French Meadows
Closed — Closed for the entire 2025 season due to construction and facility upgrades. Expected to reopen in 2026. Day use and boat launch areas remain open, as do nearby Ahart, Lewis, Coyote Group, and Gates Group campgrounds.
From Recreation.gov
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.
From Recreation.gov
Attention Campers - French Meadows Campground Redesign has been completed in 2025. Please verify the site locations on the map prior to reserving. Most sites have changed locations and have different campsite numbers. A new map will be uploaded with 63 redesigned sites. Please see attached in additional information documents.
Snow Grooming Updates
GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR) division winter program.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)
Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure
Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.
Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger
Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
Cabin Creek Sale Closure
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed
Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.
About
French Meadows Campground is located on the southern shore of French Meadows Reservoir in Tahoe National Forest, approximately 40 miles east of Foresthill. The campground sits in a coniferous pine and fir forest where summer days can be hot but evenings are typically cool. The facility has undergone significant redesign and now features 63 reimagined campsites. The reservoir offers excellent opportunities for boating, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming. A concrete boat ramp is located adjacent to the campground for easy water access. The North Fork American River can be accessed nearby, providing additional fishing and swimming opportunities. The campground is located within a State Game Refuge where firearms and hunting implements are prohibited. The surrounding area features diverse trail opportunities including access to the nearby Granite Chief Wilderness with its historic aspen groves and secluded mountain passes. The Western States Trail provides terrain for hiking, horseback riding, dirt biking, and mountain biking. The remote location requires preparation: the nearest services are in Foresthill, 40 miles away, and there is no cell phone service in the area. High clearance vehicles are recommended for some access routes.
Directions
From Foresthill, drive 36 miles east on Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96). The campground is on the south shore of French Meadows Reservoir. High clearance vehicles may take Foresthill Road to Forest Road 43 (Robinson Flat Road) to Mosquito Ridge Road, snow permitting. Access from Soda Springs via Forest Road 43 is not recommended for trucks with trailers, motorhomes, RVs, or passenger vehicles without high clearance and four-wheel drive.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 367-2224 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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