Nearly 800 Camping Reservations Canceled in the Plumas National Forest Due to Snow

The transition from winter to spring and summer is causing some difficulties for the Plumas National Forest, particularly when it comes to recreation sites. While temperatures are starting to rise in towns and lower elevations, snow continues to be a challenge, affecting the opening of recreation sites.

This week, nearly 800 reservations for Plumas National Forest sites on Recreation.gov had to be canceled due to delays in opening for the season. Sites that would usually open in early to mid-May are now projected to open a few weeks behind schedule.

Even as the snow recedes, recreation staff and Outdoors in Plumas employees are still working hard to assess sites for storm damage and hazard trees, make necessary repairs, conduct water testing, open bathroom facilities, and complete other pre-season tasks for public health and safety.

Currently, it is expected that Spanish Creek, Grasshopper Flat, Grizzly, Lightning Tree, Big Cove, Chilcoot, Frenchman, Spring Creek, Boulder Creek, Long Point, and Lone Rock campgrounds will be open by May 25. However, Grizzly Creek, Whitehorse, and Gold Lake campgrounds are currently estimated to open on June 23.

Mill Creek and Sundew campgrounds near Bucks Lake are still unavailable for reservations on Recreation.gov, as the transition to PG&E for site management continues. Until reservations can be made online, Mill Creek and Sundew campgrounds will be first come, first serve. However, their opening will likely be delayed due to snow.

Road conditions are currently challenging and may be hazardous, as snow continues to melt and create more runoff than usual. The public is reminded that creating damage to Forest Service roads and trails not only takes time and costly resources to repair but is also illegal. If your tires are leaving any type of rut in the road, please safely turn around and return once the ground has dried enough to prevent further damage.

Drivers should watch for damaged roads and culverts, avoid continuing to travel in these areas, and report the damage to the local ranger district office or Forest Supervisor’s Office. Photos and location coordinates are also appreciated to help address the issue more effectively.