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    Frenchman Lake Recreation Area

    4.1 (18 reviews)

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    frances s.

    Big cove campgrounds : We reserved out campsite months in advance (8).It was suposed to accommodate up to 12 ppl . And have shade. IT DID WITH ROOM TO SPARE. WE HAD ELBOW ROOM BETWEEN SITES .AND MULTIPLE TRAILS TO THE BEACH ON THE LAKE INCLUDING A PAVED TRAIL WITH LESS OF INCLINE. The Host were beyound accommodating and kept the bathrooms clean and could be seen at various times around the campgrounds . We encountered deer and Steer upclose n person every day and was a thrill of the trip. There is no electricity in the showers or bathrooms on cell phone reception of any type . Showers are $2 for 3mins. And you are a short drive from a store that is reasonably priced. Only down side is we wished due to the abundance of wild life there were food lockers and more trash receptacles. Our 4day 3 night adventure was toomuch fun we will be back

    Porter S.

    Four generations, two camp in Big Cove, one great time. Swimming in Frenchman Lake. Relaxing by the campfire. Sleeping in tents. There were restrooms for public use. Garbage dumpsters but they were full by Saturday, which was not good for wild animals on Sunday. I also saw the staff riding around on a golf cart sporadically. Not bad, but it made me wonder. We didnt have cell phone usage available. I saw kids throwing rocks at wildlife. Adults drinking heavily by the lake. What if first responders or police are needed? Two people taking turns to drive around on one golf cart can not be everywhere.

    Fishing not hard at all.
    P J.

    Beautiful place to fish and camp. I am a stay at home dad and I take my 2 girls 12 and 4. We have a blast. Everyday we catch fish. Just go to one of the many fishing spots marked on the map and cast. I use power bait with no issues what so ever. Water is beautiful! Previous poster mentioned mucky?!? Really. Move away from the boat launch :) Flushing toilets.....Your camping (not needed) Be thankful you have a toilet. Facilities are for the most part clean. WIth two girls with frequent potty breaks, I bought a portable :) Have fun!! Its a great place!

    Rose F.

    Frenchman's lake is set in the forest (Plumas National Forest) of the most beautiful forestry I've seen in a long time. There were areas for fishing, camping, picnicking, jet skiing and boat. The place was very peaceful and very relaxing. We drove up with our two dogs so that our puppy could swim in the lake for the first time. He did a great job at it for a first timer. We didn't have to the opportunity to camp, fish or jet ski, but it looked like everyone was having a very good time.

    Hey mom what's that?! Haha my boys

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    11 months ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

    It was so awesome to visit the lake of my childhood. The lake was full and the facilities were clean. Would love to come back and camp.

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    Ask the Community - Frenchman Lake Recreation Area

    Review Highlights - Frenchman Lake Recreation Area

    There is lots of wildlife to watch and if you're into fishing, they have that too!

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    Chilcoot Campground - Frenchman's Lake - Little Last Chance Creek !!

    Chilcoot Campground - Frenchman's Lake

    5.0(3 reviews)
    5.0 mi

    Beautiful campground in Chilcoot!!! Conveniently located 40 minutes from Sparks/Reno. Look…read morecarefully at the campsite map and pick one the sites that backup to the Little Last Chance Creek. We had # 10 and it is probably the best site , you can't get your tent any closer to that creek. I would recommend #7, #10and # 25 for creek access, #9 is also a great spot but I believe it's first come first served only. I saw a few beautiful trout pulled out of the creek in the evenings when the sun is setting and the bugs come out! Don't bother fishing in the middle of the day, I'd say early morning till 9:00am and evenings after 7:00pm. The creek is an awesome place to hang on a hot day, lots of shade from the trees, water was pretty chilly in late June, quite a bit colder than the Truckee River but definitely worth doing a cold plunge or two!! No showers but they do have flush toilets and water spigots. A picture is worth 1000 words so I'll let my pictures speak for themselves......

