French Meadows

Tahoe National Forest

French Meadows Campground is located along the shores French Meadows Reservoir, about 40 miles from the town of Foresthill. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, boating and trail opportunities.  This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.

The campground offers single-family campsites, a few of which are wheel chair accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and food locker. Flush and vault toilets as well as drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved.  Several campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Need to Know

Natural Features

The campground sits on the southern shore of French Meadows Reservoir, in a pine/fir forest. Summer days can be hot, but evenings are usually cool.

Recreation

Popular activities on the reservoir include boating, canoeing, fishing and swimming. A boat ramp is located adjacent to the campground. The North Fork American River can be accessed nearby and provides additional opportunities for fishing and swimming. A variety of hiking and biking trails are found in the surrounding area, including some that provide access to the nearby Granite Chief Wilderness and The Western States Trail. Just down the road is the Granite Chief Wilderness which provides amazing hiking opportunities for an adventurous party to explore historic aspen trees and secluded mountain passes and trails. The Western States Trail provides great opporunity for hiking, horse back riding, dirt biking, and for adventurous mountain bikers.

Contact Information

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AMERICAN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT 22830 FORESTHILL ROAD FORESTHILL CA 95631

Phone Number

For campground inquiries, please call: 530-367-2224

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Driving Directions

Mosquito Ridge Rd outside of Foresthill is closed. As of June 2023, access to French Meadows Reservoir for low clearance vehicles, trucks pulling any type of trailer, and motorhomes/RVs is best through Georgetown on the Eldorado National Forest, taking Wentworth Springs Rd to Eleven Pines Rd. 

High clearance vehicles may take Foresthill Rd to the 43 Rd (Robinson Flat Rd) to Mosquito Ridge Rd, snow permitting. Access from Soda Springs and the 43 Rd is not recommoned to trucks with trailers, motorhomes/RV's or passenger vehicles that are not high clearance vehicle with four wheel drive.

The campground is on the south shore. 

Available Campsites

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