Connectivity
No community carrier report is currently published for this campground.
Community-reported service can change with terrain, weather, congestion, and carrier coverage.
Campground
Lakes Basin
Plumas National Forest, California
About this campground
SITE NUMBER, SITE LENGTH, SHADE, MAXIMUM VEHICLES, ALLOWABLE EQUIPMENT SIte #001 GROUP FULL #2 Site Lenght-42', Shade-SUN, Max Vehicles-2, Equipment-RV, TENT, TRAILER, VAN #4 Site Length-28', Shade-PARTIAL, Max Vehicles-2, Equipment- RV, TENT, TRAILER, VAN #6A,6B Site Lenght-MULTI 45', Shade-SUN, Max Vehicles-4, Equipment- RV, TENT, TRAILER, VAN #10 Site Le…
Lakes Basin Campground (6,445 feet) is situated in the ruins of an old lodge, Lakes Center Lodge, built in 1912 and removed in the late 1970's.
The single loop campground offers family campsites and one group tent-only site.
Map
Loading map
- Latitude
- 39.666667° N
- Longitude
- 120.657778° W
Know before you arrive
Access, sites & campground features
Official facility and campsite inventory, supplemented by clearly marked community reports when the official listing does not publish the detail.
Access
- Drive-in
Site types
- Tent sites
- RV / trailer sites
- Standard campsites
- Group sites
Features
For campers
- Toilets
- Drinking water
- Picnic table
- FiresUse only when the current order allows flame
- Trash serviceVerify whether the assigned site is pack-in/pack-out
- Firewood available
- ADA access
- Pets allowedDogs are allowed in developed Forest Service recreation sites when restrained, crated or caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet. Posted site restrictions still apply.
- Reservable
For vehicles
- Back-in sitesCommunity report
Official campground guide
Plan with the full campground details
Facility information, site rules, booking windows, and published rates. Source snapshot checked Oct 18, 2026.
Overview
Lakes Basin Campground (6,445 feet) is situated in the ruins of an old lodge, Lakes Center Lodge, built in 1912 and removed in the late 1970's. Some of the old stonework still exists, including steps leading into a deep pool of Gray Eagle Creek. This campground is within easy reach of many trailheads. The campground also offers a tent only group campsite by reservation only.
Facilities
The single loop campground offers family campsites and one group tent-only site. One double-family site is also available. Vault toilets, drinking water and trash collection are provided. All sites have fire rings with grills and picnic tables. Sites are as listed.
SITE NUMBER, SITE LENGTH, SHADE, MAXIMUM VEHICLES, ALLOWABLE EQUIPMENT
SIte #001 GROUP FULL
#2 Site Lenght-42', Shade-SUN, Max Vehicles-2, Equipment-RV, TENT, TRAILER, VAN
#4 Site Length-28', Shade-PARTIAL, Max Vehicles-2, Equipment- RV, TENT, TRAILER, VAN
#6A,6B Site Lenght-MULTI 45', Shade-SUN, Max Vehicles-4, Equipment- RV, TENT, TRAILER, VAN
#10 Site Lenght-26', Shade-FULL, Max Vehicles -1, Equipment- TENT, VAN
#13 Site Lenght-41', Shade-FULL, Max Vehicles-2, Equipment- TENT, VAN, SMALL TRAILER
#15 Site Length-40', Shade-FULL, Max Vehicles-2, Equipment- RV, TENT, TRAILER, VAN
#18 Site Lenght-42', Shade-PARTIAL, Max Vehicles-2, Equipment- RV, TENT, TRAILER, VAN
#20 Site Length-42', Shade-PARTIAL, Max Vehicles-2, Equipment-RV, TENT, TRAILER, VAN
#21 Site Length-30', Shade-PARTIAL, Max Vehicles-2, Equipment- RV, TENT, TRAILER, VAN
#22 Site Lenght-26", Shade-PARTIAL, Max Vehicles- 1, Equipment- TENT, VAN
Recreation
Gold Lakes Basin offers a variety of recreational activities including boating, fishing and hiking. A network of over 30 miles of maintained trails branch out across the area, and the Pacific Crest trail can be easily reached from the trail system.
