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Established Camping

Lakes Basin Campground

Lakes Basin Campground is located in Plumas National Forest, featuring a landscape of forests and lakes. Temperatures in the area can reach highs of around 85°F in summer and drop to lows of 20°F in winter. Nearby attractions include the scenic Gold Lake and the hiking trails of the Sierra Buttes.

Description

USDA Forest Service

Plumas National Forest

Overview

Lakes Basin Campground (6,445 feet) is situated in the ruins of an old mining community. Some of the old stonework still exists, including steps leading into a deep pool of Gray Eagle Creek. This campground is within easy reach of many trailheads. The campground also offers a tent only group campsite by reservation only.

Recreation

Gold Lakes Basin offers a variety of recreational activities including boating, fishing and hiking. A network of over 30 miles of maintained trails branch out across the area, and the Pacific Crest trail can be easily reached from the trail system. Many of the trails are open to hiking, biking and horseback riding, including the 1-mile Grassy Lakes Trail, accessible from the campground. At nearby Gold Lake, where a boat ramp is provided, visitors enjoy convenient access to boating and fishing. Once on the water, anglers won't have any trouble trolling for brown and rainbow trout and Mackinaws in the cool, clear waters.

Natural Features

The area was formed by glaciers and is characterized by breathtaking mountain scenery--most notably the craggy peaks of the Sierra Buttes and over 20 natural glacial lakes, most of which are accessible by well-maintained hiking trails. The campground sits among fir and aspen trees along Gray Eagle Creek. Mt. Elwell towers to the west.

Contact Info

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

Nearby Attractions

Visiting Plumas Eureka State Park is a worthy side trip. About 18 miles from the campground, this historic site offers a gift shop, visitor center, walking tour and information about local mining history. Mills Peak Fire Lookout provides a panoramic view of Sierra Peaks and Mohawk Valley. Visit the Red Fir Interpretive Trail along the way. Frazier Falls Trail is best viewed in the Spring. This is a 1 mile paved accessible trail to an overview across from the falls. The Sierra Buttes and its lookout overlook the southern end of Lakes Basin in Tahoe National Forest. Gold Lake Boat Launch Facility has a two lane ramp, loading dock and day use area. A hand launch gravel ramp suitable for launching small water craft is located at Gold Lake Dam Day Use Area.

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Location

Lakes Basin Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

In Graeagle, CA, at the intersection of State Rt. 89 and Forest Rt. 24 (Gold Lakes directional sign), turn onto Rt. 24 and go 6.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right onto the single-lane road and proceed 0.3 miles. The campground will be on the right.

Address

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 7
Blairsden, CA 96103

Coordinates

39.6666667 N
120.6577778 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Available
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Fair
  • T-Mobile
    Available

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets

Reviews

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4.5

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3 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 11, 2023

Hidden gem

Amazing hikes, lakes everywhere, waterfalls…. Will be going back to explore soooo much more! Swimming creek alongside campground territory.

Sitelakes basin
Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 16, 2018

Gorgeous hiking, waterfalls,camping

Beautiful & breathtaking views. Nice camp host of 10 years + showed us the petroglyphs. Rustic camping. Superb hiking trails well worth the visit. Visited in 2016.

  • Review photo of Lakes Basin Campground by Valerie D., August 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Lakes Basin Campground by Valerie D., August 16, 2018
  • Review photo of Lakes Basin Campground by Valerie D., August 16, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Lakes Basin Campground?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Lakes Basin Campground. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Lakes Basin Campground, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Lakes Basin Campground?

    There are 25 campsites at Lakes Basin Campground and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts