About SPRING CREEK
Overview Spring Creek Campground (5,800 feet) is just minutes away from the clear waters of the Frenchman Lake. The landscape provides a magnificent backdrop for a variety of recreational activities. The campground offers 35 camp sites with 12 sites available for reservation. Recreation During summer, the campground offers a variety of outdoor experiences including hiking, biking, picnicking and hunting. The nearby lake provides ample opportunities for swimming, boating, water skiing and jet skiing. The expansive road system in Plumas National Forest is a great location for exploration and sightseeing. Facilities The campground offers single-family campsites for tent and RV camping, including one accessible site (#23). The campground has paved roads and paved parking pads. Host, water and garbage service are provided during peak camping season. Two group campsites are available. All campsites are equipped with tables and campfire rings with grills. Bear resistant lockers are not provided. Campground host, paved roads Vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Natural Features This campground is at the interface between mountains and high desert and between the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges. Ancient lava that flowed across the land has been eroded by creeks forming interesting landscapes. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (530) 836-2575. 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
How to Get There
From Reno, travel north on Highway 395. Turn west on Highway 70 and travel 5 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284, travel 8 miles to the Frenchman Lake Reservoir, turn right, cross the dam, and travel 2 miles to the Spring Creek Campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SPRING CREEK
Heading to SPRING CREEK? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SPRING CREEK?
No central reservation system listed for SPRING CREEK. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232829) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SPRING CREEK?
From Reno, travel north on Highway 395. Turn west on Highway 70 and travel 5 miles to Chilcoot. Turn north on Highway 284, travel 8 miles to the Frenchman Lake Reservoir, turn right, cross the dam, and travel 2 miles to the Spring Creek Campground.
How do I contact SPRING CREEK?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-836-2575 or email: james.bradeen@usda.gov.
References & Official Resources
