Cottonwood Springs Campground Plumas National Forest California

Highway 284
Chilcoot, California 96105
530 258-7606

Lat / Long:

39.88472, -120.23667

Cottonwood Springs campground is located near Frenchman Lake and has 20 single-family campsites and 9 group campsites. The Beckwourth Complex Fire (2021) did do some damage to some of the campground trees (particularly at the entrance), but most of the campground was unharmed. Our photos are after the fire (April, 2022).

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 also for sale from the campground host.

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

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.

Make a Reservation for Cottonwood Springs

Best Campsites

3, 5, 7, 8, 19

Regions

• Creek
• Lake
• Mountains
• National Forest
• National Forest Campgrounds
• Northern California
• Reno Area
• River

Campsite Types

• ADA
• Group
• RV
• Tent
• Trailer

Amenities

• BBQ Grills
• Boat Launch/Ramp
• Boat Ramp
• Campground Host
• Campsite Tables
• Cell Service - None
• Drinking Water
• Dump Station
• Fire Pit
• Fire Rings
• Firewood Available
• Grills
• Group Camping
• Pets OK
• Picnic Tables
• Restrooms (Flush Toilets, Vault Toilets)
• Showers

Activities

• Backpacking
• Beach
• Biking
• Bird Watching
• Boating
• Boating (non motorized)
• Canoeing
• Creek
• Cross Country Skiing
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Ice Fishing
• Jet Skiing
• Kayaking
• Mountain Biking
• Nature Trails
• Photography
• Picnicking
• Stargazing
• Swimming
• Walking Trails
• Water Skiing
• Water Sports
• Wildlife Viewing
• Winter Sports
• Winter/Snow Sports