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.

Tahoe National Forest

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Tahoe National Forest

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.…

Tahoe National Forest

Downieville Downhill Closure Order

Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.

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

Community Posts

No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!