How much does camping cost at Lakes Basin?

Camping fees at Lakes Basin are $33.97 - $80/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Lakes Basin first-come first-served or reservation?

Lakes Basin 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 Lakes Basin before I book?

Yes! Lakes Basin has 2 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 Lakes Basin?

Lakes Basin is open June 12 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 Lakes Basin?

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

How many campsites does Lakes Basin have?

Lakes Basin has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Lakes Basin?

Yes, pets are allowed at Lakes Basin. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Lakes Basin?

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

What activities can I do at Lakes Basin?

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

Lakes Basin

Q: Can I have a campfire at Lakes Basin?

Fire policies at Lakes Basin: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by using only local firewood. This wood is available for purchase from the camp host, or collecting in the national forest. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.73

96 reviews

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

C-Report Card

Pet FriendlyScenic ViewsGreat HikingSummer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping California

Quick Facts

6,445 ft

Price

$33.97 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Campground is open m...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

Book on PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,445 ft

Price

$33.97 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Campground is open m...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Top 3% in state

Book on PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST Official Website

Get Directions

Lakes Basin

$33.97 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $80.00; MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-17492: $67.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $36.00; TENT ONLY...

Group Site Fee$80.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

CAMPGROUND/CAMPSITE STATUS CALL (530) 832-1076james.bradeen@usda.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Lakes Basin

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

Nearby places

Graeagle (approximately 6.9 miles, about 15-minute drive)

Weather at Lakes Basin

Current alerts(13)

About half the sites are available on first come first serve
After mid-September there is dry camping only.
Behaved pets are welcome. Dogs in the campground must be on leash.
Campground Map

Best Time to Camp at Lakes Basin

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of access, warm daytime weather (typically 65–80°F) and clear trails — with cool nights often in the 35–50°F range — making it ideal for hiking the Sierra Buttes, lake-hopping, swimming and fishing. All lakes and most trailheads are snow-free from mid-June through September so boating and bike access are at their peak, and the high-alpine scenery and long daylight hours are excellent for families. Expect moderate to busy weekends in July–August, so reserve a (n Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warm days (65–80°F), trail access and full services in summer; peak season issues noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 12 to September 28. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground is open mid-June to late September. Dry camping only after mid-September.

About Lakes Basin

Lakes Basin sits in the Plumas National Forest near Graeagle, offering access to alpine lakes and the Sierra Buttes trail system. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-elevation campground serves hikers, anglers, and swimmers exploring the high country. Tent, primitive, and group sites are available with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

Lakes Basin Campground caters to a range of campers with options for family camping, group tent camping, and double-family sites. It is oriented toward tent and non-electric primitive camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of access, warm daytime weather (typically 65–80°F) and clear trails — with cool nights often in the 35–50°F range — making it ideal for hiking the Sierra Buttes, lake-hopping, swimming and fishing. All lakes and most trailheads are snow-free from mid-June through September so boating and bike access are at their peak, and the high-alpine scenery and long daylight hours are excellent for families. Expect moderate to busy weekends in July–August, so reserve a (n Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation6445 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryGlaciers carved this landscape into a collection of granite-rimmed lakes scattered across the Sierra Nevada. The Sierra Buttes dominate the skyline with jagged peaks. Gray Eagle Creek runs through camp. Dense fir forests provide some shade, and aspen groves add color in fall. The terrain is rocky in places, and elevation keeps the air cool even in summer.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodging accommodations within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are listed as activities offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 14 consecutive nights allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Generally accommodates 2 vehicles per site. Additional fees apply for second vehicle.

Groups

The group tent-only site accommodates up to 25 people but has been criticized for inadequate garbage capacity and water spigots that stopped functioning during one visitor's stay.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe Frazier Falls Trail near the campground is described as a one-mile paved and accessible trail. Specific accessibility features within the campground such as ADA-compliant facilities were not detailed.

Site SizeThe campground offers a mix of family campsites, one group tent-only site, and a double-family site. Some sites are reported to be large, while others are rocky and better suited for limited setups.