    If I'm the first to review, I can't wait to read the rest that are sure to follow for this great…read morecampsite! Camping is hardly a primitive activity anymore. It's more like sleeping outside, which is totally cool, but you still want to have that feeling of being off-the-grid, away from it all, in the midst of nature. With more people enjoying the activity these days, that is getting harder and harder. So for those of us seeking the traditional camping experience, we need to be a lot more selective, picking sites that provide privacy, plenty of personal space, and a natural setting we can enjoy. The Chilcoot Campground is just a few miles outside of the Frenchman's Lake Recreation Area, and approx. 5 miles up HWY 284 from the turn off Highway 70, about 40 minutes from Reno. It's heavily shaded by towering trees, offers large sites, and has flush toilets and running water too. If that isn't enough reason to stop here, the campground also has several amenities that make it a whole lot of fun. For starters, Little Last Chance Creek runs the length of the campground, and there are even sites that back right up to it. It doesn't move that fast, so swimming and wading are both options, and there are even some small brook trout to be caught, if you have the patience. There's also a path that runs along the creek, offering everyone in the campground access to the water. The path eventually takes you out of the campground, following the creek, offering some opportunities to get a bit of privacy from the other campers, and there are some great pools just outside that looked perfect for swimming! This campground has sites available through online reservation, but also offers first-come first-served sites as well, which is a rarity in CA. Some sites border the highway, which I wouldn't recommend, but many are partially secluded and nicely separated from the neighboring sites. Each one has a picnic table, fire ring, and you'll find a water spigot nearby for rinsing water too. The sites that border the creek are primo, as are the others on the far end of the campground, so check online to see what's there. We stayed in site 13, which was sweet! The front area was well situated with the picnic table placed appropriately, where it would receive the most shade, with the fire ring right next to it. We had ample room to setup our large camp stove, and our supplies. The site also had two large areas to setup tents, both of which were pretty well surrounded by trees, which blocked the views of other campers in adjacent sites and kept the tent cool in the hotter times of the day. On top of all this Mike, the Camp Host, was AWESOME! He really treated the whole place like it was his baby and made sure every inch was clean and clear, and guests felt right at home. I've passed this campground a million times before, but I'll never make that mistake again. It's a whole 15 minute drive to get from there to the far end of Frenchman's for fishing access, and a lot less people than in the Lake's campgrounds, meaning you can really enjoy relaxing there.

    Photos
    Chilcoot Campground - Frenchman's Lake - Happy camper!

    Happy camper!

    Chilcoot Campground - Frenchman's Lake - Ice cold beer , no ice chest needed!

    Ice cold beer , no ice chest needed!

    Chilcoot Campground - Frenchman's Lake - Cold plunge!

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    Cold plunge!

    Salmon Creek Campground - Sand Pond

    Salmon Creek Campground

    4.3(10 reviews)
    27.9 mi

    My boyfriend and I camped at Salmon Creek, and I was very pleased with the site. We stayed in early…read moreOctober, so there were very few other campers. It gets very chilly in the evening! Our site, number 33, was far away from other camp sites. We had a great stretch of woods to enjoy, although poor Salmon Creek was totally dry. All of the sites come with a fire pit, a second pit with a grill top, a picnic table, and a bear box. We could hear a little bit of car noise from Gold Lake Hwy, but not too much. The location is very close to the Sardine Lakes, Sand Pond, and the trailhead for the hike to the Sierra Buttes fire lookout tower. It was a lovely 1.5 hr drive from Reno: not too far, but far enough so that it felt like we were in a new and different environment! I booked the campsite on recreation.gov for $33. In the morning the campsite manager stopped by to have me sign in. Check out is 2 pm. I highly recommend this site.

