Within Plumas National Forest, Big Cove Campground provides drive-in access to lakefront camping along Frenchman Lake. The US Forest Service manages this seasonal campground from late May through September, with sites accommodating RVs up to 95 feet. Many sites run directly along the shoreline, offering level ground and ample shade throughout the day.
Access requires navigating rough roads to reach the campground. Reviewers note the area can get loud, with boaters playing music on the water and campers staying up past midnight. The lake features a rocky swimming area, though broken glass has been reported near shore. Vault toilets are maintained, and the campground includes a dump station and trash service. Reservations fill quickly, making advance booking essential for weekend stays.
Description
Overview
Big Cove Campground (5,700 feet) is located near the shores of Frenchman Lake in Northeastern California. Some families have been returning here for more than thirty years. Situated at the interface between the wild Sierra and the high desert, it's a perfect place to serve as hub for a wide range of recreation opportunities. Plumas National Forest has many back roads open for exploration. Take advantage of the beautiful blue waters of Frenchman Lake for boating, fishing and other water sports. Tell stories around your campfire.
Recreation
Little Last Chance Creek offers plenty of streamside recreation including fishing, nature viewing, photography and just relaxing. Frenchman Lake provides the perfect location for swimming, boating, lake fishing, skiing, jet skiing, paddle boarding and canoeing. The entire recreation area and surrounding National Forest is available for nature viewing, photography, picnicking, hunting, biking or exploring forest roads.Dispursed camping is not allowed in the recreation area.
Facilities
The campground offers single and double family campsites for tent and RV camping. Accessible campsites are available. Fifteen of the 38 campsites can be reserved during peak season. All other campsites may be taken as 'First Come' sites. All 'First Come' sites must be occupied on the first night rented. Big Cove Campground also offers coin operated showers, accessible flush toilets, drinking water, trash bins and paved roads during peak camping season. An RV dump station is located nearby, at Cottonwood Springs Campground.
Natural Features
Just experiencing the drive into the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area is worth the trip. Little Last Chance Creek has eroded through ancient lava flows to produce this very scenic canyon known as the Little Last Chance Scenic Area. At the interface of desert and mountain climates, this area gets less precipitation than areas to the west and more precipitation than areas east. Desert scrub grows alongside pine forest. Some campsites overlook the lake's blue waters and nearby meadows.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.
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 map and a full gas tank.
Charges & Cancellations
America the Beautiful Senior and Access Passes are accepted for single family sites and not for double sites.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsPlumas National Forest Big Cove Campground is located in California near Chilcoot
Directions
From Reno, Nevada, take Highway 395 north for 24 miles. Merge onto State Rout 70 west and continue for 5 miles to the town of Chilcoot. Turn right on State Rout 284 and continue for 8 miles to Frenchman Lake. Cross the dam and proceed 2 miles to the campground.
Coordinates
39.9019444 N
120.1725 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Pets
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
