Lewis
The campground is currently open. Due to a temporary water system disruption, there is no potable water available. Campers must bring their own drinking water or fill jugs at nearby French Meadows Campground. Operating season runs June through September.
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.
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.
About
Lewis Campground occupies a scenic position on the north shore of French Meadows Reservoir, surrounded by coniferous forest at 5,300 feet in Tahoe National Forest. The campground serves as a western gateway to the Granite Chief Wilderness and offers 40 campsites split between East and West loops. Each site includes a picnic table and grill, with flush toilets and bear-proof food storage boxes provided throughout. The reservoir supports diverse water recreation including motorized boating, waterskiing, fishing, and swimming. McGuire boat ramp is located within a mile of the campground. The Middle Fork American River is accessible nearby for additional fishing opportunities. Hikers and mountain bikers can access the Western States Trail, Tevis Cup Trail, and routes into the Granite Chief Wilderness from nearby trailheads. This is an extremely remote campground with no services available. There is no cell phone service in the area. Large single-unit RVs are not suitable for the campground roads, as tight turns prevent longer vehicles from navigating even though some sites have 40-foot parking spurs.
Directions
From Foresthill, travel 36 miles east on Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96) to the campground on the north shore of French Meadows Reservoir. High clearance vehicles may also access via Foresthill Road to Forest Road 43 (Robinson Flat Road) to Mosquito Ridge Road, snow permitting. The route from Soda Springs via FR 43 is not recommended for trailers, motorhomes, or non-4WD passenger vehicles.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $20 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 50ft |
| 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
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