Plumas National Forest
Nighttime reading, Plumas National Forest

Featured amenities

Pet Friendly Pet Friendly

Available sites

11 total sites

About Lakes Basin

Lakes Basin Campground (6.4 ft) 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. 

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

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Pet friendly 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: GROUP Tent
Paved · Pet Friendly · Yes shade
🚐 002, Loop: FAM RV
Pet Friendly · 36 ft long · Gravel
🚐 004, Loop: FAM RV
Pet Friendly · 33 ft long · Gravel
⛺ 010, Loop: FAM Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Full shade
⛺ 013, Loop: FAM Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Full shade
🚐 015, Loop: FAM RV
Pet Friendly · 37 ft long · Gravel
🚐 018, Loop: FAM RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 020, Loop: FAM RV
Pet Friendly · 40 ft long · Gravel
🚐 021, Loop: FAM RV
Pet Friendly · 27 ft long · Gravel
⛺ 022, Loop: FAM Tent
Gravel · Pet Friendly · Full shade
🚐 6A6B, Loop: MULT RV
Pet Friendly · 42 ft long · Gravel

Reviews (77)

What Guests Are Saying

Lakes Basin Campground is exceptionally well-maintained, with friendly and knowledgeable hosts who enhance the experience. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities and beautiful natural surroundings, including accessible hiking trails and swimming options. Many campers have returned for decades, praising the inviting atmosphere and the dedication of the camp hosts, particularly John and Sugie.

Review Summary

4.4
77 reviews
5
70.1%
54
4
13.0%
10
3
7.8%
6
2
1.3%
1
1
7.8%
6

Penny S

Verified

August 6, 2026 • Stayed at: 020, Loop: FAM

5

The lovely, quiet Lakes Basin campground is meticulously maintained by the Barkers, the camp hosts. They suggested the location of many of the wildflowers that were blooming You can hike to a number of nearby lakes or cool off in the swimming hole. Highly recommended!

Nancy B

Verified

August 8, 2026 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: FAM

5

The campground hosts are excellent and friendly. Campsites and toilets are really clean. The campground is a great location for hiking, the swimming hole is really fun, and the people are friendly. In the area, you can't do better than Lakes Basin Campground!

michael h

Verified

August 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 001, Loop: GROUP

5

Lakes Basin is wonderful. Great hikes, with several beautiful accessible lakes, wildflowers and nearby waterfalls. A positive shout out to our camp hosts! Their hospitality was so welcoming. Needless to say, our campsite was clean and well-maintained.

Mark F

Verified

August 10, 2026 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: FAM

5

We have been going to this campground for almost 40 years. We make it a point to get back here at least one time each summer. It was better than ever this summer, thanks to an awesome campground host duo. John and Sugie both have a month history in the Lakes Basin area and therefor have an amazing commitment to keeping the place beautiful and respectful. There's been some not so great camp hosts and concessionaires in other seasons. This year was the best.

Susan C

Verified

August 20, 2026 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: FAM

5

The camp hosts were outstanding! They should be training all other hosts. The sites are clean, restrooms clean, hosts look professional and wear uniforms, and they are very familiar with the area, providing guests with helpful information!

Michelle Z

Verified

September 4, 2026 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: FAM

5

I love this area and camp here often in the summer. Lakes Basin is a gem, close to several nice trail heads, walking distance from camp. Restrooms and sites are always clean and freshly raked when you arrive. The camp hosts are lovely people! Friendly and helpful. SO MUCH to do and see! The Sierra Buttes are beautiful and nearby too! I recommend the book "Feather River Country Adventure Trails" by Tom DeMund. You can always pick up a copy in Graeagle at the grocery store. Everything you'd ever want to know about the area, trails, adventures, photos and a good bit of history!

David T

Verified

September 7, 2026 • Stayed at: 6A6B, Loop: MULT

5

My wife and I had another wonderful stay at Lakes Basin. This campground has become not only an annual visit, but also the highlight of the camping season. We even added a visit to the Grey Eagle Resort for a great dinner.

Location & Directions for Lakes Basin

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

Elevation: 2,053 ft

Getting There

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 mi to campground sign. Turn right onto the single-lane road and proceed 0.3 mi. The campground will be on the right.

Nearest town

Blairsden, CA - 14 mi

About 24 min to downtown

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  

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Last updated: October 19, 2026

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Explore Blairsden, CA

Nearby larger city

Reno, NV

Approx. 46 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 4,393 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service