    We stayed at Salmon Creek Campground in late August 2020. There were fires all over that had…read morefinally been contained enough for us to feel comfortable going. We live in Sacramento and had been dealing with all the ash and smoke for weeks. Coming up to the campground was so nice, as the air was clear and mostly crisp. It was a much needed break. We stayed at campsites #27 & #29. According to the reservation site (recreation.gov), both of these sites are on the creek side, rather than the highway side. But when we arrived, we found they were on the highway side (along with #26, so not all of them are listed improperly). It wasn't so bad, though, as the highway is a ways up above the site and it wasn't too busy. At night, I honestly didn't even notice the sound. #26 is really close to #27, but no one was there when we went, so it was fine. #29 is on the creek side and is actually downhill a bit. It's definitely the most secluded site on the entire campground. The restrooms are almost directly across from #26 and the door has slams literally every time someone uses it (unless they hold it to stop it from slamming, but why would anyone do that?), so it was a bit of a nuisance at night or in the early morning. The campground was clean overall. We saw the Forest Service truck come through a couple times each day just to check up on things. There was no camp host when we went. We had no issues with bears or anything rummaging through our site at night (though we did put everything in the bear box). There also wasn't much of an issue with noise, but that really just depends on how considerate the neighbors are that happen to be there when you are. And since there is no camp host on site, there would be nothing done about noise anyway. We hopped in our cars to drive just a few feet up the highway to access the Sand Pond & Lower Sardine Lake. They were nice, but the issue here is that while Salmon Creek Campground allows dogs, neither of these allow them. And since we didn't have anywhere we could keep our dogs, our visit to these spots was very brief. If you want to bring your dogs with you, you have to head up to Upper Sardine Lake. This is an OHV trail, so you need 4WD to drive up there. Your other option is hiking it, but it is a bit of a hike uphill...not a simple walk. With that said, my 7 year old made the hike both ways without issue, but it is rocky, so be careful. My hubby has a truck that could handle it, so we took that, but it was terrifying for me, as the width of the trail is only a few feet wider than the width of the truck and you're literally on the edge of this mountain cliff with no guard or anything. And if another vehicle comes, one of you have to back up till there's a wide enough space for passing. It was very nerve-wracking. So while we loved the campground, we have opted not to return mainly because we enjoy bringing our dogs with us camping & it just wasn't an ideal situation.

    Photos
    Salmon Creek Campground
    Salmon Creek Campground - Our campsite, late June

    Our campsite, late June

    Salmon Creek Campground - Another view of site 33.

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    Another view of site 33.

    Cottonwood Creek Campground - Room for just the trailer.   Trees and boulders prevented us going further back and having our steps in a good location.

    Cottonwood Creek Campground

    3.9(12 reviews)
    19.7 mi

    Space #33 If you have a trailer over 30 ft, you will have a…read morehard time being able to park your trailer and tow vehicle in one spot. The road throughout the campground is very narrow, making it difficult to maneuver a trailer into a spot. There are a handful of spots that are over 40ft. The spaces are narrow if you have slides on opposite sides you might run into issues with trees Most spots have big boulders at the end, bumpers may not go over the top , or there maybe trees. If you like to completely "unplug" This is the spot for you. There is absolutely no cell service with ATT. Currently, there is no camp host. They are looking for one. The campground was relatively quiet with the exception of road noise during our stay. Great campground for those who tent camp or have small trailers. Forest service is doing a good job on keeping it clean.

    We've camped here twice now. The first time was a great experience, because there was only one…read moreother site taken besides ours, plus the camp host. It was very quiet and nice. The second time wasn't that great of an experience. The mosquitoes were out en force, and we were eaten alive. We, also, had very noisy neighbors who kept leaving the bathrooms in such a state that we didn't even want to use them. I realize this just happens sometimes in campgrounds, but we felt the bathrooms should have been checked and cleaned more often than they were.

    Photos
    Cottonwood Creek Campground - Space 33

    Space 33

    Cottonwood Creek Campground - Walking around

    Walking around

    Cottonwood Creek Campground

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    Dream Catcher Campground & Lodge

    Dream Catcher Campground & Lodge

    4.5(13 reviews)
    22.6 mi

    (Overdue review) We loved our camping experience at Dream…read moreCatcher! Even though it was Labor Day weekend, the campground and Lakes Basin area was so quiet and peaceful. It's a hidden gem, compared to more popular, overcrowded nature areas. Mike and Brandi were super responsive and helpful via text and in person. It truly is a family business so always happy to support that. We stayed at one of the two campsites and it seems like, at least when we were there, the rest of the RV park folks there were mostly chill, quiet seniors. We helped ourselves to free hot showers (!!!!) and had the sparkling clean restrooms pretty much to ourselves the entire weekend. Nice hiking trail on their property, games and activities available if you choose. We chose to SUP, check out all the pretty lakes in the area. Highly recommend this campground, will visit again.

