Best Campgrounds near Chilcoot, CA

Campgrounds in the Chilcoot area of northeastern California range from established sites to dispersed camping options in Plumas National Forest. Chilcoot Family Campground offers spacious camp spots with creek access, while nearby Frenchman Lake provides multiple camping areas including Big Cove Campground and Spring Creek Campground. The region supports both tent and RV camping, with most developed campgrounds accommodating both types of setups. Several areas feature lakefront access, particularly around Frenchman Lake, where multiple forest service campgrounds provide boat launches and swimming opportunities.

Most campgrounds in the Chilcoot region operate seasonally from spring through fall, with typical operating seasons spanning May through September. Road conditions are generally good with paved access to major campgrounds, though some forest service roads may require higher clearance vehicles. "Sites are well spaced, and fire pits/picnic tables are at each site, though may not be adjacent to your parking spot," noted one camper about Spring Creek Campground. Elevations around 4,500 feet contribute to cooler temperatures, particularly at night, even during summer months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the area, with most campgrounds reporting spotty coverage at best, especially for carriers other than Verizon.

Waterfront camping opportunities represent a significant draw to the region. Campers frequently mention the appeal of Frenchman Lake's shoreline sites, though they also note these tend to fill quickly during peak summer weekends. A visitor commented that Big Cove Campground has "nice big campsites" with "easy access to the lake," making it popular for families with kayaks and water toys. The developed campgrounds typically provide vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings, though hookups are limited. While most campgrounds maintain a family-friendly atmosphere, several reviews mention that weekend crowds can create noise issues, particularly at lakeside locations. For those seeking more solitude, the Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area offers free dispersed camping with basic amenities including toilets and trash service.

Best Camping Sites Near Chilcoot, California (242)

    1. Bordertown Casino RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    Verdi, NV
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 677-0169

    "Short walk across the parking lot is a gas station with small convenience store, and right next to that is the Casino. Small but with a great restaurant that cooked a really good steak."

    2. Chilcoot Family Campground

    3 Reviews
    Chilcoot, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    $34 / night

    "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."

    "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"

    3. Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area

    13 Reviews
    Doyle, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 257-0456

    "Absolutely wonderful campsite not too far off the Highway!!! Well maintained, quiet, peaceful."

    "Two sections of campground, if first lot is full drive 1/4 mile back towards the mountains and there will be more sites. Vault pit toilets at both areas."

    4. Plumas National Forest Spring Creek Campground

    3 Reviews
    Chilcoot, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    $34 - $38 / night

    "Spots are well spaced, and fire pits/picnic tables are at each site, though at not be adjacent to your parking spot (no bear boxes provided though)."

    "The host’s face was shocked I was back so quickly 🤣) Beautiful lakefront spots, but quite crowded, and there is a lot of motorboat traffic on the lake."

    5. Red Rock Road Pull Out

    6 Reviews
    Doyle, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 885-6000

    6. Lookout Campground

    7 Reviews
    Verdi, NV
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (775) 882-2766

    $6 - $25 / night

    "But most stay in other "dispersed" camping, and there aren't nearly as many vehicles as you might see, for example, in a Nevada dunes off-road park."

    "First, it's quite an adventurous (read: bumpy) drive to get to it from the nearest paved road. Once you arrive, you'll be amazed at how much space there is between the sites."

    7. Plumas National Forest Big Cove Campground

    2 Reviews
    Chilcoot, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    $38 - $71 / night

    "Nice big campsites, we went with friends and had two large tents, room for some toys (kayak, spikeball game) and to spread chairs around the fire pit."

    "This is a very pretty lake. it was a little muddy along the shore but the rock area is a great swimming area. unfortunately it is a little dirty with broken glass."

    8. Cottonwood Springs Campground

    1 Review
    Chilcoot, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (408) 489-3205

    $34 - $140 / night

    "Lots of trees for shade and areas for the kids to play around. Just a short drive to the boat launch too!"

    9. Plumas National Forest Frenchman Campground

    2 Reviews
    Chilcoot, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    $38 / night

    10. Grasshopper Flat

    8 Reviews
    Portola, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (530) 836-2575

    $38 - $100 / night

    "Had a great time here - terrific proximity to lake & decent sized camping sites. Nearby Portola, & easy drive from the Reno area."

    "Super easy access to the lake from this site where you can paddle board and kayak in peace."

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Recent Reviews near Chilcoot, CA

709 Reviews of 242 Chilcoot Campgrounds


  • T
    Oct. 28, 2025

    Comstock Meadows RV Park & Mini Mart

    Fulltime residents only

    11/01/25
    I am not here to rate this park. Just need RVers to know it is for full time residents only. 
    Rating above is not accurate. 
    I called for an overnight stay and was told only fulltime residents and there is a waiting list.

  • Bull D.
    Oct. 23, 2025

    Union Flat

    Union Flat Campground

    been there many times in the 90s, good gold panning results

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 21, 2025

    Dayton State Park Campground

    Meh.

    As everyone has noted, it is only about 30 feet from the highway...so that is what it is. For $15 for Nevada residents and $20 for non-residents, it's not anything special. It apparently is first come - first served, since there is no Ranger, no host, and the parks.nv.gov website never works properly.

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Moon Rocks Camp

    Fun place to wheel, or watch other people wheel.

    During the week there is not much going on but on the weekends people come out with some really nice 4-wheeling machines. It's a good area for dirtbikes as well. Tent camping is basic with a lot of wind, but the there is plenty of flat and fairly smooth ground to do so.

  • Kevin C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    Grouse Ridge Campground

    My Favorite Spot near Truckee

    This is as isolated as it gets. There are a number of pullouts and sites along the road up to Grouse Ridge CG - they're all excellent. Don't expect water or cell reception or toilets. In this area, you're on your own. If the road is muddy, you may not want to take the risk as the mud is slick and getting stuck out here is a true disaster. Even in June, there was still mud, and it even snowed on me which was a thrill to wake up to a white wonderland. Did I mention that you're on your own? Have fun.

