OutReserve

Lakes Basin

Plumas National Forest
Nighttime reading, Plumas National Forest

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly
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

Campground Amenities

  • Pet Friendly
    Pet Friendly

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

Sites & Availability

11 Sites Available

Site
Price
001, Loop: LAKE
25 guests · Pet Friendly
$80.00
/ per night
🚐 002, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
$67.00
/ per night
🚐 004, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
$67.00
/ per night
010, Loop: FAM
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$36.00
/ per night
013, Loop: FAM
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$36.00
/ per night
🚐 015, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
$67.00
/ per night
🚐 018, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
$67.00
/ per night
🚐 020, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
$67.00
/ per night
🚐 021, Loop: FAM
No Hookups
$67.00
/ per night
022, Loop: FAM
8 guests · Pet Friendly
$36.00
/ per night
🚐 6A6B, Loop: MULT
No Hookups
$67.00
/ per night

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

David T

Verified

November 28, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: FAM

5

Great campground. We stayed in site #2 July 20-26. Site was reasonably level - only 1 "Lego" needed for 27 foot motorhome. Warm during the day, cool at night. Lots of nearby hikes. Our dog loved it too!

Dennis P

Verified

October 9, 2022 Stayed at: 018, Loop: FAM

4

I love this place and visit here as often as possible. We have been coming here for 20 years. In the last 2 years the long time camp host retired. It is usually free this time of year, because they shut off the water, but I wanted to secure my spot, just in case. I reserved spot #18 for 4 nights, and when I got there a couple had definitely moved in. I was flexible and chose another spot. The new camp host was very apologetic and neither of us wanted to make someone move. But my site was in the shade, (but still beautiful!) and it got down to the mud 40’s. Just wanted you to know that there was definitely a communication problem. I’m guessing because the host was new that it was on their end. I plan on using rec.gov again and definitely staying again at Lakes Basin, but hoping my next reservation is for the site that I chose and paid for.
Thank you!!

Tom P

Verified

October 5, 2022 Stayed at: 002, Loop: FAM

4

Great location with hiking trails to several beautiful lakes. The Long Lake-Big Bear Lake Loop is a must do!

Debra B

Verified

September 16, 2022 Stayed at: 018, Loop: FAM

3

Lakes Basin Campground is an excellent location for hiking in that area. However facilities are minimal and spaces have little privacy. Water from spigots was rusty. Didn’t look at the outhouses as we had our own facilities. It was very quiet though.

Rhonda G

Verified

August 22, 2022 Stayed at: 018, Loop: FAM

5

Lakes Basin has been our annual camping trip destination since 2012, with the exception of a couple of years. We love the area and love the campground. The camp hosts are always nice. This year, the camp host, Steve was super helpful. I was having trouble backing our trailer in (which usually is not an issue but for some reason this year, it wasn't happening!) and Steve came to the rescue and dropped it right into position! There are lots of places to hike, many trails leading from or not far from the campground. Sierra Buttes is a 5-10 minute drive. Check out Bassett's Station while you're there, at the Hwy 49 end of Gold Lake Road. Open end of May to end of October. Great breakfasts, great burgers, and other lunch goodies. We always make a point to have one of our meals at Bassett's while we're camping. Looking forward to next year!

Suzannah R

Verified

August 15, 2022 Stayed at: 018, Loop: FAM

5

Great campsite with wonderful host. Excellent hiking trails from the campground and refreshing swimming in the stream.

Kamala M

Verified

August 8, 2022 Stayed at: 001, Loop: LAKE

5

Our family booked the group site as it was the only site available for a last minute reservation. What a fantastic site!! Just loved our views, the mixed shade and sunshine. Lovely hikes to the lakes right from the campground and an easy drive into Bassett's if you need provisions. Dogs welcome and our pooch loved this campground. Nice and quiet and was a lovely complement to our first half of the week down the hill at Wild Plum (along a creek in the woods).

Richard M

Verified

August 6, 2022 Stayed at: 004, Loop: FAM

5

a

Brian C

Verified

July 26, 2022 Stayed at: 004, Loop: FAM

5

Simply amazing

Edward B

Verified

July 20, 2022 Stayed at: 004, Loop: FAM

5

Great area for hiking and fishing. Wild flowers were everywhere during our visit (early-mid July).

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

Category About
General

About half the sites are available on first come first serve

General

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.

General

Caution: bears, raccoons, etc. frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers

General

No RVs on sites 10, 13, 22 and site 1 (group site) Also, only one vehicle allowed in sites 10 and 22.

General

Water spigots are shared between sites.

General

Walk-in sites available year round (weather permitting).

General

After mid-September there is dry camping only.

General

Click here for more information on the Plumas National Forest

General

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.

General

Behaved pets are welcome. Dogs in the campground must be on leash.

General

Off road vehicles are not allowed on any campground road.

General

Firewood Bundles are available for purchase from a Campground Host.

General

Check- In is 2:00pm and Check-Out is Noon

General

Campground Map  

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