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.
National Forest System Roads
Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads
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.
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 |
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!