Tunnel Mills Group Campground Sign
Closed

The campground is currently closed for early-season maintenance and reopens May 21, 2026. Reservations are available through Recreation.gov at $99 per night for group sites. Check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out is at noon.

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.

Big Chief Sale Closure

This order closes forest system roads and trails within the Big Chief project area. This closure is to provide for public safety while 675 acres of forest are treated to enhance wildfire defense in the area.

Woodchopper Timber Sale Closure

Closure of the Woodchopper project area to allow for timber removal and wildfire risk reduction work.

Boca Stewardship Agreement Closure

Closure of the Boca Stewardship Agreement project area to allow for wildfire risk reduction work.

Cabin Creek Closure

Closure for the Cabin Creek Project area to allow for wildfire risk reduction work.

Rattlesnake Road Closure

Closure of Rattlesnake Road to allow for PG&E to complete the Lake Fordyce Dam Seepage Mitigation Project.

Alpine Meadows Stewardship Agreement Closure

This order closes the Alpine Meadows Project area to allow forest restoration work to take place.

Alder 89 Timber Sale Closure

Closure of Alder 89 WUI Timber Sale area.

Sugar Pine Roadside Fuel Break Project

Tahoe National Forest contractors are conducting fuels reduction work in the Sugar Pine Reservoir area. Contractors will be masticating ladder fuels to reduce wildfire risk adjacent to North Brimstone Rd (24) between Sugar Pine Rd and Big Reservoir Rd. There may be unexpected hazards such as flying…

Parking Restrictions

Parking or leaving a vehicle is prohibited on Tahoe National Forest where posted.

14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions

Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.

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

Grooming operations have ceased pending new storms. Conditions are more like late April/May than March. Expect running water and thin snow coverage. Trailhead location for Little Truckee Summit staging is currently at the Perazzo turnoff. GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by…

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

Tunnel Mills II is a secluded group campground nestled along the East Fork of the North Fork of the North Fork American River in the Tahoe National Forest. Shaded by a forest of cedar, pine, and fir trees, this creekside campground offers a quiet retreat for groups seeking a primitive camping experience in north-central California. The campground features two group sites, each accommodating up to 30 people and 6 vehicles. Site 1 permits tents, RVs, and trailers up to 30 feet in length with a 40-foot gravel driveway, while Site 2 is designated for tent camping only. Both sites include picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets are provided, but there is no potable water on site; campers can obtain drinking water at North Fork Campground about one mile north, or purify water from the creek. Rainbow trout fishing in the river is a popular activity, and the surrounding area provides access to hiking trails, OHV trails, and hunting opportunities. The nearby North Fork American Wild and Scenic River canyon offers foot trail access, with additional trails available at Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area and Donner Summit a short distance east on I-80. Note that cell phone service is not available at this remote location.

Directions

From I-80, take the Emigrant Gap exit (exit 158A eastbound or 158B westbound). Turn right onto Texas Hill Road toward Emigrant Gap and continue approximately 8 miles. Turn right into the campground.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $99

Vehicle

Max RV Length 30ft
Max Trailer Length 30ft
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (530) 265-4531

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Tunnel Mills Group Campground Sign
North Fork of the American River
Monumental Creek by Tunnel Mills Campground
View of North Fork American River Canyon from 19 Road

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