How much does camping cost at Ahart Campground?

Camping fees at Ahart Campground are $20/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Ahart Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ahart Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ahart Campground before I book?

Yes! Ahart Campground has 3 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ahart Campground?

Ahart Campground is open May 14 to September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ahart Campground?

Ahart Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Ahart Campground have?

Ahart Campground has 12 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Ahart Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ahart Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ahart Campground?

Ahart Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ahart Campground?

Popular activities at Ahart Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ahart Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ahart Campground?

Fire policies at Ahart Campground: There is no cell phone service in this area! Bring your own drinking water. Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the American River Ranger District (530) 367-2224 (voice), (530) 367-2226 (TDD). Campground is 40 miles from Foresthill and not on Lake Tahoe. This is bear country; food must be stored in provided food storage lockers. First. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.12

23 reviews

22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA, 95631

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,387 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open May 21, 2025; f...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,387 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

12 campsites

Season

Open May 21, 2025; f...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Ahart Campground

$20.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Nonelectric: $20.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-367-2224

I manage this campground

Ask Camp Sage about Ahart Campground

Availability, what to pack, similar spots — ask anything and get an instant answer.

Campground Map

22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA, 95631

Ahart Campground

22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA, 95631

Nearby places

Foresthill (40 miles, approx. driving time not mentioned), Auburn (distance and driving time not provided)

Driving directionsMosquito Ridge Rd outside of Foresthill is closed as of June 2023. Access for low clearance vehicles, trucks pulling trailers, and motorhomes/RVs is best through Georgetown on the Eldorado National Forest via Wentworth Springs Rd to Eleven Pines Rd. High clearance vehicles may use Foresthill Rd to the 43 Rd (Robinson Flat Rd) to Mosquito Ridge Rd, snow permitting. Access from Soda Springs and the 43 Rd is not recommended for passenger vehicles without high clearance and four-wheel drive.

Weather at Ahart Campground

Best Time to Camp at Ahart Campground

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most accessible conditions and full access to French Meadows Reservoir for boating, fishing, and lakeside hiking. Daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, so water activities and long trail days are at their peak while evenings remain pleasant for campfires. Expect the highest visitation in July–August and on holiday weekends (reservations run June 21–Sept 30; first-come-first-served begins June 20), and be aware of mid Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is best: warm, full reservoir access for boating and fishing; peak season May–Sep.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 14 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 21, 2025; first come-first served starts June 20, 2025, reservations from June 21 to September 30, 2025.

About Ahart Campground

Ahart Campground sits in mid-elevation forest within Tahoe National Forest near French Meadows Reservoir, operated by the U.S. Forest Service. This small, budget-friendly campground offers primitive tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables. Visitors come for fishing, boating on the reservoir, and hiking, with riverside sites providing extra space and privacy.

Ahart Campground provides both reservable and first-come, first-served campsites catering to tent campers. The focus is on a traditional camping experience in a natural setting.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most accessible conditions and full access to French Meadows Reservoir for boating, fishing, and lakeside hiking. Daytime highs are typically in the mid-60s to mid-80s°F with cool nights in the 40s–50s°F, so water activities and long trail days are at their peak while evenings remain pleasant for campfires. Expect the highest visitation in July–August and on holiday weekends (reservations run June 21–Sept 30; first-come-first-served begins June 20), and be aware of mid Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5387 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryDense coniferous forest surrounds the campground, with granite outcroppings typical of the Sierra Nevada. Sites sit between the North Fork American River and the north shore of French Meadows Reservoir. Water levels vary significantly through the season. Early summer brings rushing snowmelt; by late summer, the creek often slows to a trickle. The forest canopy provides good shade, and several sites have direct river access with plenty of room.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging or luxury accommodations are provided as the campground caters to a rustic camping experience.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information about cultural or educational programs is provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Stay limit details not provided.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Details on the number of guests allowed per site not specified.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe campground includes accessible campsites, grills, and vault toilets, though specific details about compliance with ADA standards are not provided.

Site SizeCampsites are described as spacious enough to accommodate two tents in most cases.

PrivacyThe campground offers considerable privacy, with sites described as secluded and shielded by trees.

Total Campsites12 campsites

Recommended SitesSites closer to the creek offer increased privacy and scenic views but may have seasonal water shortages. Avoid Soda Springs Rd for access.

Best CampsitesSites 3 and 4 in Loop A and site 7 in Loop B get mentioned for space and privacy. River-side sites have more room and can fit two tents comfortably.

Need help booking Ahart Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Ahart Campground offers a range of basic amenities focused on providing a more rustic and natural camping experience. The campground features vault toilets and picnic tables at each campsite, but does not provide drinking water, meaning campers must bring their own. Food storage lockers are provided for bear safety, and the campground supports campfires within designated campfire rings. Trash collection is available on-site. However, there is no cell phone service, electricity, or water hookups, and fire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather conditions.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Ahart Campground

Ahart Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities that cater to nature enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and mountain biking, with easy access to the North Fork of the American River and nearby French Meadows Reservoir. Water activities such as canoeing and scenic drives are also available. Wildlife viewing and photography opportunities abound, given the serene natural surroundings.

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Easy access to French Meadows Reservoir; canoeing/boating supported in summer.

Hiking3.0/5

Access to trails in rugged Sierra scenery is noted, but trail lengths/difficulties are not provided.

Water Sports3.0/5

Canoeing/boating on French Meadows Reservoir is supported; suitable for kayaking in summer.

Winter Activities1.0/5

Campground operates seasonally (opens late May); no winter-sports amenities and winter access/roads are an issue.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Creek, reservoir, granite outcrops and dense forest provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are the primary restroom facilities.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are required due to bears. Lockers are provided at each site.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyThere is no cell phone service in this area! Bring your own drinking water. Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the American River Ranger District (530) 367-2224 (voice), (530) 367-2226 (TDD). Campground is 40 miles from Foresthill and not on Lake Tahoe. This is bear country; food must be stored in provided food storage lockers. First

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection is available on-site, ensuring proper waste disposal. Recycling options are not mentioned.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Ahart Campground

Been here? Tap a star to start. Takes about a minute.

Sign-in required only if you want your name on it.

From Booking Sources

3.1

23 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ahart Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews reveal mixed sentiments, with several highlighting the natural beauty and privacy of the campground but also cautioning about the challenging drive to access it. The average sentiment for camping-specific experiences is rated at 3.3.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 23 reviews.

Site 7Loved
Site 7, Loop B, received mixed reviews, with one user rating it 1 and another giving it 4 stars for its spaciousness.
Site 4Loved
Site 4, Loop A, was frequently praised for its level ground and proximity to scenic views, earning ratings as high as 5 stars.

What Campers Love

Many users praise the campground's tranquility, privacy, and proximity to water sources. Reviews mention, "The campground is very pretty and quiet," and "Sites on the river side have lots of room."...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common complaints involve the challenging access roads, with users advising others to avoid Soda Springs Road. One review notes, "DO NOT TAKE THIS ROAD. The 'road' is a washed-out cliffside...

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers strongly recommend using Foresthill Road for access. Bringing drinking water is essential, and visitors are advised to plan for bear safety by properly using food storage lockers. One user...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground is favored during the late spring and summer months, though water levels in the creek may diminish later in the summer, as noted by multiple users. Fire risk and restrictions are...

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. "If you're looking for a more secluded camping experience than the adjacent French Meadows Campground, look no further." 2. "Bring your water. The bumpy road described in other reviews was not my...

Based on 23 reviews