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Cottonwood (Ca)
FSU.S. Forest Service — California · Plumas National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Plumas National Forest |
| Location | California · Plumas National Forest · 39.88472, -120.23667 · Map |
| Sites | 14 public sites counted from the federal listing — 12 standard nonelectric; 2 group standard 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 14 sites Water hookups at 0 of 14 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 14 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 14 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 67 ft Sites that fit at least — 25 ft: 13 sites · 30 ft: 12 sites · 35 ft: 12 sites · 40 ft: 12 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 15 sites, as reported |
| Accessible sites | 1 marked accessible in the listing |
| Accessibility | N |
| Phone | 408-489-3205 OFF SEASON / 530-832-1076 ON SEASON |
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 Cottonwood Springs Campground (5,700) is located on the southwest side of Frenchman Lake. The surrounding pine forest provides ample shade during summers' hot afternoons. The lake, recreation area and surrounding forest and rangeland offer a wide variety of recreational opportunities and adventures. Two group sites provide families and other groups the location to get together for you special outdoor experience. Hunting, fishing, boating, water sports and nature viewing are just some of the possibilities.
Recreation The nearby 1,580-acre Frenchman Lake provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, water skiing, jet skiing and fishing. California sponsors two free fishing days every year, in April and September. There is also an accessible fishing trail within the campground. Public forest and range lands are open for you to visit. Plumas national Forest has an extensive road system for you to explore. Make sure you take a map, extra provisions dependable vehicle and plenty of fuel.
Facilities Cottonwood Springs Campground has 20 single-family campsites available for both tent and RV camping. Need a location for your family or group get together? There are two reservation group sites here. Group site B can accommodate up to 25 guests and six vehicles and Group site D up to 50 guests and 12 vehicles. Lunker Point Boat Launch Facility is about two miles away. An RV dump station is just outside the campground. All sites are equipped with paved parking, tables, campfire rings and grills. The campground has paved roads, hosts, accessible flush toilets and drinking water are also provided.
Natural Features Frenchman Lake Recreation Area is located in the northeast corner of the Sierra Nevada. The area is characterized by a blending of desert and mountain ecosystems. For example, draught tolerant plants co-mingle with pine forest. There is less precipitation here than what areas to the west receive, more than areas to the east. Erosion and lava flows in the area tell the story of recent geologic activity.
Nearby Attractions Little Last Chance Canyon Scenic Area
Sierra Valley - Largest valley in the Sierra Nevada
Stores and services in the towns of Chilcoot and Loyalton
Many forest roads to explore - take along a extra water, food, map, full tank and dependable vehicle.
Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.
Directions, from the listing
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 Campground.
Nearest federal campgrounds
3 mi straight-line · BLAIRSDEN CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceSpring Creek
3 mi straight-line · BLAIRSDEN CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBig Cove (Plumas National Forest, CA)
4 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceChilcoot
4 mi straight-line · CaliforniaFSU.S. Forest ServiceCrocker Campground
10 mi straight-line · California
Trip Card — Cottonwood (Ca)
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 67 ft |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 14 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232828 · 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.