Overview

Hutchins Campground is within walking distance of beautiful Bucks Lake, which boasts clear water and sandy beaches, surrounded by the Plumas National Forest. It is a popular recreation destination for visitors driving through the Feather River Canyon or coming from the Reno area.

Bucks Lake wilderness area is home to numerous mountain creeks and meadows, with great loop trails, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.

Recreation

Boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities enjoyed by visitors during spring, summer and fall months. Anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing opportunities, including plentiful salmon and trout. Winter season offers various skiing and snow activities, especially snowmobiling.

Hiking is also available, with the Pacific Crest Trailhead and others very close to the campground. Trailheads with parking are within 3 miles of the campground and a foot trail for day walks and fishing follows the perimeter of the lake shore.

Facilities

The campground offers three large group campsites for tent and RV camping. Each site has a limit of eight vehicles and 24 people.

Multiple tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as well as vault toilets and drinking water. A campground host is available on-site to answer questions and provide additional information.

There are several boat ramps available around the perimeter of the 1,820-acre lake, including the closest one to Hutchins, at Sandy Point. A convenience store with gas, phone and propane is located within five miles of the campground.

Natural Features

At a 5,000-foot elevation, Hutchins campground is settled in a mix of pine trees that provide the area with sufficient shade. Various birds and wildlife, including osprey and bald eagles, make their home in, and migrate through the region.

Nearby Attractions

The campground is located within walking distance of Bucks Lake. Bucks Lake Wilderness borders the lake and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail System traverses the surrounding area. A wilderness permit is not required; however, it is advised that hikers and backpackers leave an itinerary at the trailhead or with campground host.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Swimming site

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Directions

Bucks Lake is 10 miles west of Quincy on the Oro-Quincy Highway (Highway 162). From Oroville, travel east on Highway 162 for approximately 45 miles to Bucks Lake Dam Road. Turn left and continue 3 miles to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 52′ 59.0002″ N

Longitude 121° 11′ 57.0001″ W

Overview

Hallsted campground is conveniently situated in the Feather River Canyon, just off the main road in the northern Sierra Nevada Mountains. At an elevation of 2,300 feet, it offers a cool getaway from the summer heat, as well as a variety of outdoor activities

The route on the nearby Feather River National Scenic Byway traverses a steeply carved river gorge that encapsulates the historic railroad system from Oroville to Quincy and impressive powerhouses built to provide hydroelectricity.

Recreation

Fly fishing for trout and swimming are popular activities in the nearby north fork of the Feather River.

Facilities

Hallsted is within walking distance of the Feather River. The campground offers multiple single-family sites, accommodating both tent and trailer camping. Tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as well as flush toilets, showers and drinking water.

Recently renovated, most of Hallsted’s campground spurs have been widened and lengthened as well as multiple sites now have power. The shower and bathroom facilities are all new. In addition, a nice walking path meanders through the forest and takes you down to the North Fork of the Feather River.

Natural Features

Mature pine and fir trees provide ample shade for the campground, as well as a perfect atmosphere for mountain camping. Several sites parallel the north fork of the Feather River. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.

Nearby Attractions

A general store is available in Twain, less than a half-mile from the campground. Quincy is approximately 17 miles east, providing the nearest source of fuel.

Nearby Activities

• Camping

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Directions

From Oroville, travel east on Highway 70 for about 65 miles. From Quincy, travel west on Highway 70 for 17 miles.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 40° 1′ 3.0000″ N

Longitude 121° 4′ 23.0002″ W

Overview

Frenchman Campground (5,700 feet) sites along the shores of its namesake lake, which boasts 21 miles of shoreline. The campground is situated at the southeastern peninsula of the lake. Situated on a pine covered hillside overlooking the lake, this is the place for campers to get in tune with their surroundings. The lake is at the interface between the mountains of the Sierra Nevada and high desert. Frenchman Lake and the surrounding Plumas National Forest together provide ample opportunity for recreation, relaxation and adventure.

