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.

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.

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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