Map showing campground location near Chilcoot, California

Camper submitted image from Chilcoot Family Campground

Chilcoot Family Campground

Fishing and swimming opportunities draw campers to Chilcoot Family Campground, where a shallow creek flows through the back section of the 25-site facility. Located within Plumas National Forest just three miles from Frenchman's Lake, this Forest Service campground provides paved back-in sites with tables, fire pits, and bear boxes.

The campground stretches along both sides of the creek, with waterside sites offering direct access to the stream. All sites lack electrical or water hookups, though potable water faucets are distributed throughout the grounds. Tina B. notes that "you're not allowed to use them to fill your rv water tank." Recent tree removal due to drought conditions has reduced shade at some sites, particularly those closer to the main highway, where road noise becomes more noticeable.

A camp host stationed near the entrance sells firewood and assists visitors. The campground entrance can be difficult to spot from the road due to poor signage visibility. Cell service remains unavailable for AT&T users, making this a true disconnect from technology. The facility maintains flush toilets and clean restrooms.

For campers seeking a creek-side experience within easy driving distance of Reno, this campground works well for those who don't require hookups and can manage with limited shade at some sites.

Description

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.

Contact Info

For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575.

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.

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Location

Public Campground

Chilcoot Family Campground is located in California

Directions

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.

Coordinates

39.8655556 N
120.1661111 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

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Connectivity

T-Mobile
No Coverage
Verizon
No Coverage
AT&T
No Coverage

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Equestrian

Features

For Campers

Trash
Firewood Available
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets

For Vehicles

Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

38 min from Reno, NV
1 hr 1 min from Carson City, NV
2 hrs 38 min from Yuba City, CA

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out of 5

4 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the spacious, clean sites with good privacy and peaceful creek access just 25 minutes from Reno. Facilities include flush toilets and bear boxes, though sites lack hookups and some road noise may affect certain spots.

AimeeJacobson

Scout

Reviewed Dec. 16, 2025

Monterey

Overall, this is a pretty good campsite for a classic, peaceful, and relaxing nature experience, especially for those who like to escape from technology and listen to the sound of flowing water. Grow a Garden is also one of the farm-themed recreational activities that is very suitable for bonding with each other.

SiteMarch

G R.

Guide

Reviewed Dec. 28, 2023

Love it. Clean. Easy access.

We live about 35 minutes away in Reno. We decided to practice camping with our new travel trailer at this campground. We have never camped even in a tent. The sites are paved. They are all back in sites. There's good room between sites. I think there's good privacy even though you can see that there are other campers around. There are tables, fire pits, flush toilets, and bear boxes. There's a shallow stream and access to it for the campsites along one side of the campground. There's a camp host by the entrance. It's hard to see the entrance to this campground because the sign is not close to the street. If you get to Frenchman Lake about 10 minutes away, you've gone too far. We've never had any cell signal with ATT at this campground. It's a very easy drive from Reno. We go there all spring and summer for quick getaways.

Month of VisitJuly

(10) View All

Jenifer D.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2018

Clean

Ccampgrounds are big, clean and quiet. It was very nice here.

Tina B.

Guide

Reviewed Apr. 29, 2018

Awesome little campground!

We have camped here many times over many years (in tents as well as RVs). Relatively quiet, spacious camp spots (fairly level), beautiful area with lots of trees, a lovely creek running through the back of of the campground, clean bathrooms, just 25 minutes from Reno and three miles from Frenchman's Lake. There's a wonderful general store a few miles down the road and the camp host sells firewood. No electric or water hook-ups at the sites. There are (potable) water faucets sprinkled throughout the campground but you're not allowed to use them to fill your rv water tank. Due to several years of drought and the trees getting old, many had to be cut down around the campsites. Some of the sites aren't as shady as they used to be. You may need a shade structure. Tip* camp away from the main highway. Those spots have far less shade and there is quiet a bit of road noise.

Site26

Month of VisitJune

(6) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Chilcoot Family Campground located and how do I get there?

Chilcoot Family Campground is conveniently located about 25 minutes from Reno, Nevada, making it an accessible weekend getaway. The campground is situated approximately three miles from Frenchman Lake and about 35 minutes from Reno by car. The area is scenic with trees and natural features including a creek that runs through the back of the campground. For specific directions, it's recommended to contact the campground directly or check their official website before your visit.

Are there photos available of Chilcoot Family Campground?

Photos of Chilcoot Family Campground are available through various online platforms. These images typically showcase the spacious campsites with paved pads, the surrounding trees that provide shade and privacy, and possibly the creek that runs through the back of the property. Photos would highlight the natural beauty of the area, including the wooded setting and campsite layouts. For the most current and comprehensive collection of photos, check the campground's official website or social media pages.

What amenities are available at Chilcoot Family Campground?

Chilcoot Family Campground offers clean bathrooms, spacious and fairly level campsites with good privacy between sites, and paved pads that accommodate both tents and RVs. The campground features beautiful natural surroundings with lots of trees and a lovely creek running through the back of the property. Sites provide enough room between them to ensure a quiet camping experience while still maintaining visibility of neighboring campers. The natural setting combined with maintained facilities makes this an excellent option for families looking for a peaceful outdoor getaway.

How do I make reservations at Chilcoot Family Campground?

To make reservations at Chilcoot Family Campground, you should contact the campground directly through their official website or by phone. The campground offers back-in sites that accommodate both tents and RVs, including travel trailers. Since the campground is popular with families and is relatively close to Reno, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak camping seasons. For current reservation policies, availability, and fees, reach out to the campground management directly.

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