Many of the trails are open to hiking, biking and horseback riding, including the 1-mile Grassy Lakes Trail, accessible from the campground.
At nearby Gold Lake, where a boat ramp is provided, visitors enjoy convenient access to boating and fishing. Once on the water, anglers won't have any trouble trolling for brown and rainbow trout and Mackinaws in the cool, clear waters.
Natural Features
The area was formed by glaciers and is characterized by breathtaking mountain scenery--most notably the craggy peaks of the Sierra Buttes and over 20 natural glacial lakes, most of which are accessible by well-maintained hiking trails. The campground sits among fir and aspen trees along Gray Eagle Creek. Mt. Elwell towers to the west.
Nearby Attractions
Visiting Plumas Eureka State Park is a worthy side trip. About 18 miles from the campground, this historic site offers a gift shop, visitor center, walking tour and information about local mining history.
Mills Peak Fire Lookout provides a panoramic view of Sierra Peaks and Mohawk Valley. Visit the Red Fir Interpretive Trail along the way.
Frazier Falls Trail is best viewed in the Spring. This is a 1 mile paved accessible trail to an overview across from the falls.
The Sierra Buttes and its lookout overlook the southern end of Lakes Basin in Tahoe National Forest.
Gold Lake Boat Launch Facility has a two lane ramp, loading dock and day use area.
A hand launch gravel ramp suitable for launching small water craft is located at Gold Lake Dam Day Use Area.
Activities & amenities
What Recreation.gov or the campground’s official source specifically lists.
Available activities
- Swimming Site
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Camping
- Boating
- Birding
- Horseback Riding
- Mountain Biking
- Picnicking
Amenities and facility features
- Vault or pit toilets
- Potable water
- Picnic tables
- Site fire ring or grillUse only when the current order allows flame
- Trash serviceVerify whether the assigned site is pack-in/pack-out
- Pets allowedFollow the exact facility restrictions
- Campfire Rings
- Drinking Water (peak season)
- Firewood
- Trailheads
- Vault Toilets
Recreation sites
Published inventory grouped by site type. Individual sites can have stricter limits.
Standard Non-Electric
7 sites- Reservation type
- Site-Specific
- Equipment
- RV, Tent, Trailer
- Maximum people
- 16
- Maximum vehicles
- 2
- Maximum vehicle length
- 0 ft
- Check-in
- 2:00 PM
- Check-out
- 12:00 PM
- Accessible sites
- 1 flagged accessible
Management
14 sites- Reservation type
- Non Site-Specific
- Equipment
- Tent
- Maximum people
- 8
- Maximum vehicles
- 1
- Maximum vehicle length
- 0 ft
- Check-in
- 0:00 AM, 2:00 PM
- Check-out
- 0:00 AM, 12:00 PM
- Accessible sites
- 1 flagged accessible
Tent Only Non-Electric
3 sites- Reservation type
- Site-Specific
- Equipment
- Tent
- Maximum people
- 8
- Maximum vehicles
- 1
- Maximum vehicle length
- 0 ft
- Check-in
- 2:00 PM
- Check-out
- 12:00 PM
- Accessible sites
- None flagged in site inventory
Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric
1 site- Reservation type
- Site-Specific
- Equipment
- Tent
- Maximum people
- 25
- Maximum vehicles
- 5
- Maximum vehicle length
- 0 ft
- Check-in
- 2:00 PM
- Check-out
- 12:00 PM
- Accessible sites
- 1 flagged accessible
Site rules, inventory & rates
Facility rules, inventory procedures, and price seasons published by the official source.
Site rules
- Holiday-weekend minimum
- 3 nights
- Weekend minimum
- 2 nights
- Reservation cutoff
- 4 days before arrival
- Maximum published occupancy
- 25 people per site
- Maximum published vehicles
- 5 vehicles per site
- Check-in
- 2:00 PM, 0:00 AM
- Check-out
- 12:00 PM, 0:00 AM
- Food storage
- The current official campground record does not publish a campground-specific food-storage rule. Check posted rules before leaving food, trash, toiletries, or scented items unattended.
- Fire and stove use
- Lakes Basin's official facility record states: All sites have fire rings with grills and picnic tables.
