Gates Group
The campground operates seasonally from June through September and is currently open. Due to a temporary disruption with the water system, the campground has no potable water. Campers must bring their own water or fill jugs at French Meadows Campground. Reservations are required through Recreation.gov with a minimum 4-day advance booking.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
Big Chief Sale Closure
This order closes forest system roads and trails within the Big Chief project area. This closure is to provide for public safety while 675 acres of forest are treated to enhance wildfire defense in the area.
Woodchopper Timber Sale Closure
Closure of the Woodchopper project area to allow for timber removal and wildfire risk reduction work.
Boca Stewardship Agreement Closure
Closure of the Boca Stewardship Agreement project area to allow for wildfire risk reduction work.
Cabin Creek Closure
Closure for the Cabin Creek Project area to allow for wildfire risk reduction work.
Rattlesnake Road Closure
Closure of Rattlesnake Road to allow for PG&E to complete the Lake Fordyce Dam Seepage Mitigation Project.
Alpine Meadows Stewardship Agreement Closure
This order closes the Alpine Meadows Project area to allow forest restoration work to take place.
Sugar Pine Roadside Fuel Break Project
Tahoe National Forest contractors are conducting fuels reduction work in the Sugar Pine Reservoir area. Contractors will be masticating ladder fuels to reduce wildfire risk adjacent to North Brimstone Rd (24) between Sugar Pine Rd and Big Reservoir Rd. There may be unexpected hazards such as flying…
Parking Restrictions
Parking or leaving a vehicle is prohibited on Tahoe National Forest where posted.
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Calpine, Sierraville, Loyalton and surrounding areas. Smoke may settle overnight in valleys, drainages, and throughout the surrounding communities. Smoke will…
Snow Grooming Updates
Grooming operations have ceased pending new storms. Conditions are more like late April/May than March. Expect running water and thin snow coverage. Trailhead location for Little Truckee Summit staging is currently at the Perazzo turnoff. GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by…
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 RangerDistricts of the Tahoe National Forest. This Order is effective from July 1, 2025, through…
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.
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
Due to a temporary disruption with our water system the campground currently has no potable water, but the water system should be operational soon. You will need to bring your own water or you may fill water jugs in the French Meadows Campground.
From Recreation.gov
Due to a temporary disruption with our water system the campground currently has no potable water, but the water system should be operational soon. You will need to bring your own drinking water. We apologize for any inconvenience.
About
Gates Group Campground is a secluded group camping destination in Tahoe National Forest, positioned at the north end of French Meadows Reservoir along the North Fork American River. At 5,200 feet elevation, the campground is surrounded by coniferous forest and offers a genuine backcountry experience approximately 40 miles from the town of Foresthill. The campground features three group sites: two that accommodate up to 25 people with 8 vehicles each, and one larger site for up to 75 people with 25 vehicles. Each site includes campfire rings with benches, cooking grills, and serving/eating tables with ample tent space. Vault toilets are provided. Recreation opportunities abound in the area. The North Fork American River offers fishing and swimming, while French Meadows Reservoir provides boating, canoeing, and additional fishing. Two boat ramps are located within three miles. Hikers and bikers can explore trails leading into the nearby Granite Chief Wilderness, featuring historic aspen groves and secluded mountain passes. The Western States Trail accommodates hikers, horseback riders, and mountain bikers.
Directions
From Foresthill, drive 36 miles east on Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96). High clearance vehicles are recommended. Access from Soda Springs via the 43 Road (Robinson Flat Road) is not recommended for trucks with trailers, motorhomes/RVs, or passenger vehicles that are not high clearance with four-wheel drive.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| 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
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!