Gates-group Campground
The campground is currently closed for the season. Gates Group typically operates June through September. There is a water system disruption; campers should bring their own water or fill up at nearby French Meadows Campground when the season opens.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 29 at 11:13AM PDT until November 1 at 7:00AM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Snow expected for elevations above 7000 feet. Total snow accumulations up to 8 inches, with up to 12 inches at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 2 inches possible down to 6000 feet. * WHERE...Northern Sierra above 7000 feet, including Highway 50 and Interstate 80. * WHEN...From 8 AM PDT Saturday to 7 AM PST Sunday. * IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels initially 7000 to 8000 feet Saturday, lowering to 6000 to 7000 feet Saturday night into Sunday. Heaviest snowfall expected Saturday evening into Sunday.
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.…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Madrone Springs Underburn - 185 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a 185-acre prescribed fire off Madrone Springs Road near Nevada City, Calif. starting Oct. 28, 2026. Ignitions may continue for several days, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Highway 20, Madrone Springs Rd., Washington Ridge and the…
About
Gates Group Campground is a reservable group camping area located on the east shore of French Meadows Reservoir within Tahoe National Forest. Situated in a coniferous forest at roughly 5,200 feet elevation, the campground offers proximity to the Granite Chief Wilderness and access to the North Fork American River. The campground has three group sites: two sites that accommodate up to 25 people with 8 vehicles, and one larger site for 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. Vault toilets and piped water are provided. This is an extremely remote location with no services available nearby. High-clearance or four-wheel-drive vehicles are strongly recommended for navigating the access roads. Campers should arrive with a full tank of gas and be prepared for primitive conditions. Firewood is sold at the campground.
Directions
From Foresthill, drive 36 miles east on Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96). The campground is on the east shore of French Meadows Reservoir.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| 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 | — |
| Pull Through Sites | — |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| Recreation.gov Reservations | |
| USFS Gates Group Campground |
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