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A white Tacoma with a camper shell parked on a rise above a broad, empty basin under building cloud.

Forest Service campground

Lakes Basin

Forest Service campground in Plumas National Forest, Sierra County, California. 6,751 feet. 14.4 miles from Portola.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Managed by
Forest Service Plumas National Forest
Elevation
6,751 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Sites
11 7 standard non-electric, 3 tent only non-electric, 1 group tent only area non-electric
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
Sierra County

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.

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.

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

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.

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • birding
  • boating
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • horseback riding
  • mountain biking
  • picnicking
  • swimming site

The land around Lakes Basin

The ringed pin is this campground; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Nearest campgrounds

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated May 8, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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