Lewis

LEWIS

Overview

Lewis Campground is located on French Meadows Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest, 40 miles east Foresthill. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, boating and trail opportunities.

Facilities

The campground offers single-family campsites, a few of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a grill. Flush and vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved.

Natural Features

The campground sits on the north shore of French Meadows Reservoir in a coniferous forest. The reservoir is on the Middle Fork of the American River and is the western gateway to the Granite Chief Wilderness.

Recreation

Popular activities on the reservoir include boating, canoeing, fishing and swimming. McGuire boat ramp is located within a mile of the campground. The Middle Fork American River can be accessed nearby and provides fishing and swimming. A variety of hiking and biking trails are found in the surrounding area, including the Western States Trail, Tevis Cup Trail, and some that provide access to the nearby Granite Chief Wilderness.

Nearby Attractions

Lewis Campground is a recreation site within the French Meadows Recreation Area which includes many other recreation facilities. The Granite Chief Wilderness can be accessed nearby at Talbot Trailhead and access to the Western States Trail and Tevis Cup Trail also can be accessed nearby. Other recreation opportunities include many hiking, equestrian, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack trails, Duncan Canyon, Duncan Peak Lookout, Robinson Flat historic ranger station, Placer County Big Tree Grove Botanical Area, and Grouse Falls Scenic Area.

Important Notices

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).
Campground is 40 miles from Foresthill and not on Lake Tahoe
This is bear country; food must be stored in provided food storage lockers
First-come, first-served sites may be available
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.
Large single unit RVs are not suitable for the campground roads. Even though a site might have a 40 foot parking space, a 40 foot long RV can’t navigate through the campground. Also please remember that site parking length includes trailer and vehicle.
There is no cell phone service in this area!

Notifications and Alerts

The French Meadows Campground and the French Meadows RV Dump Station are closed for 2025 while they undergo construction.

This closure DOES NOT include:
- the Day Use or Boat Launch sites
- Ahart Campground
- Lewis Campground
- Coyote Group
- Gates Group
You experience sounds of nearby construction during the weekdays. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you and thank you for your patience.

Available Activities

Swimming - Swimming
Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
Hiking - Hiking
Fishing - Fishing
Camping - Camping
Canoeing - Canoeing
Biking - Biking
Scenic Drive - Scenic Drive
Boating - Boating
Kayaking - Kayaking
Non-Motorized Boating - Non-Motorized Boating

Directions

<p> 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 recommended for trucks with trailers, motorhomes/RV's or passenger vehicles that are not high clearance vehicles with four wheel drive. It is 6 miles around the lake to the north shore, Lewis Campground will be on the right.</p>

Contact Information

Phone: 530-367-2224

22830 Foresthill Road
Foresthill, CA 75631

Rental Options

Learn more about gear rental options for your trip

Available Campsites

Photo Gallery

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