You are Here: HOME » Recreation » Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Page Tools:

Lakes Basin Recreation Area

Download the Lakes Basin Recreation Area publication.

View Map

CAMPING

Lakes Basin Camp has 23 sites, 1 group site and is operated by a concessionaire. Reservations can be made on-line at www.ReserveUSA.com or by calling 1-877-444-6777. There are 16 sites at the 4x4 Campground and designated primitive sites near Gold, Goose and Haven Lakes. Because of the elevation, the camping season at Lakes Basin usually begins in early June and ends in mid- October, depending on the weather. The maximum stay 14 days. Backpack camping is only allowed at Smith, Grass, Rock, Jamison and Wades Lakes. Supplies available in Graeagle.

FISHING AND HUNTING

Hunting and fishing are regulated by the California Department of Fish and Game. Mule deer and black bear are among the game animals taken. Rainbow and Eastern Brook trout are present in many of the lakes with good to excellent fishing in the deeper lakes.

HIKING

A network of over 30 miles of signed and maintained trails branch out across Lakes Basin Recreation Area from several trail heads. The trails offer a variety of difficulty levels from the leisurely stroll to an adventurous challenge. The trail network encompasses many of the serene lakes, as well as storm-battered tree stands and wildflower meadows. A stretch of the Pacific Crest trail can be easily reached from our trail system. Equestrians and mountain bikers may enjoy miles of riding on many of the trails.

BOATING

At Gold Lake, a paved boat ramp is located on the southeast shore. A developed picnic site is nearby, and a vault toilet is available. On the northeast shore of Gold Lake, there is a gravel surfaced car-top launching ramp with a vault toilet and picnic tables available.

MILLS PEAK FIRE LOOKOUT

A three mile drive northeast of Gold Lake, the Mills Peak Fire Lookout presents a panoramic view of Mohawk Valley. At an elevation of 7,342 feet, the lookout was built in 1932. It was designed with sides facing directly north, south, east and west to make it easier for lookouts to pinpoint fires on maps.

PETROGLYPHS

Located between Lakes Basin Campground and Elwell Lodge, interpretive signs explain art carved into nearby rocks by prehistoric Native Americans.

RED FIR NATURE TRAIL

Along the road to Mills Peak, one mile south of the Fire Lookout, visitors can stop and take a short walk. Interpretive signs lead visitors through the life cycle of the beautiful and stately red fir forest.

FRAZIER FALLS

The parking and picnic area is located two miles northeast of Gold Lake on the Frazier Falls Road. The paved trail goes ½ mile from the parking area to the Frazier Falls Overlook. From this site, visitors can enjoy the majestic 176 foot vertical drop of the falls. The best viewing is in spring or early summer.

**Lakes Basin campground is
under concession to Thousand Trails
under a special use permit with
Plumas National Forest.

Contact

US Forest Service
Beckwourth Ranger District
For more information, call:
Beckwourth Ranger District (530) 836-2575
or Challenge Visitor Information (530) 675-1146