Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Star4.20
123 reviews
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,700 ft

Price

$38 - $71/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Open from May 23, 20...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Plumas National Forest - Recreation Area site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)
$38.00 - $71.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees for standard non-electric sites range from $38 to $71 per night. The fee does not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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

4.20

Satisfactory

Based on 123 reviews

83 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowersrestroomsspacious

Some mention

noise

"User reviews paint a positive picture of Big Cove Campground, highlighting its clean facilities, accommodating hosts, and scenic surroundings. However, some issues like party noise, lack of food lockers, and wasps are noted."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

39.9019, -120.1725

Driving directionsFrom Reno, Nevada, take Highway 395 north for 24 miles. Merge onto State Route 70 west and continue for 5 miles to the town of Chilcoot. Turn right on State Route 284 and continue for 8 miles to Frenchman Lake. Cross the dam and proceed 2 miles to the campground.
Paved roads lead directly to the campground. Roads are considered accessible and well-maintained. Seasonal closures or weather-related restrictions are not mentioned.
Nearby places
Chilcoot (8 miles), Loyalton (distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
Stores in the towns of Chilcoot and Loyalton offer supplies, and Goodwin’s grocery store is approximately 30 minutes away from the campground. Firewood is sold at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Summer transforms Big Cove into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days averaging 87°F invite swimmers and sunbathers to the lake's edge, while pleasantly cool evenings around 59°F are perfect for stargazing and campfire stories. The unique blend of desert and mountain weather creates surprisingly comfortable conditions, with moderate precipitation keeping the landscape refreshed without dampening outdoor plans.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busiest season; warm days and full recreation (swimming, boating, fishing) available.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
Not recommended

Campground closes Aug 31; fall camping not offered.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late-spring opening (May 23) affords cool nights and fewer crowds early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal closure means winter access/activities are not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 23, 2025 - August 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 23, 2025, to August 31, 2025, with reservations starting June 24, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Past reviews mention fire damage and some campsites being closed due to burns. Specific current alerts are not mentioned.

About Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Frenchman Lake in Northeastern California, Big Cove Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to discover a perfect basecamp for adventure. This beloved destination seamlessly blends the tranquility of lakeside camping with endless opportunities for recreation—from casting a line into crystal-clear waters to paddling across the lake at sunset. Here, children's laughter mingles with the gentle lapping of waves as families create memories that last a lifetime.
Big Cove Campground offers a range of camping accommodations, including tent and RV sites. Accessible sites are available, and there are options for both single and double sites, accommodating different group sizes.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 Noon
Stay Limit
14 nights per visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Big Cove Campground, situated near Frenchman Lake, offers a myriad of recreational activities. Visitors can engage in fishing, boating, swimming, and various water sports. The nearby Little Last Chance Creek is ideal for streamside recreation, nature viewing, and photography. The area is also a hub for hiking, biking, picnicking, and exploring forest roads.
HikingThe campground provides access to multiple trails, including paved paths leading to the lake. These trails cater to a range of abilities, making them popular among families.
FishingFishing opportunities abound in Frenchman Lake and Little Last Chance Creek. Anglers can enjoy lake fishing as well as streamside fishing along the creek.
SwimmingFrenchman Lake features designated swimming areas, and the lake's blue waters are perfect for a refreshing dip.
BikingBiking is a popular activity in the area, with many forest roads open for exploration.
BoatingBoating activities include canoeing, paddleboarding, skiing, and jet skiing. The lake is well-suited for various watercraft.
Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, with daily sightings of deer and even an American Bald Eagle reported by campers. Wasps, however, are a noted nuisance.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBlack bears frequent the area. Wasps are reported as a nuisance. Visitors are advised to use bear-safe practices and hang wasp traps if necessary.
Active AlertsPast reviews mention fire damage and some campsites being closed due to burns. Specific current alerts are not mentioned.

Weather at Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca)

Reviews

4.2
123 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Big Cove (Plumas National Forest, Ca) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews paint a positive picture of Big Cove Campground, highlighting its clean facilities, accommodating hosts, and scenic surroundings. However, some issues like party noise, lack of food lockers, and wasps are noted.
Review Summaries
Based on 123 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users praised the campground's cleanliness, spacious sites, and the helpfulness of the camp hosts. "The restrooms and showers are spotless and smell nice," noted one camper, while another...
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Based on 123 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from parties and RV generators, lack of food lockers, and wasps were common complaints. One user mentioned, "There was loud, thumping music and several groups of partying people making noise...
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Based on 123 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring a wasp trap to manage pests effectively, and consider camping on weekdays to avoid noisy weekend crowds. Early arrival is recommended for securing first-come, first-served sites.
Based on 123 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight the campground's popularity and were generally positive regarding weather and recreational activities. However, noise complaints were more frequent during peak seasons.
Based on 123 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "The camp hosts are amazing people. Sites and facilities are clean." 2. "Restrooms were well stocked with hand soap and toilet paper." 3. "There wasn’t too much bug activity except at dusk." 4....
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Based on 123 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 11 was noted as closed due to burn damage in one review. Double sites were appreciated for their size but criticized for attracting noisy groups.
Based on 123 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible paved roads and campsites received positive comments, making the campground suitable for families with handicapped members.
Based on 123 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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