Cottonwood Springs Campground is near the southwest side of Frenchman Lake in the Plumas National Forest. The campground is about a third of a mile from the lake. The 4-mile-long lake and surroundings are a popular destination for fishing, hunting, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing, swimming, and mountain biking. A boat launch ramp is located nearby at Frenchman Campground. An accessible fishing trail is found within the campground.
Cottonwood Springs Campground serves as both an overflow camping area and as a group campground. The campground has 20 family campsites and 2 sites designated for groups. Sites can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents.
Each site has a picnic table and campfire ring along with a paved parking area. Restrooms have flush toilets. Pine trees provide moderate to good shade in most sites. Reservations can be made for 14 of the campsites. The remainder are kept as first-come, first served sites. Reservations are required for the group sites.
Frenchman Lake is 11 miles north of Highway 70 and another 6 miles west of Highway 395.
| Cottonwood Springs Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Cottonwood Springs Campground Location: | 17 miles northwest of Highway 395 at Hallelujah Junction |
| Elevation: | 5,650 feet |
| Mileage and driving time from gateway city: | Reno- 43 miles, 53 minutes Truckee - 62 miles, 1:19 (via Hwy 89 & 49) |
| Number of Sites: | 23 |
| Camping Season: | April through October, weather permitting |
| Max. People per Site: | 6 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | 2 (fee for 2nd vehicle) |
| Pets: | on leash, always attended |
| Operated by | Thousand Trails Management Services for Plumas National Forest |
| Beckwourth Ranger District: | (530) 836-2575 |
| Reservations for Cottonwood Springs Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available | Cottonwood Springs Campground reservations are available for camping dates from late May through early September for about half the campsites. The remaining sites are first-come, first-served. At other times outside the reservations dates when the campground is open, all campsites are first-come, fist-served. |
| Reservation Window: | Reservations can be made from 4 days up to 6 months in advance of arrival date. |
| Maximum RV/trailer Length: | 50 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | None designated, but there are accessible features |
| Fees: | $34 per night
September: $30 |
| Reservations: | Cottonwood Springs Campground Reservations
The campground shows up as Cottonwood (CA) on the reservation website. |
| Check-in, check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| Cottonwood Springs Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Restrooms with flush toilets, tap water |
| Showers: | No |
| Dump station: | Nearby |
| Attractions near Cottonwood Springs Campground: | Boating, water skiing, swimming, fishing, boat ramp near Frenchman Campground, Little Last Chance Canyon, trail to Spring Creek and Big Cove campgrounds, OHV
Trout Fishing Best Sellers |
| Updates | Last Updated August 2025 |
Cottonwood Springs Group Campground
Cottonwood Springs Campground has 2 group campsites. Site B has accessible features. Check-in time is 3 PM, and check-out is at 2 PM. Site B can accommodate up to 25 people and 6 vehicles, while site D has room for up to 50 people and 12 vehicles. Reservations are required and can be made up to 12 months in advance of arrival date.
Fees: $100 and $140
Reservations: Cottonwood Springs Group Camp Reservations
Cottonwood Springs Campground
Located in the northern Sierra Nevada, just south of the Cascade Range, uncrowded Plumas National Forest is filled with wonderful places to visit and things to do. Campers at Cottonwood Springs Campground are not far from many great destinations.
Check for any campground updates:
Plumas National Forest - Cottonwood Springs Campground
Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. Check carefully on the reservation site when you make your reservation to be sure your vehicle will fit your campsite.
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate.