PrivacyPrivacy at the sites is minimal, with some reviews noting that the spaces are closely packed and lack seclusion.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites near trailheads for easier access to hiking. Avoid sites with known maintenance issues based on recent user reviews.

Best CampsitesSite 002 gets mentioned for proximity to bathrooms and trailheads. The group tent site offers better views and shade. Reviews don't specify other standout sites, though some are noted as rocky with limited setup space.

Need help booking Lakes Basin?

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

The Lakes Basin Campground offers a range of essential amenities aimed at providing a comfortable camping experience. The campground is equipped with vault toilets and drinking water available during peak season. Trash collection is also provided to ensure cleanliness. Campers can make use of the fire rings with grills and the picnic tables available at each site. However, issues with maintenance have been highlighted by several users, including lack of running water and poorly managed vault toilets during certain visits. No evidence of flush toilets, Wi-Fi, or laundry facilities was mentioned.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Lakes Basin

Lakes Basin Campground offers an array of activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and horseback riding. The campground serves as a gateway to over 30 miles of maintained trails, including access to the Pacific Crest Trail. The nearby Gold Lake provides opportunities for boating and fishing, and there are specific trails leading directly from the campground to scenic spots.

Hiking5.0/5Top 3% in California

Fishing4.0/5

Gold Lake offers brown/rainbow trout and Mackinaw; anglers noted abundant fishing nearby.

Boating3.5/5

Gold Lake has a boat ramp and launch options for smaller watercraft; boating is available.

Water Sports3.5/5

Smaller watercraft can be launched on nearby lakes like Gold Lake; suitable for kayaking.

Swimming3.0/5

Swimming possible in Gray Eagle Creek and nearby lakes but water is cold, limiting appeal.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Mid-elevation (6,445 ft) and remote alpine setting suggest good dark-sky potential.

Photography4.0/5Granite lakes, jagged peaks and fall aspens offer strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not mentioned as being available at this campground. Vault toilets are provided instead.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyProtect California's forests from tree-killing pests by using only local firewood. This wood is available for purchase from the camp host, or collecting in the national forest. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is provided, but the facilities have been criticized for being insufficient at times. Overflowing garbage bins and inadequate capacity for large groups have been noted by reviewers.

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

3.7

96 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Lakes Basin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews present a mixed picture of Lakes Basin Campground. While many campers praised the location's natural beauty and recreational opportunities, frequent issues with maintenance, reservations, and facilities have been highlighted. Complaints about lack of water, overflowing trash, unclean toilets, and absent camp hosts were common in recent reviews.

Review Summaries

Based on 96 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 96 reviews.

Site 018Loved
Site 018: Beautiful but often mismanaged.
Site 002Mentioned
Site 002: Large site, good for kids, close to bathrooms.
Site 001Issues noted
Group Site 001: Fantastic views but lacked water and had overflowing garbage.

What Campers Love

'The Long Lake-Big Bear Lake Loop is a must-do!' 'Wonderful area and we enjoyed our hikes and swims!' 'Dogs are welcome, and our pooch loved this campground.' 'Great location with hiking trails to...

Based on 96 reviews

Common Concerns

- 'No camp host to resolve issues on-site.' - 'No running water.' - 'Garbage dumpster was overflowing.' - 'Toilets were unclean and out of toilet paper.' - 'Reservations and site management were...

Based on 96 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- 'Bring your own water and firewood as these may not be available.' - 'Check the campground's operational status before arrival.' - 'Carry extra toilet paper due to potential shortages.' - 'Plan...

Based on 96 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During early seasons, the campground has experienced delayed openings and lack of communication about closures. In peak summer, issues with maintenance, water supply, and trash management were most...

Based on 96 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'This is a beautiful campsite in a spectacular area with great hiking.' - 'Vault toilets hadn’t been cleaned out since the year before.' - 'The camp host was not on-site, and the dumpster was...

Based on 96 reviews