FRENCHMAN

Let me start by saying that I live in my RV - at campgrounds, so my needs may be different than yours. For $34 you really don't get much. A picnic table and fire ring. There are quite a few vault toilets around, but when I was there they desperately needed pumping. No hookups in any site, but water spigots were available. My site, 14, was about as far away from the water as any site in that CG, b... Let me start by saying that I live in my RV - at campgrounds, so my needs may be different than yours. For $34 you really don't get much. A picnic table and fire ring. There are quite a few vault toilets around, but when I was there they desperately needed pumping. No hookups in any site, but water spigots were available. My site, 14, was about as far away from the water as any site in that CG, but the walk to the water isn't bad. It's very easy to get to the shore. I'm a decent fisherman, and the fishing was horrible (I was there in July). Even though the cell coverage maps say there is Verizon coverage - there is not. None, zero. I was not able to even send a text while I was there. The sites were very small. I have a 25 foot Class C and I cannot imagine fitting much bigger rigs in most of these sites. I am also not a fan of the 'parallel parking' camp spots, and there are a few in this CG. Make sure you check the map (which is HORRIBLE on their site) as best you can before you make a reservation. One other thing I found strange is how far the picnic tables are away from the parking spot. If you are in a rig like me, and you use the picnic table...you may be in for a hike every time you go back and forth. And that hike may be relatively steep. Also, the area is in the burn area of the Beckwourth fire, and it shows. Just don't be surprised. Still, there are quite a few trees that provide ample shade in most sites. All in all, this place didn't really work for me, but I can see it as being a nice place for a family outing.

Beautiful and spacious campsites! Hosts were wonderful, no-since people that were very helpful and accommodating. We were informed there were bears but we did not see any. The chipmunks on the other hand will rob you blind! If you walk away from your campsite and stay still for a couple min they will come and see what you have left out for them. The deer were very tame and came within about 20’ of... Beautiful and spacious campsites! Hosts were wonderful, no-since people that were very helpful and accommodating. We were informed there were bears but we did not see any. The chipmunks on the other hand will rob you blind! If you walk away from your campsite and stay still for a couple min they will come and see what you have left out for them. The deer were very tame and came within about 20’ of us.

UPDATE FOR 2022! THE PLACE IS NOT THE SAME... When the fires came through it really did a number on Frenchman's. The real hazard is Widowmakers. Those are the branches that are dead and burned and will eventually break off and spear what ever is below them. Some people find spots where there was less damage from the fires. There aren't many sites that are free from burned trees. The water l... UPDATE FOR 2022! THE PLACE IS NOT THE SAME... When the fires came through it really did a number on Frenchman's. The real hazard is Widowmakers. Those are the branches that are dead and burned and will eventually break off and spear what ever is below them. Some people find spots where there was less damage from the fires. There aren't many sites that are free from burned trees. The water level is extremely low. It's down about 20 feet from last year. The east launch is in and accessable without issue. Not sure of the west launch. The scenery is nasty. Brown burned trees surrounded the lake. It's pretty depressing. Would I still suggest a boating trip there? ABSOLUTELY. Just be aware that it's going to be decades before the place is somewhat attractive. The burn scar is there for a generation which is sad. 2021 MAY REVIEW. Camped there, all the spots need grading, not terrible but the weather has worked the slopes down, they've all taken on a slight slope. Sites 23 and 24 have the best access to water though 22 and 25 also are quite good. The hosts as always are good people, met them also. Toilets were very clean. We did have one group there which was way too loud into the night, drunk, with a loud generator. Camp host took care of that. It's a great place for boating, and camping. But does need some attention to some details.