French Meadows

Summary

French Meadows Campground, located along the shores of French Meadows Reservoir, is an ideal spot for fishing, boating, swimming and exploring nearby trails, including the Granite Chief Wilderness and the Western States Trail. It offers single-family campsites, picnic tables, fire rings and food lockers, as well as flush and vault toilets, paved roads and parking spurs. Enjoy the refreshing views of the reservoir and the cool summer nights in the pine/fir forest.

Overview

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.

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.

Facilities

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.

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.