Gates-group Campground
Closed — Open seasonally June through September. Check-in is 2:00 p.m., check-out is 12:00 p.m. Reservations required at least 4 days in advance through Recreation.gov. Closed for winter.
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.
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.
2026-27 OHV Grant Applications Notice of Public Review and Comment Opportunity
This grant cycle the Tahoe National Forest will be submitting grant applications for:Ground Operations (OHV trails and facilities maintenance)Law EnforcementEducation and Safety – Focused education at Tahoe NF OHV “Hotspots” through Forest Service personnel, Volunteer Trail Rangers and…
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. Trailhead location for Little Truckee Summit staging is being evaluated. Tahoe National Forest has lifted the Castle Peak Avalanche Closure. The area was closed for public safety and to support search and rescue operations following an avalanche…
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.
About
Gates Group Campground is located on the east shore of French Meadows Reservoir along the North Fork American River in Tahoe National Forest. The remote campground sits at 5,200 feet elevation in a coniferous forest, 40 miles from Foresthill. The campground offers three group sites: two sites accommodate up to 25 people with 8 vehicles each, while the largest site holds up to 75 people with 25 vehicles. All sites can accommodate RVs or tents and feature cooking grills, campfire rings with benches, serving and eating tables, and ample tent space. The campground provides vault toilets and piped drinking water, though water systems at remote sites can be unreliable. The reservoir offers fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities with two boat ramps within three miles. Hiking and biking trails surround the area, including access to the nearby Granite Chief Wilderness and the Western States Trail. Summer temperatures are warm during the day and cool at night. This is bear country, so all food must be stored in approved containers. Firearms and other weapons are prohibited.
Directions
From Foresthill, drive 36 miles east on Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96). Campground is on the east shore of French Meadows Reservoir. High clearance vehicles may take Foresthill Road to the 43 Road (Robinson Flat Road) to Mosquito Ridge Road, snow permitting. Access from Soda Springs and the 43 Road is not recommended for 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 | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $82 - $165 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | Yes |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 367-2224 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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