Recreation

During peak camping season, the campground offers a variety of outdoor experiences including hiking, biking, picnicking and hunting. The nearby lake provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, waterskiing, jet skiing and fishing. Frenchman Lake Boat Launching Facility and a day use area are near the campground. Winter activities range from ice fishing to snowmobiling. 

Facilities

The campground offers single-family campsites for tent and RV camping. Twelve of the campgrounds 38 campsites can be reserved during peak camping season. All other campsites may be taken on a ‘First Come’ basis. The campground remains open throughout the years. However, most winters include enough snow to keep the road closed.
Each site is equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Vault toilets and drinking water are also provided.

Natural Features

As part of California’s Plumas National Forest, the campground is located in northern California, between the rugged Sierra Nevada and the fringes of the Cascade ranges. The forest is home to hundreds of high alpine lakes and thousands of miles of clear-running streams.
Pine trees provide moderate to good shade in most sites. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area.

Nearby Attractions

Little Last Chance Canyon Scenic Area

Sierra Valley – Largest valley in the Sierra nevada

Stores and services in the towns of Chilcoot and Loyalton

many forest roads to explore – take along a map, full tank and dependable vehicle

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Hunting
• Winter sports
• Water sports
• Swimming site

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Directions

From Reno, Nevada, travel north on Highway 395. Merge onto Highway 70 west and travel 5 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284 and continue 8 miles to Frenchman Lake, turn right, cross the dam, and travel a mile to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 53′ 58.9999″ N

Longitude 120° 11′ 12.0001″ W

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.

Facilities

The single loop campground offers family campsites and one group tent-only site. One double-family site is also available. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. All sites have fire rings with grills and picnic tables.

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.

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.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback riding
• Picnicking
• Swimming site
• Mountain biking
• Off road vehicle trails
• Birding

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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.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 39° 40′ 0.0001″ N

Longitude 120° 39′ 28.0001″ W

Overview

Greenville Campground (3,500 feet) is a small campground, located on Plumas National Forest on the edge of scenic Indian Valley near CA Hwy 70, approximately one mile from the historic town of Greenville, CA. Conveniently located, numerous attractions are an easy drive in almost any direction! 

Recreation

Beautiful Lake Almanor is a mere nine miles away, offering boating, swimming, hiking, biking, kayaking and fishing opportunities. In addition, fishing, kayaking, hiking and biking are less than five miles away at Round Valley Reservoir. Bird watching is a big attraction at both Round Valley and Lake Almanor. Biking and other sports equipment are available in nearby towns of Quincy & Chester. You might hire a bike van to drive you up the mountain and you can bike down!

Facilities

Eash campsite has a picnic table and fire ring. Water spigots are available throughout the campground.

Natural Features

The campground scenery is a mix of evergreen trees, ferns, grasses and shrubs. There is plenty of shade and a small, typically shallow, creek meanders behind the campground. Wildflowers dot the area in the spring.

Nearby Attractions

Three quaint, small towns – Greenville, Crescent Mills and Taylorsville, are in Indian Valley. They offer groceries, gas, dining, antique shops, museums and a nine-hole golf course, in addition to a beautiful drive or bike “around the valley.” If you are interested in volcanoes, geology or National Parks, take a picturesque 47 mile drive to Lassen Volcanic National Park. There you will find all four types of volcanoes found around the world and the most thermal features outside of Yellowstone!

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Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S

Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W

Big Valley Ranger District, crescent shaped, encompasses a portion of the Modoc National Forest north, east and south of the town of Adin, CA.  The lower elevation of this Ranger District allows campgrounds to open earlier in the spring and close later in the fall.

The beautiful Red Tail Rim Trail is something that this district boasts about.  A shared trail by hikers, mountain bikers and equestrian units, this unique trail covers some 20 plus miles of the back-country.

Directions

Big Valley Ranger Station is located at 508 South Main Street/Hwy 299 in Adin.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ S

Longitude 0° 0′ 0.0000″ W

In addition to ample parking, this Trailhead has a picnic site and hitching posts for tacking up horses for day rides.

