OutReserve

Lakes Basin

Plumas National Forest
Nighttime reading, Plumas National Forest

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly

About Lakes Basin

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. 

Number of accommodations: 11

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently closed - Opens on Jun 12

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly
Pets and Policies

Pets and Policies

  • Pet friendly
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

11 Sites Available

Site
Price
001, Loop: LAKE
25 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 002, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 004, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
Price not available
010, Loop: FAM
8 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
013, Loop: FAM
8 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 015, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 018, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 020, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
Price not available
🚐 021, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
Price not available
022, Loop: FAM
8 guests · Pet Friendly
Price not available
🚐 6A6B, Loop: MULT
No Hookups
Price not available

Reviews (61)

What Guests Are Saying

Lakes Basin is a beautiful and well-maintained campground, featuring clean facilities and ample hiking trails. The friendly campground hosts, John and Sugie, are highly praised for their attentiveness and helpfulness, enhancing the overall experience. Visitors appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings, making it a hidden gem worth returning to.

Review Summary

4.2
61 reviews
5
62.3%
38
4
16.4%
10
3
9.8%
6
2
1.6%
1
1
9.8%
6

Erin O

Verified

January 14, 2026 Stayed at: 013, Loop: FAM

5

love this place and the people who visit it and take care of it.

Ed P

Verified

December 23, 2025 Stayed at: 004, Loop: FAM

5

A lovely area that is probably underused! Campsites are well placed, gobs of trails. Facilities in good shape.

Nancy R

Verified

December 5, 2025 Stayed at: 010, Loop: FAM

5

A hidden gem! Beautiful campground that is tucked away and quiet. The camp hosts, John and Sugie add to the magic. It’s immaculately, and might I add, lovingly maintained. I can’t wait to go back!

J H

Verified

August 15, 2025 Stayed at: 018, Loop: FAM

5

Quiet, peaceful campground with so many wonderful hiking options straight from the campground. The highway is nearby but you don't hear a lot of highway noise because there are not a ton of cars. Stunning natural beauty all around!

Patrick D

Verified

August 10, 2025 Stayed at: 015, Loop: FAM

5

Very nice hosts

Amy K

Verified

August 2, 2025 Stayed at: 6A6B, Loop: MULT

5

As always, our stay at Lakes Basin was fabulous! The campground is always well maintained. The hosts are beyond delightful (and so knowledgeable). And, you just can’t beat the pond!

Cheryl G

Verified

July 31, 2025 Stayed at: 002, Loop: FAM

4

Campground was very clean, bathrooms were maintained, beautiful area

Moira M

Verified

July 24, 2025 Stayed at: 010, Loop: FAM

5

The site and outhouse were immaculate. Kudos and thanks to the host for all the hard work!

Kate G

Verified

July 17, 2025 Stayed at: 021, Loop: FAM

5

I have loved this campground for years and it’s still awesome. A big shout out to the campground hosts-they’re so pleasant and keep the campground so tidy. They even rake each site before the next guest appears! Thanks for being awesome!

Kate G

Verified

July 17, 2025 Stayed at: 020, Loop: FAM

5

In my humble opinion, this campground and the access to hiking and lakes is one of the best in CA. Then there’s the bonus of having great campground hosts! Two thumbs up!

Location Lakes Basin

Address:
Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District
Blairsden, CA, 96103
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 39.6667 / -120.658

Elevation: 2053 feet

Policies & Rules

Arrival & departure

Check in time

2PM

Check out time

12PM

General

  • 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.
  • Campground Map  

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 4, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service