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.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Downieville Downhill Closure Order

Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.

Alder 89 Timber Sale Closure

Closure of Alder 89 WUI Timber Sale area.

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

Updated 2/9/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Trails will not be groomed again until we get another good storm.GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by the State of California Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation (OHMVR)…

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.

Winter Storm Warning issued February 14 at 10:44AM PST until February 18 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA

February 14th, 10:44 AM — 3:15 PM

* WHAT...Heavy snow Expected. Accumulation amounts range from up to 1 foot around 2000 to 2500 feet, 1 to 2 feet at 2500 to 3500 feet and 4 to 8 feet at higher elevations. Wind gusts of 45 to 55mph expected. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park including Interstate 80 and Highway 50, northern Shasta County including portions of Interstate 5, the Coastal Range, and foothill regions of the Sierra Nevada. * WHEN...From 10 PM Sunday to 10 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Dangerous to near impossible travel conditions with chain controls and road closures. Low visibility due to a combination of wind and heavy snow. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will be around 4500-5500 feet Sunday night through Monday. 2500 to 3500 feet snow levels by Monday night and 1500 to 2500 feet Tuesday into Wednesday. Potential to see snow levels as low as 1000 feet for areas along the Coastal Range, around Shasta County, and in the southern Cascades.

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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