Poppy Campground

Closed — The campground is currently closed. As of May 2025, the site was reported as overgrown.

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

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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