Poppy Campground
The campground operates seasonally when accessible. As of May 2025, the site was noted as overgrown with no recent maintenance. Campground is first-come, first-served at $18 per night. No services are available and campers must pack in all supplies including water.
Winter Weather Advisory issued October 30 at 2:19PM 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 10 inches, with up to 18 inches at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 3 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. Light flurries possible down to 5000 feet on Saturday night into Sunday, but no accumulations expected below 6000 feet.
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
Poppy Campground sits on the northwest shore of French Meadows Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest at 5,300 feet elevation. Unlike the more accessible French Meadows Campground on the south shore, Poppy requires either a boat crossing or a 1-mile hike from McGuire parking lot, making it one of the more remote designated campgrounds in the area. The campground features 12 primitive tent sites in a coniferous forest setting near the Granite Chief Wilderness boundary. Facilities are minimal: vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water. Campers must filter or treat water from the reservoir and pack out all trash. The remote location means no cell service, no nearby services, and a full fuel tank is essential before leaving Foresthill. Firearms, bows, slingshots, and other weapons are prohibited. Camping is restricted to designated sites only. The campground's isolation and boat/trail-only access make it best suited for experienced backcountry campers seeking solitude.
Directions
From Foresthill, travel 36 miles east on Mosquito Ridge Road to the French Meadows Reservoir area. The campground is on the northwest shore and is accessible only by boat or a 1-mile trail from the McGuire parking lot.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| 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) 367-2224 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Useful Links
| USFS Poppy Campground | |
| USFS French Meadows Reservoir |
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