- Pets
- Dogs are allowed in developed Forest Service recreation sites when restrained, crated or caged, or on a leash no longer than six feet. Posted site restrictions still apply.
Inventory window
Recreation.gov publishes a rolling booking window. The dates below are the official snapshot captured for this catalog build.
- Currently bookable through
- Sep 27, 2026
- Next release
- Dec 13, 2026, 7:00 AM PST
- Next book-through date
- Jun 13, 2027
- Group sites bookable through
- Sep 28, 2027
Published seasons & rates
| Season | Site type | Nightly rate | Additional person | Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-come, First-served SeasonJun 1, 2026 – Jun 11, 2026 | Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric | $80 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonJun 1, 2026 – Jun 11, 2026 | Management | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonJun 1, 2026 – Jun 11, 2026 | Standard Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonJun 1, 2026 – Jun 11, 2026 | Standard Non-Electric | $67 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonJun 1, 2026 – Jun 11, 2026 | Tent Only Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 12, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026 | Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric | $80 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 12, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026 | Management | $36 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 12, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026 | Standard Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 12, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026 | Standard Non-Electric | $67 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 12, 2026 – Sep 6, 2026 | Tent Only Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026 | Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric | $80 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026 | Management | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026 | Standard Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026 | Standard Non-Electric | $67 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 7, 2026 – Sep 27, 2026 | Tent Only Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 13, 2027 – Aug 31, 2027 | Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric | $80 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 13, 2027 – Aug 31, 2027 | Management | $36 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 13, 2027 – Aug 31, 2027 | Standard Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 13, 2027 – Aug 31, 2027 | Standard Non-Electric | $67 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 13, 2027 – Aug 31, 2027 | Tent Only Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 1, 2027 – Sep 28, 2027 | Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric | $80 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 1, 2027 – Sep 28, 2027 | Management | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 1, 2027 – Sep 28, 2027 | Standard Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 1, 2027 – Sep 28, 2027 | Standard Non-Electric | $67 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 1, 2027 – Sep 28, 2027 | Tent Only Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 13, 2028 – Aug 31, 2028 | Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric | $80 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 13, 2028 – Aug 31, 2028 | Management | $36 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 13, 2028 – Aug 31, 2028 | Standard Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 13, 2028 – Aug 31, 2028 | Standard Non-Electric | $67 | — | — |
| Peak SeasonJun 13, 2028 – Aug 31, 2028 | Tent Only Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 1, 2028 – Sep 28, 2028 | Group Tent Only Area Non-Electric | $80 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 1, 2028 – Sep 28, 2028 | Management | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 1, 2028 – Sep 28, 2028 | Standard Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 1, 2028 – Sep 28, 2028 | Standard Non-Electric | $67 | — | — |
| First-come, First-served SeasonSep 1, 2028 – Sep 28, 2028 | Tent Only Non-Electric | $36 | — | — |
Important facility notices
Read these with current closure and fire notices before departure.
- About half the sites are available on first come first serve
- Generally, campsites will accommodate 2 vehicles. The first vehicle is included in the site fee, the second vehicle fee will be collected onsite at the daily rate posted on the fee sign.
- Caution: bears, raccoons, etc. frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
- No RVs on sites 10, 13, 22 and site 1 (group site) Also, only one vehicle allowed in sites 10 and 22.
- Water spigots are shared between sites.
- Walk-in sites available year round (weather permitting).
- After mid-September there is dry camping only.
- Click here for more information on the Plumas National Forest
- Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by using only local firewood. This wood is available for purchase from the camp host, or collecting in the national forest. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
- Behaved pets are welcome. Dogs in the campground must be on leash.
- Off road vehicles are not allowed on any campground road.
- Firewood Bundles are available for purchase from a Campground Host.
- Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon
- Campground Map
Getting there & contact
Official directions
In Graeagle, CA, at the intersection of State Rt. 89 and Forest Rt. 24 (Gold Lakes directional sign), turn onto Rt. 24 and go 6.9 miles to campground sign. Turn right onto the single-lane road and proceed 0.3 miles. The campground will be on the right.
Facility contact
CAMPGROUND/CAMPSITE STATUS CALL (530) 832-1076