Poppy Campground
Closed — The campground is currently closed. As of May 2025, the site was reported as overgrown.
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting.
Snow Grooming Updates
Updated 1/30/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Some trails will not be groomed again until we get another good storm.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)
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
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.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 8 at 11:54AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 4 to 10 inches over 5000 feet, 10 to 18 inches above 6000 feet, and locally up to 2 feet over higher peaks. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties above 5000 feet. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Mountain travel could be very difficult Tuesday into Wednesday. Plan for travel delays and chain controls. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.
About
Poppy Campground offers a secluded backcountry camping experience on the northwest shore of French Meadows Reservoir in Tahoe National Forest. Situated at 5,300 feet elevation in a coniferous forest, this primitive campground is accessible only by boat or via a one-mile hike from the McGuire parking lot along the Western States Trail. The campground features 12 tent-only sites, each equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. This is a true backcountry experience with no developed amenities. There is no potable water; campers must treat or filter water from the reservoir. A vault toilet is provided, but there is no trash service, requiring visitors to pack out all waste. The remote location, accessed via 36 miles of travel on Mosquito Ridge Road from Foresthill, means no services are available nearby. The campground is located near the Granite Chief Wilderness and offers opportunities for solitude and wilderness recreation. Firearms and other weapons are prohibited in this area, and camping is restricted to designated sites only. The light usage level makes this an ideal destination for those seeking a quiet, primitive camping experience away from crowds.
Directions
From Foresthill, travel 36 miles east on Mosquito Ridge Road to French Meadows Reservoir. The campground is on the northwest shore and accessible only by boat or trail. It is approximately one mile from the McGuire parking lot trailhead to the campground via the Western States Trail.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $18 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 265-4531 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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