Cottonwood Springs Campground (California)

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Chilcoot, California 96105
530 258-7606
39.88472, -120.23667

Cottonwood Springs campground in the Plumas National Forest has 24 single-family (mixed-used) campsites and located next to Frenchman Lake. A mixed conifer forest provides moderate to good shade in most campsites and all are a short walk to the lake (but no view of the lake). The campsites are large and spread out. Each has a table, fire ring and grate. There are no hookups.

Our favorite Cottonwood Springs campsites are: 3, 5, 7, 8 and 19.

Cottonwood Springs campground is generally open mid April to early September and is organized in 4 loops. Loops A and C are individual sites (20 total). B and D are for groups. B is mainly for tents while D will fit RV’s. The campground also has a large group site (up to 50 guests). The campground has drinking water, vault and flush toilets, and showers. Firewood is for sale from the campground host.

Other campgrounds in the area include Chilcoot, Frenchman and Spring Creek.

At 5,607 feet in elevation, Frenchman Lake was created in 1962 when the California Department of Water Resources dammed Little Las Chance Creek. The shoreline is 21 miles and has become a great place to boat, fish, explore and play. During the summer, visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, hunting, wildlife viewing, water skiing, jet skiing and other water sports. Winter activities range from snowmobiling to ice fishing and cross-country skiing.

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Directions:

To reach Cottonwood Springs campground from Reno, Nevada, travel north on Highway 395, then merge onto Highway 70 west and travel 5 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284 and continue for 8 miles to the Frenchman Lake Reservoir, then turn left before crossing the dam and travel 2.5 miles to the Cottonwood Springs campground.