  • John C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 15, 2025

    East of Pyramid Lake

    Quiet and flat.

    This is a simple dirt area with a few spots to tuck away in. It is right off of the small highway and just few minutes north of Nixon. I was here on a coldish, rainy weekday and night, so it was empty except for one RV. It was a good place to do some easy (muddy) trail riding and take a lap around Pyramid Lake. I imagine it is quite hot in the summer. Spots are easy to get to, just be aware of sharp/jagged rocks as you move further off of the highway. Much of the surrounding off-road areas are closed to non-reservation people, so just pay attention to the signage to stay out of trouble with the tribal police. No vegetation other than sagebrush, so bring your own firewood/briquettes/etc. if you plan to have a campfire for grilling.

  • H
    Oct. 14, 2025

    Cottonwood Campground

    Quieter Camp with Nice Trail Adjacent

    A two loop campground in a beautiful area. I stayed here in October of 2024. Aside from the host and a forest crew, I was the only camper. It was quiet and lovely. I walked the adjacent trail in the morning, which was very pretty. The pit toilets are old style and smelly, but clean.

  • RThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Tahoe National Forest Boca Campground

    Water, front and tree shaded campsites

    Campsites, along the shores of the reservoir are small and close together. The other sites are larger and have more privacy. All of the sites have shade. Elevation is about 6000 feet. I camped here 9/17/25.

  • D
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Movin' West RV Park

    Very nice place

    Clean and cute, rv sites are level and spacious


Guide to Chilcoot

Dispersed camping opportunities in the Chilcoot area extend beyond the established campgrounds in Plumas National Forest. The region sits at elevations around 4,500-5,000 feet, creating distinct seasonal variations with winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Camping options range from lakeside locations with boat access to high-elevation forest sites with limited facilities.

What to do

Collect crystals at Crystal Peak: Lookout Campground provides access to Crystal Peak where visitors can hunt for quartz crystals. "The history of Crystal Peak is amazing, and the crystals are everywhere. Really nice views from atop the knoll too. Many people visit just for the day to collect crystals," notes one visitor to Lookout Campground.

Fishing at Davis Lake: Grasshopper Flat campground offers easy access to fishing opportunities. A camper at Grasshopper Flat noted seeing "a Bald Eagle dive and grab a fish...Great fishing..Not so great for swimming. Opaque, green water from tall grass."

Off-highway vehicle recreation: Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area combines free camping with trail access. "Trail riding galore. Went on all the trails and out in the sand dune area we came upon wild horses, this was quite a site to see. They were just running and being playful," reports one camper at Fort Sage.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer room to spread out. At Chilcoot Family Campground, a reviewer noted, "We have camped here many times over many years. Relatively quiet, spacious camp spots (fairly level), beautiful area with lots of trees, a lovely creek running through the back of the campground."

Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Chilcoot area supports diverse wildlife. A camper at Grasshopper Flat mentioned it's "AWESOME for birding - Bald Eagles, Pelicans, woodpeckers, chickadees & ravens - this is the Sierra after all."

Clean facilities: Fort Sage gets high marks for maintenance. One camper at Fort Sage Off Highway Vehicle Area described it as having the "Cleanest pit toilets we've experienced anywhere. Great access from highway. All amenities (table, fire pit, cooker) all appear new."

What you should know

Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some campgrounds requires navigating rough terrain. At Lookout Campground, a reviewer cautioned about "one of the worst roads I've ever been on...go slow" while another detailed that "75% of the road is unmaintained hill road, where you have to hug one side or another to avoid 6-inch+ ruts, loose rocks up to 5" in diameter."

Cell coverage is limited: Most areas have minimal service. At Spring Creek Campground, a visitor reported, "Cell service was very limited, 1-2 bars extended."

Seasonal considerations: Weather dictates camping seasons. A Fort Sage camper advised, "I would avoid this place in the summer, hot and with no power it would be a sweat box."

Tips for camping with families

Check noise levels: Some campgrounds are quieter than others. A visitor to Big Cove Campground observed it was "kind of a loud campground. People playing music from their boats on the water and multiple groups up late (midnight) and being loud and shouting."

Water activities: Lakes provide recreation for children. At Grasshopper Flat, a camper mentioned, "Super easy access to the lake from this site where you can paddle board and kayak in peace."

Space for play: Look for sites with room to set up games. At Big Cove, a camper appreciated the "Nice big campsites, we went with friends and had two large tents, room for some toys (kayak, spikeball game) and to spread chairs around the fire pit."

Tips from RVers

Site length considerations: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger rigs. A visitor to Bordertown Casino RV Resort noted, "The internal roads are a little narrow, although not too bad, but some of the turns are rather tight. All but a couple of sites are pull-throughs."

Hookup challenges: Sewer connections can present difficulties at some locations. A Bordertown camper mentioned, "The sewer connections are slightly recessed, centered in concrete bowls; it was a challenge to get a good connection with a right-angle connector."

Level sites: Many campgrounds offer relatively level parking. At Chilcoot Family Campground, a recent visitor appreciated that "The sites are paved. They are all back in sites. There's good room between sites."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Chilcoot, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Chilcoot, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 242 campgrounds and RV parks near Chilcoot, CA and 23 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Chilcoot, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Chilcoot, CA is Bordertown Casino RV Resort with a 4.1-star rating from 10 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Chilcoot, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 23 free dispersed camping spots near Chilcoot, CA.

What parks are near Chilcoot, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Chilcoot, CA that allow camping, notably Martis Creek Lake and Plumas National Forest.