Directions

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 18′ 24.4900″ N

Longitude 120° 53′ 37.5700″ W

Overview

The popular Medicine Lake Recreation Area and adjacent Medicine Lake are located in the Medicine Lake Highlands in northeastern California. The Recreation Area is located in the Modoc National Forest at an elevation of 6,770 feet.

Recreation

The Medicine Lake Recreation Area offers camping, boating, fishing and swimming. The adjacent Day Use Areas accommodate boating with a concrete boat ramp and dock. Swimming is available in a designated swimming area next to the Picnic Area. Hiking and mountain biking are available on trails originating in the Recreation Area. The longest of these trails is the trail up Little Mt Hoffman.

Facilities

The Medicine Lake Recreation Area is comprised of four campgrounds; Medicine, A.H. Hogue, Hemlock and Headquarters Campgrounds. Nearby the campgrounds are Picnic Area and Boat Launch sites. Campsites vary between somewhat rugged with limited parking space to larger areas suitable for recreation vehicles. Facilities include vault toilets, water hydrants and garbage dumpsters. Campsites include a picnic table, fire ring and a barbeque grill. There are a total of 75 campsites throughout the four campgrounds. Fifteen of these sites are available for advanced reservations and located within the Medicine and A.H. Hogue Campgrounds.

Natural Features

Medicine Lake Recreation Area is nestled along Medicine Lake and mostly sheltered by mature lodgepole pine trees but can be windy at times. The Recreation Area lies adjacent to the Medicine Lake Lava Flow which is accessible by a short hike. The Glass Mtn. and Burnt Lava Flow Geologic Areas are located within a 15-minute drive.

Nearby Attractions

Nearby are a few other federal sites with interesting features. The Lava Beds National Monument is located within a half-hour drive and includes lava caves and tubes. The Tulelake National Wildlife Refuge is located within an hour’s drive where many types of migratory waterfowl can be viewed.

Nearby Activities

• Boating
• Camping
• Hiking
• Swimming site

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Directions

From McCloud go east on US Hwy 89 south for 16 miles to Forest Service Road 15/Harris Spring Rd. Turn left on Road 15 and go 4.4 miles to Forest Service Road 49/Medicine Lake Road. Follow the signs 27.5 miles to Medicine Lake. From Tulelake take US Hwy 139 south for 21 miles to Forest Service Road 97. Turn right on Road 97 and go 24 miles turning right on Road 49. Drive 2 more miles turning left into the entrance of Medicine Lake Recreation Area. Follow the signs to your final campground destination.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 35′ 9.0398″ N

Longitude 121° 35′ 8.0498″ W

The Campground at Cave Lake is little used and the perfect place for a week-end or week long getaway. 

Cave and Lily Water systems don’t have any water right now due to broken pipes. It may be a while for them to be fixed and turned on.

Nearby Activities

• Auto touring
• Picnicking

Directions

From Lakeview, Oregon go south 14 miles on US Hwy 395 and into California to County Road 2. Turn east on County Road 2 and continue for 7 miles to the campground. From Alturas travel north on US Hwy 395 approximately 38 miles to County Road 2. Turn east on County Road 2 and continue for 7 miles to the campground.

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 58′ 43.0000″ N

Longitude 120° 12′ 15.9998″ W

Close to the boat ramp and right on the water, campsites at Reservoir C are quiet, scenic and partly shady.

A recommended spot for Amateur Astronomers.  Light polution is non-existant.

Nearby Activities

• Auto touring
• Boating
• Camping
• Fishing
• Picnicking
• Wildlife viewing

Directions

From Alturas travel west on Hwy 299, 3 miles. Turn north on Crowder Flat Rd/County Road 73, and travel 9.6 miles to Forest Road 43N18. Turn left on 43N18 and continue approximately 7 miles and follow the signs to Reservoir C Campground.
 

GPS Coordinates

Latitude 41° 39′ 37.0000″ N

Longitude 120° 46′ 26.0000″ W