    What a beautiful spot. It felt like the 3 couples we had, had the entire park to ourselves. Clean…read morerestrooms, super funny signs that will make you want to potty in every stall. Only complaint is Dale and the boys working on their trucks ALL NIGHT LONG. I don't know what they were on but it rhymes with Shmeth. People actually live on the SE side of the campground so unless you're in to tweakers banging on things all night, don't stay on that side of the campground. Super loud metal on metal and welding and grinding. I didn't plan on staying at an auto shop but here we are. So we have to be quiet after 10 but they can rage all night? No thanks I do appreciate the care that the owners have put in to this spot, again, super clean and very well maintained. Location is great for golf, local restaurants etc. I'd stay here again but Dale and the boys better put their tools away. Other than that, super great experience

    Photos
    Dream Catcher Campground & Lodge
    Dream Catcher Campground & Lodge
    Dream Catcher Campground & Lodge

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    Grasshopper Flat Campground - eaglet in nest near loop 3

    Grasshopper Flat Campground

    4.0(12 reviews)
    19.0 mi

    PROS: This…read morecampground is great! The sites are very large and super close to the water (Lake Davis). It's a short drive into Portola if you forget anything while you are there. The campground is surrounded by trees and there weren't very many bugs at all! CONS: Wow, this years camp host was awful! She doesn't make sure the campground is cleared out for the next people arriving at 2pm so when we pulled up we had to wait, she is rude and not friendly and doesn't even stock the bathrooms with TP. You would think the multiple times a day she drives around she would check the restrooms? I hope next year they get a new host! The only downfall with the campsite itself is that there are no grills at the sites, just a small grate over the fire, so if you plan on grilling a lot, bring your own grill!

    One of our favorite nearby campgrounds. Sites are placed so you are not right on top of eachother…read moreand the camphosts (Steve and Roeanne) work hard to keep sites prepped for next camper and bathrooms cleaned for those that need them. The hosts are what makes this campground special as they are friendly and available if you have any questions about the area. Lake Davis is low now so perfect for launching your kayak or SUP from shore. New concessionaires this year so prices have been raised- campsites/$30.00, wood bundles/$9.00 and rv dump/&15.00. Still a good deal in a beautiful wildlife area- bears in camp the last few nights but all well at our site because nothing left out for them to forage through. We will be back.

    Photos
    Grasshopper Flat Campground - Lot 59, wood for purchase from camp attendant is $7

    Lot 59, wood for purchase from camp attendant is $7

    Grasshopper Flat Campground - Lot 59

    Lot 59

    Grasshopper Flat Campground - Lake Davis near lot 68

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    Lake Davis near lot 68

    River West Resort - Tiny house front room

    River West Resort

    4.2(81 reviews)
    25.1 mi

    Rarely get to give a 5 star review but my experience at River West was wonderful. The office staff…read moreand maintenance crew were friendly and helpful. The park is very quiet and kept clean. It has security and someone is available on site for those coming in after hours or who may need assistance. The long term stay area has a community full of nice and respectful people, which gives the park a nice, safe, and friendly neighborhood feel. The spaces offer a good sized lot with parking, and many have fences for pets and privacy. Most all have mature trees among them. There's a nice, shady, grassy area to enjoy a picnic or for lounging, a patio area for sitting and enjoying the view of the Truckee River and Idlewild Park. It's located close to everything Reno has to offer. Whether you just need a space for the night or somewhere to stay a little longer, this park really is a hidden gem for those wanting a friendly, conveniently located, peaceful and quiet stay.

    Can't say enough great things about this little hidden gem…read more My hubby and I usually book our campsites as we go based on our eta, weather, pit stops, etc. As hubby drove yesterday, I looked on Yelp and found a little site just outside of Reno along the river that looked promising. I tried to book online but it wouldn't let me so I called the number and spoke to a very pleasant woman who took my reservation over the phone and even offered me a first responder discount! Upon arrival, they were set up for after hours check in and very organized and timely. Chris, the security officer guided us right to our site and was very pleasant. Our site was a premium river side set up that did not disappoint! We backed up to the river with lush trees and greenery all around. There's a beautiful patio with chairs, tables and Edison string lights overlooking the river where we would sip our drinks after a long day of traveling and watch the geese and ducks in the river. There's also a couple of benches and fire pits established for campers to use. There are long term residents throughout the park, and some sites are pretty close together so we were very lucky to have gotten a premium, roomy luxurious site at last minute. We definitely recommend paying the little extra for a river front site. Site 11 & 12 are the best! PS: the staff is very responsive to texts and questions and they were a delight!

    Photos
    River West Resort - Someone just caught a fish fly fishing

    Someone just caught a fish fly fishing

    River West Resort - Panorama of our site and view

    Panorama of our site and view

    River West Resort - View of truckee river

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    View of truckee river

    Frenchman Lake Recreation Area - campgrounds - Updated May 2026

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