Talbot Campground
Closed — The campground is currently closed for the winter season. Typical season runs from late spring through fall, though the remote location at 5,600 feet elevation and 36-mile drive on Mosquito Ridge Road make access dependent on snow conditions.
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
Castle Peak Avalanche Closure Termination
A closure order restricting public access to national forest lands in the Castle Peak area was terminated on Feb. 23, 2026.
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
Tahoe National Forest has lifted the Castle Peak Avalanche Closure. The area was closed for public safety and to support search and rescue operations following an avalanche that occurred on Feb. 17. All victims have now been recovered. Individuals that choose to enter the area are encouraged to…
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar TrailheadAboutThe Nyack Fuels Reduction Project aims to…
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
Talbot Campground is a small, primitive campground located in a remote area of Tahoe National Forest, five miles above French Meadows Reservoir at an elevation of 5,600 feet. The campground offers 5 tent-only sites positioned along the scenic Middle Fork American River, providing a quiet escape for campers seeking a backcountry experience. There are no fees for camping at this location. The campground is situated within a state game refuge, and firearms or any other implements of destruction are strictly prohibited. Camping is only allowed within the designated campground area, and horses are not permitted inside the campground boundaries, though hitching posts are available outside for equestrian visitors. The location serves as a trailhead for access to the Granite Chief Wilderness area. This is an extremely remote location with no services available. Campers must be fully self-sufficient and should have a full tank of gas before traveling beyond Foresthill, as there are no services along the route. The area has no cell phone service. Access is via Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96), traveling 36 miles east from Foresthill. Potable water is not available; campers must treat or filter water from the river before drinking.
Directions
From Foresthill, travel 36 miles east on Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96) to the campground. The campground is located five miles above French Meadows Reservoir. Extremely remote with no services or cell phone service. Ensure a full tank of gas before departing Foresthill.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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