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Frenchman Lake Recreation Area

Download the Frenchman Lake Recreation Area publication.

LOCATION

Frenchman Lake Recreation Area is off Highway 70 about 8 miles north of the town of Chilcoot on California Highway 284. The drive on Cal. Hwy 284 follows Little Last Chance Creek up through a beautiful canyon. Frenchman Lake Recreation Area offers a wide variety of summer outdoor experiences including: camping, picnicking, fishing, hunting, boating, jet skiing, mountain biking, swimming and water-skiing. In the winter, ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are favored activities.

CAMPING

[Icon]: Camping A concessionaire manages the four campgrounds on Frenchman Lake and Chilcoot Campground on Little Last Chance Creek. Cottonwood Springs, Chilcoot, Frenchman, Spring Creek, and Big Cove Campgrounds have approximately 190 family sites, 19 double sites and 2 group site. Campsites may be reserved through Reserve USA (1-877-444-6777 or on-line at www.ReserveUSA.com). Group sites must be reserved in advance. Trailers of up to 35 feet can be accommodated. No hookups are provided. Facilities are usually open from late April through late October. Both Spring Creek and Frenchman Campgrounds are available as weather permits in early spring and late fall without fee or water.

LITTLE LAST CHANCE SCENIC AREA

[Icon]: Viewing The Little Last Chance Creek and canyon were formed as the result of several geologic events. These started several million years ago as volcanic eruptions flowed over granite rock of the area. This completely blocked and filled the then existing canyons and streams, creating a lake that was almost 200 feet deeper than today's. As the uplift of the faulted blocks under the lake tilted to the south, water and debris from the surrounding hills chiseled a new streambed, carving down and creating the sharp canyon wall you see today.

BOAT LAUNCHING

[Icon]: Boat Launch There are two boat launches at Frenchman Lake; Frenchman Boat Launch and Lunker Point Boat Launch.

Frenchman Boat Launch has a four-lane concrete launching ramp with a floating boat dock and an accessible boat loading ramp. Lunker Point Boat Launch has a two-lane concrete ramp with a floating boat dock. Both launches have parking areas and accessible toilets.

FISHING

[Icon]: Fishing Fishing is regulated by the California Department of Fish and Game with a five trout limit and tributary restrictions. Six locations around Frenchman Lake provide fishing opportunities; Salmon Egg, Nightcrawler Bay, Snallygaster Point, Crystal Point, Turkey Point and the Kiosk. Besides Rainbow and Brown trout, Eagle Lake trout and Smallmouth bass can also be found.

HUNTING

[Icon]: Hunting Historically, this area has been popular for hunting both deer and waterfowl. The California Department of Fish and Game regulates hunting seasons and permits. Discharging a firearm within 150 yards of a campsite, across or on a Forest road or body of water is prohibited.

SUPPLIES

[Icon]: Grocery Store Supplies can be purchased in Chilcoot, eight miles south of Frenchman Lake.

DRINKING WATER

[Icon]: Drinking Water Only water from developed recreation sites is maintained for safe drinking. Open water sources are easily contaminated by human or animal waste. Water from springs, lakes, and streams should be properly treated before drinking. One method is to boil the water for five minutes or use an approved filtration system.