Gates Group
Gates Group Campground is located on the North Fork American River, at the north end of the French Meadows Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest. It is 40 miles from the town of Foresthill. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, boating and trail opportunities.
The campground offers three group campsites. Two sites can accommodate up to 25 people and eight vehicles each. Another group site can accommodates up to 75 people and 25 vehicles.
Picnic tables, campfire circles and grills are provided, as are vault toilets and drinking water.
Notifications and Alerts
Road access is by Hwy 80 to Foresthill Rd to Mosquito Ridge Rd only.
Do not attempt to access this campground from Soda Springs. GPS maps sometimes direct guests this way, but it is a narrow 4-wheel drive trail.
Due to fire, this campground is closed under Forest Order No. 17-22-09. The order is in effect from September 7, 2022, to December 31st 2022. Existing reservations will be canceled and refunded in two-week blocks until the forest order is lifted. Please check Recreation.gov two weeks before your arrival date for additional updates.
Need to Know
Water systems are on and water is potable. Water Systems at remote recreation sites can be unreliable, it is highly recommended to bring additional drinking water for your stay. If water system fails the closest services are in Foresthill, 40 miles away.
Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the American River Ranger District (530) 367-2224 (voice), (530) 367-2226 (TDD).
- The campground is 40 miles from Foresthill and not on Lake Tahoe
- This is bear country; all food must be stored in approved containers
- Last minute gas, ice and supplies should be purchased at Foresthill
- Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
- Access is best from Foresthill Road via FSR 96/Mosquito Ridge Road which is a twisty narrow paved two lane road and has multiple extended steep grades. Access from Soda Springs is not recommoned to passanger vehicles that are not a high clearnce vehicle with four wheel drive
Natural Features
The campground is situated along the river, just north of French Meadows Reservoir. A coniferous forest covers the area. At an elevation of 5200 feet, summertime temperatures are warm in the day and cool at night.
Recreation
The North Fork American River provides fishing and swimming. The reservoir can be accessed nearby. Popular activities include boating, canoeing, fishing and swimming. Two boat ramps are located within three miles of the campground. A variety of hiking and biking trails are found in the surrounding area, including some that provide access to the nearby Granite Chief Wilderness. 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 opportunity for hiker, horseback riders, dirt bikers, and for adventurous maintain bikers.
Contact Information
Default
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
From Auburn, Calif., take Highway 80 to the Foresthill Road and travel 20 miles east to Foresthill. Turn right onto Mosquito Ridge Road and travel 42 miles east to French Meadow Reservoir. Follow the signs to the campground.
Available Campsites
- Site 01, Loop ASPE, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 03, Loop POND, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
- Site 02, Loop LODG, Type Group Standard Nonelectric
