Rising Lake Levels Have Given Greater Access To Frenchman Lake
QUINCY, CA – The Lunker Point boat ramp on the west shore of Frenchman Lake in eastern Plumas National Forest is now open.
The facility has been closed for the past three years due to drought related, low water levels. Water levels are expected to remain high for the rest of the boating season due to abundant winter and spring moisture filling the lake to capacity (and beyond).
Frenchman Lake is a popular destination for a wide variety of water recreation activities including boating, fishing, skiing, jet skiing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, and swimming. In addition to on the water recreation, the Lunker Point facility is used for shoreline exploration, dog walking, and wildlife viewing.
For more information about Frenchman Lake and other nearby recreation opportunities, contact the Beckwourth Ranger District at 530-836-2575. For Plumas National Forest information http://www.fs.usda.gov/main/plumas/home .
Photo Credits: Francisco Castillo
Frenchman Lake Campground Now Open
Located in the headwaters of the Feather River, Frenchman Lake is only 38 miles northwest of Reno, NV, and 26 miles northwest of Portola, CA. The California Department of Water resources created the lake in 1962 by damming Little Last Chance Creek. A shoreline 21 miles long ends at the 129-foot tall earthen dam, which rises to an elevation of 5,607 feet. During summer, this recreation area offers a variety of outdoor experiences, including camping, hiking, biking, picnicking, fishing, swimming, boating, water-skiing, jet-skiing, and hunting.
Winter activities range from snowmobiling to ice fishing and cross-country skiing.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | The campground is open through the winter without fees. Water and trash pick-up are not available. Pack out all trash. |
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| Operational Hours: | Frenchman Camp Ground is open without fees until water and other services are available. |
| Reservations: | Senior and Access passes honored. These passes are available at the Beckwourth Ranger Station in Blairsden, CA. from 08:00 to 16:30. Call 530) 836-2575 for information. |
| Area Amenities: | Boat ramp,Tent camping,Camping trailer,Picnic tables,Toilets,Drinking water,Parking |
| Fees |
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| Open Season: | April – October |
| Usage: | Medium-Heavy |
| Best Season: | Summer |
| Busiest Season: | Summer |
| Restrictions: |
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| Closest Towns: | Chilcoot, CA |
| Water: | yes |
| Restroom: | Vault toilets |
| Passes: | Senior and Access passes honored. These passes are available at the Beckwourth Ranger Station in Blairsden, CA. from 08:00 to 16:00. Call 530) 836-2575 for information. For more information about these passes visit; Senior Pass – http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/senior.shtml Access Pass – http://www.fs.fed.us/passespermits/access.shtml |
| Operated By: | Thousand Trails Management |
| Information Center: | For information about this location please call the Beckwourth Ranger District Office in Blairsden, CA at (530) 836-2575 |
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