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Chilcoot
FSU.S. Forest Service — California · Plumas National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Plumas National Forest |
| Location | California · Plumas National Forest · 39.86556, -120.16611 · Map |
| Sites | 35 public sites counted from the federal listing — 34 standard nonelectric; 1 tent only nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 35 sites Water hookups at 0 of 35 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 35 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 35 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Longest reported site fits 40 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 11 sites · 30 ft: 10 sites · 35 ft: 9 sites · 40 ft: 3 sites |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Not reported — the federal listing carries no fee description for this campground. |
| Check-in / out | In 2:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Pets | Allowed at 40 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 530-836-2575 |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-05-08.
From the official listing
Overview Chilcoot Campground (5,100 feet) is located just downstream from Frenchman Lake alongside Last Chance Creek. The sound of flowing water along with shade from the surrounding pine and cottonwood forest are key features making this a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Chilcoot Campground is one of five campgrounds in the popular Frenchman Lake Recreation Area of Northeastern California's Plumas National Forest. The campground is far enough away from the lake that visitors can experience the serene sense of solitude that the remote mountain setting provides.
Recreation Frenchman Recreation Area offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Water sports including fishing, skiing, jet skiing, swimming are readily available supported by two boat launch facilities, several fishing access points and day use areas. Camping, picnicking hiking and exploring forest roads can each provide the type of adventure you are looking for. Dispersed camping (camping outside developed campgrounds) is not allowed in the recreation area. Winter activities range from snowmobiling to ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
Facilities The campground has 40 single-family tent and RV camp sites. Some sites are available for tent camping only. Fifteen campsites are available for reservations during peak camping season. All other campsites are available as 'First Come' sites as long as the campground is open. Paved roads, paved campsite parking, water, flush toilets, host, firewood and trash service are available during peak camping season. Tables, campfire rings and recently added bear resistant containers are provided at each campsite
Natural Features This campground is situated at the southern end of Last Chance Scenic Area. The scenic area is the result of Little Last Chance Creek cutting through ancient lava flows. This is the interface of desert and mountain climates characterized by less precipitation than areas to the west and more than areas to the east. Desert scrub grows alongside pine forest. A variety of wildlife make this area home.
Nearby Attractions Chilcoot Campground is one of five campgrounds in the Frenchman Recreation Area.
Little Last Chance Scenic Area
Frenchman Lake is less than three miles from the campground.
Sierra Valley - Largest valley in the Sierra Nevada.
Stores and services in the towns of Chilcoot and Loyalton.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.
Directions, from the listing
From Reno, Nevada, travel north on Highway 395. Merge onto Highway 70 west and continue 5 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284 and continue 5 miles to the campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
2 mi straight-line · BLAIRSDEN CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBig Cove (Plumas National Forest, CA)
3 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceFrenchman
3 mi straight-line · BLAIRSDEN CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceCottonwood (Ca)
4 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceMeadow View Family Campground
12 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Chilcoot
California · Plumas National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | California · Plumas National Forest |
| Fees | Not reported in the federal data |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Up to 40 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 35 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232826 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.