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Frenchman Lake is an easy north-westerly 1 to 1 1/2 hour drive from Reno, depending on where you leave from. After turning off of 395 onto 70 it’s only 5.5 miles to Chilcoot and the turnoff to Frenchman. Once you make the turn in Chilcoot it’s another 8 miles to get to the lake. After a scenic drive along the river you’ll arrive at the top of the dam and a view of Frenchman. At this point you will take either a left or right, over the dam, depending on which of the 5 Frenchman Lake campgrounds you are going to. Cottonwood Campground is to the left and another couple of miles around the lake.
| Type | RV and tent camping |
| Roads | Paved, the southern access to the lake is paved until you get farther around where it will turn to gravel road to complete the loop. Access to Cottonwood Spring Campground is paved. |
| Elevation | 5600′ |
| Environment | Wooded and close to the lake. |
| Kid Friendly | Yes, lots to explore. |
| Dog Friendly | Yes, with leash. Easy trail close by leads to the lake where they can swim and play. |
| Activities | Hiking, swimming, fishing, boating, equestrian camping nearby. Dirt roads for street licensed UTV’s. |
| Closest Services | Chilcoot, 8 miles away. Gas and general store that is pretty well stocked. |
| Facilities | Bathrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, paved parking. |
| Hookups | NO. Sites do not have hookups however water is available at different spigots throughout the campground. Dumping for RV’s is available near the entrance of the campground for a $15 fee. |
| Reservations | Yes, or first come, first serve. Camp host is on site or make reservations ahead of time online. Book early! |
| Contact | Recreation.gov |
Cottonwood Spring Campground, while not as close to the lake, is one of the quieter campgrounds. It’s heavily wooded with large sites that are spaced far apart. The road in is paved as well as each of the site parking areas. Picnic tables and fire rings are included at each site. It offers both group and family camping areas. Group areas must be reserved while individual sites can be reserved or you can chance it and hope for a first come, first serve opening.
If you would like to go to the lake from the campground you can take a meandering mile or so trail through the woods at the back end of the campground to get down to the water. It’s an easy hike to take with kids and pets. Frenchman also offers a day use area with picnic tables and beach access if you would prefer to drive around to the other side of the lake. You can also find options for fishing at many places all the way around the lake. If water sports are your thing then Frenchman is also a good option. It has a nice boat ramp and parking area near the day use area where you can also relax on the beach. It’s a beautiful lake with an alpine feel and look where it’s common to see water skiers, pontoon boats and jet skis.
Tips/Cautions – Just a few things to think about while you’re out there.
- BRING CASH – The campgrounds around Frenchman Lake are run by a company who is contracted by the National Forest Service and they require cash payment for campsites, fire wood and RV dumping.
- Cell phones – phones do not work in most of the area at the campgrounds or near the lake.
- Chilcoot – Goodwin’s General Store (AKA Texaco) has gas and general supplies with a good selection. Right across the street is the Chilcoot Frosty. No trip to Frenchman Lake is complete without at least stopping at the Frosty to get an ice cream.
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