How much does camping cost at Spring Creek?

Camping fees at Spring Creek range from $33.97-$38/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Spring Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Spring Creek 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 Spring Creek before I book?

Yes! Spring Creek 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 Spring Creek?

Spring Creek 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 Spring Creek?

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

Can I have a campfire at Spring Creek?

Fire policies at Spring Creek: 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 Spring Creek have?

Spring Creek has 35 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Spring Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Spring Creek. 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 Spring Creek?

Spring Creek 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 Spring Creek?

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

Spring Creek

4.38

109 reviews

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

Top 16% in CASummer

Scenic ViewsSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

$33.97 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Campground operates ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Plumas National Forest - Beckwourth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

5,800 ft

Price

$33.97 - $38/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Campground operates ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Plumas National Forest - Beckwourth Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Spring Creek

$33.97 - $38.00 / night

Campsite Fees

MANAGEMENT: $33.97; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $38.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

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

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Spring Creek

Compare with similar sites, watch availability, and build a packing list — Camp Sage handles all of it.

Campground Map

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

Spring Creek

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

Nearby places

Chilcoot (5 miles, ~10 minutes), Loyalton (~20 miles, ~30 minutes)

Weather at Spring Creek

Current alerts(11)

A variety of wildlife live in this area, including black bears. Before making a reservation, become aware of bear safety.
Bear resistant lockers have been installed for the 2024 season
Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers.
Campground Map

Best Time to Camp at Spring Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Spring Creek Campground and Frenchman Lake — expect clear blue skies, daytime highs around 68–74°F (typical reported high ~71°F) and crisp nights near 40–50°F, perfect for swimming, boating, hiking and evening campfires. All facilities and most trails are open, lake water is warmest for swimming and fishing is at its peak, while biking and wildlife viewing are excellent. Be prepared for busier weekends — the site has 35 campsites (12 by- Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Summer is peak season; warm days, lake warm enough for swimming and many water activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 22 to September 28. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground operates from May 23 to September 28 annually. Reservations are accepted from June 24 to September 13.

About Spring Creek

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.

Spring Creek Campground offers a variety of camping options, including tent and RV camping. Two group campsites are also available. The campground is suitable for both individual families and larger groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the most reliable weather and full access to Spring Creek Campground and Frenchman Lake — expect clear blue skies, daytime highs around 68–74°F (typical reported high ~71°F) and crisp nights near 40–50°F, perfect for swimming, boating, hiking and evening campfires. All facilities and most trails are open, lake water is warmest for swimming and fishing is at its peak, while biking and wildlife viewing are excellent. Be prepared for busier weekends — the site has 35 campsites (12 by- Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5800 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient volcanic activity shaped this landscape, leaving lava flows that erosion has softened over millennia. The campground occupies a transition zone between mountain peaks and high desert, with rugged rock formations visible from many sites. Some sites face the lake. Others sit in forested areas with limited shade. Site #22, for example, has minimal tree cover and uneven ground that makes fitting larger tents difficult.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available at this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Most sites are rated for up to 8 people.

Groups

Group campsites are available, but specific details about the capacity or per-site vehicle limits are not provided.

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, by app, or via the contact center.

AccessibilityOne campsite (#23) is specifically marked as accessible. Roads and parking pads are paved, supporting enhanced accessibility.

Site SizeThe campsites include both standard and group sites, with space for tents and RVs. Site #22 was described as lacking flat areas for larger tents, while other reviewers noted spacious and well-positioned sites.

PrivacySite privacy varies. Some reviews mention close proximity to neighbors but minimal noise issues, while others highlight the openness of certain sites (e.g., "shade is minimal" at Site #22).

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #22 lacks shade and flat tent spots despite being rated for eight people. Site #17 is ideal for water access.

Best CampsitesSites #7, #8, #9, and #17 offer lake views and water access. Reviews mention these positions as some of the best in the campground. Arrive early to claim them, especially on summer weekends.

Need help booking Spring Creek?

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

Bear resistant lockers have been installed for the 2024 season Electric hookups are not available.

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

A diverse range of recreational activities is available at Spring Creek Campground. Campers can enjoy hiking, biking, picnicking, hunting, and wildlife viewing during the summer. Frenchman Lake, situated nearby, offers opportunities for boating, swimming, water skiing, and fishing. The expansive road network in Plumas National Forest provides additional sightseeing and exploration options.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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).

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

Rate Spring Creek

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From Booking Sources

4.4

109 reviews

Recommended

Spring Creek is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Spring Creek Campground are generally positive, with an overall sentiment of 4.56/5. Praise focuses on the cleanliness of the campground, the accommodating camp hosts, and the natural beauty of the area. However, some reviewers expressed concerns about occasional disorganization from hosts and issues with noise during late hours.

Review Summaries

Based on 109 reviews

What Campers Love

Campers frequently highlight the cleanliness of the restrooms and campgrounds. The scenic beauty of the area is consistently praised, as is the accommodating nature of the camp hosts during most...

Based on 109 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised by users include occasional disorganization from the hosts, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and the absence of showers. Some campsites were described as lacking shade or being...

Based on 109 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

- Site 17: "Very nice because it was right by the water." - Site 22: "Lacked flat spots for tents; minimal shade." - Site 23: "Accessible and close to water." - Site 26: "Best for our needs." - Site...

Based on 109 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User recommendations include bringing a portable heater for colder nights, paying early visits to secure the best campsites, and being mindful of wildlife, as mountain lions and bears are...

Based on 109 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is busiest during summer, with frequent mentions of warm and clear weather. While late evenings provide cooler temperatures, some campers noted that noise levels can rise during the...

Based on 109 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "Don is a damn fine camp host. Really enjoyed myself. More than accommodating to large group and fantastic scenery and fishing." - "We had a beautiful view of the lake through the trees and enough...

Based on 109 reviews

Accessibility Features

Campsite #23 is specifically noted as accessible, and the campground features paved roads and parking pads. However, no further detailed reviews focusing on accessibility features were provided.

Based on 109 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but leash rules are strictly enforced. One reviewer suggested driving further down the lake to find a more relaxed area for dogs to enjoy the water.

Based on 109 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want a lakeside base camp for boating and fishing with standard amenities and group site options.

Skip if

You need consistently maintained facilities or prefer campgrounds with electric hookups.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Plumas National Forest

Big Cove sits on the shore of Frenchman Lake in Plumas National Forest, a mid-elevation campground operated by the Forest Service near Chilcoot. The mid-sized facility offers both tent and RV sites with flush toilets, hot showers, and a dump station. Campers fish, swim, and boat on the lake, and the camp hosts maintain notably clean facilities with spacious, well-equipped sites.