3 reviews

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Frenchman Dump Station

$17.00 / night

Campsite Fees

A flat fee of $17 is applicable for using the dump station, which operates from May 16 through September 28, 2025. Operated by Royal Elk Property...

No campsite 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

USFS

Provider

530-836-2575

Go if

RVers passing through the Plumas National Forest corridor who need a dump hookup close to Reno (about 30 minutes) and don't mind hauling in their own water.