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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. Spring Creek Campground is to the right 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 next to the lake. The beach is a mix of sandy in places or muddy and rocky in others. |
| Kid Friendly | Yes, lots to explore. Use caution with the little ones but I have seen many easy shallow places for the kids to play. |
| Dog Friendly | Yes, with leash. Dogs play on the beach and swim. |
| 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 |
Spring Creek Campground is situated right on the water on the east side of Frenchman Lake. It does empty out and get quiet during the week but the weekends can get a little rowdy. That’s not necessarily a bad thing if you want to camp somewhere where you can have fun with friends and not worry so much about annoying the neighbors. But if you are looking for a relaxed and quiet spot for a weekend getaway then this might not be it. I am in no way saying that in a negative way and I’ve had a fine time camping there but quieter, and farther spaced spots, can be found. That being said, if you want to camp close to the water then this is the place. I’ve also seen wildlife in the evenings with deer walking past camp to drink from the lake as pelicans came in to fish. It was kind of like watching a documentary show during dinner.
If you want to do some hiking, leaving from the campground are trails going in either direction around the lake. You can hike over to where the boat launch is or other campgrounds and find options for fishing at many places all the way around the lake. 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.
- Boats/wave runners – If you are coming to use your boat or wave runner be aware that you can not leave either one beached at the campground for the night, they must be trailered. They do have water patrols on the lake and do enforce the rules.
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