French Meadows
AMERICAN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 22830 FORESTHILL ROAD, FORESTHILL, CA 95631, USA
French Meadows
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly rate during peak season is $24 for standard non-electric sites. Additional fees include $10 for changes and cancellations made outside of...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Total Campsite Fees$24.00
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Recreation Dot Gov
Provider530-367-2224
About this campground
Escape to French Meadows Campground, where the pristine waters of French Meadows Reservoir meet towering pine forests along its southern shore. This Tahoe National Forest gem invites you to cast a line at dawn, launch your boat into crystal-clear waters, or simply float the afternoon away. Well-appointed with paved roads and modern amenities including flush and vault toilets, reliable potable water, and thoughtfully designed ADA-accessible sites, French Meadows seamlessly blends wilderness adventure with creature comforts. Whether you're here to explore scenic hiking trails or gather around the campfire under a canopy of stars, this lakeside retreat promises memories that last long after the embers fade.
French Meadows Campground offers standard non-electric campsites suitable for tents and small RVs. Some sites are first-come, first-served, while others are reservable.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the best of Sierra Nevada summers at French Meadows, where warm, sun-drenched days give way to refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire stories and stargazing. Pack layers for those crisp mountain nights that provide welcome relief from daytime heat. Early-season adventurers should note that winter's grip lingers here – heavy snow drifts and fallen trees often challenge access roads well into June, adding an element of wilderness adventure to your journey.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a natural cathedral of towering pines and fragrant firs that create a living canopy overhead, filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. The campground's shaded sites offer cool refuge even on the warmest summer days, while nights bring that distinctive mountain chill that makes sleeping bags feel extra cozy. Steps away, French Meadows Reservoir sparkles like a sapphire jewel, its crystal-clear waters lapping against rocky shorelines that frame postcard-perfect views of the surrounding peaks. This is where forest meets water in perfect harmony, creating an outdoor playground that refreshes both body and spirit.
Geological RegionDiscover your basecamp in the heart of Tahoe National Forest, where French Meadows Campground claims its spectacular perch along the reservoir's southern shore. This prime location places you within a thriving ecosystem of pine and fir forests that exemplify the Sierra Nevada's distinctive beauty. Here, ancient geological forces have carved out a mountain sanctuary where dense evergreen forests cascade down to meet the reservoir's edge, creating a diverse landscape that showcases the region's natural splendor.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityA few campsites are wheelchair accessible. The campground roads and parking spurs are paved, which improves accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.
Sites SizeCampsites accommodate a variety of setups, including tents and small RVs. Parking lengths may not support larger RVs due to the campground's layout.
Sites PrivacyCampsites are described as fairly private, though some are closer together. One review noted: 'Campsites are fairly private and very well maintained.'
Total Campsites75 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with lakefront views like Site 49 are desirable. Sites closer to vault toilets are recommended for individuals with mobility challenges.
Best CampsitesSite 49 is noted for its lakefront location and views. Other recommended sites include 50, 56, and 48 for access to the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
The official check-in time is 2:00 PM.
Check-out
The official check-out time is 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 15 nights during a visit and up to 15 nights total within each year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Not explicitly stated.
Groups
Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are organized into loops with varying proximity to the reservoir and facilities. Sites are closely spaced in some areas, reducing privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 21 to September 30, reservable starting June 22, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySeveral campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 fee applies for cancellations made before the scheduled arrival date. Late cancellations (after midnight the day before check-in) also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. No modifications or cancellations are allowed once the check-in date begins.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
French Meadows Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to French Meadows Reservoir and trails to the Granite Chief Wilderness cater to both adventurous and leisure campers.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities include trails leading to the Granite Chief Wilderness and the Western States Trail. Trails vary in difficulty and may include historical and scenic paths.Fishing
French Meadows Reservoir offers fishing opportunities, though reviews indicated that fishing can be unproductive during low reservoir levels. One user stated: 'We went specifically to fish and were not able to.'Swimming
Swimming in French Meadows Reservoir is popular, with some users describing the water as clear and refreshing. However, rocky shorelines may make access challenging.Biking
The Western States Trail offers mountain biking opportunities, though it is also shared with hikers and equestrians.Boating
Boating is facilitated by the adjacent boat ramp. Both motorized and non-motorized boating activities, such as canoeing, are common.Wildlife viewing
The campground is surrounded by natural habitats, with opportunities to see deer, ducks, and other wildlife.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not highlighted, as the campground is primarily operational from late spring to early fall.Water Sports
The reservoir supports non-motorized water sports, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in designated fire pits, unless fire restrictions are imposed during dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are enforced after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include wildlife encounters (bears), challenging terrain to access water features, and risks on winding mountain roads.
Active alertsMosquito Ridge Rd outside of Foresthill is closed.
Weather forecast
55
°F
Nov 25
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 34%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 1.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7 day forecast
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
American River Ranger District, Foresthill, CA; nearest supplies and emergency services are 40 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 21, 2025 - September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available, and there are recycling facilities on-site. However, some users reported improper trash disposal by other campers, such as leaving air mattresses and recyclables in trash bins.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground sits on the southern shore of French Meadows Reservoir. Some sites are lakefront; beach access is rocky and challenging.
Common complaintsFrequent mentions of noisy neighbors on weekends, unreliable water systems, and proximity of campsites resulting in reduced privacy.
HostCamp Host Michael is praised for his friendliness and helpfulness. Reviews consistently mention his courteous demeanor.
Campground Map
AMERICAN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 22830 FORESTHILL ROAD, FORESTHILL, CA 95631, USA
Driving directionsMosquito 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 recommended to trucks with trailers, motorhomes/RVs or passenger vehicles that are not high-clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive.
Access involves winding narrow mountain roads, potentially unsafe for non-high-clearance vehicles. Soda Springs Road is especially treacherous with water crossings, fallen trees, and snow drifts in early June.Nearby places
Foresthill: 40 miles, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes driving time.
Nearby supplies
Foresthill, 40 miles away, provides gas, ice, and camping essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.3
142 reviews
French Meadows is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
French Meadows Campground is frequently praised for its tranquility, natural beauty, and well-maintained sites. However, some reviews cited issues like noisy neighbors, water system failures, and challenging access roads.
Review Summaries
Based on 142 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean and spacious campsites, friendly and accommodating camp host, proximity to the reservoir, and opportunities for disconnecting from technology.
Based on 142 reviewsCommon Concerns
Noisy groups during weekends, occasional lack of water and restroom facilities, and rocky or steep access to the reservoir.
Based on 142 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring extra drinking water and toilet paper. Avoid Soda Springs Road unless in a high-clearance vehicle. Download maps in advance due to lack of cell service.
Based on 142 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer experiences varied widely; weekdays were quieter, while weekends brought more noise. Water levels and facilities like bathrooms were occasionally impacted by drought conditions.
Based on 142 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This campground is one of, if not the best national forest campground that I've ever been to.' 2. 'No cell service at all - thing that I liked the most.' 3. 'Bathrooms were relatively clean and...
Based on 142 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 49 was noted for its proximity to the lake but experienced strong winds. Site 47 was sunny and near the bathroom. Sites 48, 50, and 56 were praised for their views and privacy.
Based on 142 reviewsAccessibility Features
Wheelchair-accessible sites and paved roads were appreciated, though some users mentioned closed bathrooms causing difficulties for those with mobility issues.
Based on 142 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and the campground is generally pet-friendly. A user mentioned 'lots of shady campsites' and recommended bringing extra water and supplies for pets.
Based on 142 reviewsLast updated November 24, 2025
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