Frenchman Dump Station
00 reviewCottonwood Springs Campground, Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, Plumas National Forest
Frenchman Dump Station
$17.00 - $17.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
A flat fee of $17 is applicable for using the dump station, which operates from May 16 through September 28, 2025. Operated by Royal Elk Property Management.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, this well-equipped facility serves as a gateway to adventure for RV enthusiasts exploring the Plumas National Forest. More than just a practical stop, the Frenchman Dump Station sits conveniently adjacent to the popular Cottonwood Springs Campground, offering essential services that keep your journey flowing smoothly. Here, the practicalities of RV travel meet the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada, creating a perfect basecamp for those seeking to immerse themselves in Northern California's stunning wilderness.
The Frenchman Dump Station is an RV-centric facility with no mention of accommodations for other types of camping.
Historical SignificanceWhile the echoes of history remain untold in official records, this corner of the Plumas National Forest holds the quiet mysteries that all Sierra Nevada destinations share - stories of early settlers, indigenous peoples, and the adventurous spirits who first mapped these rugged terrains.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal shifts that define the Sierra Nevada's character. Winter transforms this landscape into a crystalline wonderland, where snow blankets the forest floor and crisp, cold air carries the scent of pine. Bundle up for freezing temperatures and occasional wind gusts that whisper through the trees. As spring melts into summer, the region awakens with warm, sun-drenched days perfect for outdoor adventures. Clear blue skies stretch endlessly above, while comfortable temperatures and low humidity create ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and lakeside relaxation. Each season paints the landscape with its own unique palette, offering visitors year-round reasons to explore.
ElevationPerched at 5,600 feet above sea level, this mountain retreat offers the perfect balance of accessibility and alpine atmosphere. At this elevation, you'll breathe the crisp, clean air that only the Sierra Nevada can provide, while enjoying cooler temperatures that offer respite from valley heat. The altitude creates a unique environment where mountain meadows meet towering pines, and where every sunrise and sunset seems painted across a canvas stretched wider than anywhere else.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, where emerald forests cascade down to meet the shimmering waters of an alpine jewel. Towering pines and firs create a living cathedral overhead, their branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The surrounding Sierra Nevada wilderness unfolds in layers of scenic wonder - from intimate forest glades to sweeping mountain vistas. Here, the landscape tells a story of volcanic origins and glacial artistry, where every trail promises discovery and every viewpoint reveals another masterpiece of natural splendor.
Geological RegionSet within the legendary Sierra Nevada mountain range, this location showcases nature's architectural prowess. Ancient volcanic activity and millennia of glacial sculpting have created a dramatic landscape where granite peaks pierce the sky and pristine alpine lakes mirror the heavens. The rugged terrain tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where forests cling to mountainsides and hidden valleys shelter diverse ecosystems. This is classic Sierra Nevada country - wild, beautiful, and endlessly captivating.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility-specific features are not discussed in the provided information.
Sites SizeDetails about campsite sizes are not provided.
Sites PrivacyThe information does not detail the level of privacy between campsites.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesNo site-specific advice or recommendations are available.
Best CampsitesNo specific campsite recommendations were provided.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Information not provided in the source materials.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information not provided in the source materials.
Groups
Information about group sites is not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutNo detailed layout information is provided.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 16 through September 28, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations or inquiries can be made by calling the Beckwourth Ranger District at 530-836-2575.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot explicitly stated whether sites are walk-up or first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation information is not explicitly mentioned.
Amenities available
Dump station
Activities you can enjoy
Activities are not the focus at the Frenchman Dump Station, and no recreational options are explicitly mentioned in the authoritative sources.
Winter Activities
Nothing regarding winter recreation options is described.Water Sports
Details about non-motorized water sports are not included.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not mentioned, but visitors should check local fire regulations during dry seasons.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsNo explicit safety concerns or hazards were mentioned.
Active alertsNo active alerts were reported.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Beckwourth Ranger District: 530-836-2575. Distance to the nearest hospital or urgent care not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 16 through September 28 (operating season).
Trash and recyclingNo details on trash or recycling facilities are mentioned in the available sources.
Proximity to water featuresLocated in the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, suggesting proximity to the lake.
Common complaintsLack of restrooms and potable water at the dump station might be a concern for some visitors.
HostOperated by Royal Elk Property Management, but no further details about campground hosts were provided.
Campground Map
Cottonwood Springs Campground, Frenchman Lake Recreation Area, Plumas National Forest
Driving directionsFrom Reno, Nevada, take Highway 395 north for 24 miles to Highway 70. Head west on Highway 70 to Chilcoot, California. Head north on County Road 284 to Frenchman Lake. Continue north two more miles to the Cottonwood Springs Campground turnoff.
Accessible from paved roads, with access via Highway 70 and County Road 284. No significant navigation challenges were noted.Nearby places
Reno, Nevada: 24 miles (approx. 30 minutes)
Chilcoot, California: 10 miles (approx. 15 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel not explicitly mentioned. Likely available in Chilcoot or Reno.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Frenchman Dump Station has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available in the provided materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
There are no user reviews to extract positive highlights from.
Common Concerns
No user complaints are mentioned in the resources.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-generated tips or recommendations are provided.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are identified, as there are no user reviews.
Camper Quotes
Direct quotes from users are unavailable.
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific reviews addressing particular campsites or areas are included.
Accessibility Features
Reviews discussing accessibility experiences are not provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No details on pet-related experiences or policies are mentioned.
Last updated August 10, 2025