Summary
It was established in 1959 and covers over 4,000 acres of land. The park is known for its rich gold rush history, beautiful scenery, and outdoor recreational activities.
One of the main reasons to visit Plumas-Eureka State Park is to explore its historic significance. The park is home to remnants of the 19th-century mining town of Johnsville, including a museum, restored buildings, and a stamp mill. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour or participate in a guided tour to learn more about the town's history.
Another popular attraction in the park is the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, which offers hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. The area is home to several alpine lakes, including Gold Lake, which is said to be one of the most beautiful in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Plumas-Eureka State Park also has several campgrounds, picnic areas, and hiking trails. The park's terrain varies from rocky cliffs to lush meadows, making it an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts.
One interesting fact about Plumas-Eureka State Park is that it was once home to the largest hydraulic gold mining operation in the world. The park was established to preserve the area's history and natural beauty.
The best time of year to visit Plumas-Eureka State Park is during the summer months when the weather is warm and the recreational opportunities are plentiful. However, visitors can also enjoy the park in the fall when the leaves change color, or in the winter when it is transformed into a winter wonderland.
Overall, Plumas-Eureka State Park is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in California's gold rush history and the great outdoors.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Plumas - Eureka State Park
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Ross Campground
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Lakes Basin Group Campground
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Lakes Basin Campground
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Lakes Basin .
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Gold Lake 4x4
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