Gates Group

Closed — Closed for the season. Operates June through September. Nearby French Meadows Campground construction does not affect Gates Group, though construction sounds may be audible on weekdays.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Dec. 1, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar Trailhead

North Yuba Trail Closure

Forest Service Trail 9E06 (North Yuba Trail) between the Mountain House Road (County Rd 300) and Ramshorn is closed.

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

Rattlesnake Road Closure

The purpose of this closure is to provide for public safety along the closed roads in light of their proximity to the Lake Fordyce Dam during dam reconstruction activities.

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.

Sand Pond Trail Boardwalk Closure

The Sand Pond Interpretive Trail is partially closed for visitor safety per Forest Order 17-24-17.

Yuba Pass and Sierra Campground Closures

Yuba Pass Campground and Sierra Campground are closed.

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.

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.

About

Gates Group Campground sits along the North Fork American River at the north end of French Meadows Reservoir in Tahoe National Forest. At 5,200 feet elevation in a coniferous forest, the campground offers three group sites: two accommodating up to 25 people and eight vehicles each, and one larger site for up to 75 people and 25 vehicles. The remote location is 40 miles from Foresthill via Mosquito Ridge Road. The North Fork American River provides fishing and swimming opportunities, while French Meadows Reservoir offers boating and additional fishing access. Two boat ramps are located within three miles. Hiking and biking trails in the surrounding area provide access to the nearby Granite Chief Wilderness, where visitors can explore historic aspen groves and mountain passes. The Western States Trail accommodates hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers. Each site includes picnic tables, campfire circles, grills, and ample tent space. The campground has vault toilets and potable water, though water systems at remote sites can be unreliable. This is bear country and all food must be stored in approved containers. Access requires high clearance vehicles, especially when traveling from Soda Springs. The area experiences warm summer days and cool evenings.

Directions

From Foresthill, drive 36 miles east on Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96) to the east shore of French Meadows Reservoir. High clearance vehicles recommended. Access from Soda Springs via 43 Road is not recommended for trailers, RVs, or passenger vehicles without high clearance and four-wheel drive, especially when snow is present.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $82

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

Headwaters of French Meadows Lake near Aspen Group Campground.

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