Frenchman Dump Station

Star0
3 reviews
Cottonwood Springs Campground, Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, Plumas National Forest

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

Opens Royal Elk Property Management site

Official Website
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Frenchman Dump Station
$17.00 - $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...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
530-836-2575
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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

3 Google reviews

Most mentioned

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"No user reviews are available in the provided materials."

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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

Driving directionsFrom Reno, Nevada, take Highway 395 north for 24 miles to Highway 70. Head west on Highway 70 to Chilcoot, California. Head north on County Road 284 to Frenchman Lake. Continue north two more miles to the Cottonwood Springs Campground turnoff.
Accessible from paved roads, with access via Highway 70 and County Road 284. No significant navigation challenges were noted.
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.

Best Time to Camp at Frenchman Dump Station

Experience the dramatic seasonal shifts that define the Sierra Nevada's character. Winter transforms this landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the forest floor and crisp, cold air carries the scent of pine. Bundle up for freezing temperatures and occasional wind gusts that whisper through the trees. As spring melts into summer, the region awakens with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for outdoor adventures. Clear blue skies stretch endlessly above, while comfortable temperatures and low humidity create ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. Each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette, offering visitors year-round reasons to explore.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open May 16–Sep 28; this is the peak season for lake and forest recreation.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Site is open into late September—early fall available, but late fall is closed.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Opens May 16 so late-spring access; earlier spring likely affected by snow.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Facility is seasonal and closed in winter (open May 16–Sep 28).

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.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were reported.

About Frenchman Dump Station

Nestled in the heart of the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, this well-equipped facility serves as a gateway to adventure for RV enthusiasts exploring the Plumas National Forest. More than just a practical stop, the Frenchman Dump Station sits conveniently adjacent to the popular Cottonwood Springs Campground, offering essential services that keep your journey flowing smoothly. Here, the practicalities of RV travel meet the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada, creating a perfect basecamp for those seeking to immerse themselves in Northern California's stunning wilderness.
The Frenchman Dump Station is an RV-centric facility with no mention of accommodations for other types of camping.
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Amenities available

Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

Activities are not the focus at the Frenchman Dump Station, and no recreational options are explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo explicit safety concerns or hazards were mentioned.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Frenchman Dump Station

Reviews

0.0
3 reviews
Limited 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

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

Site-Specific Reviews

No specific reviews addressing particular campsites or areas are included.
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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Last updated January 5, 2026
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