How much does camping cost at Coyote Group?

Camping fees at Coyote Group are $82 - $143/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Coyote Group first-come first-served or reservation?

Coyote Group 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 Coyote Group before I book?

Yes! Coyote Group has 8 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 Coyote Group?

Coyote Group 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 Coyote Group?

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

How many campsites does Coyote Group have?

Coyote Group has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Coyote Group?

Pets are not allowed at Coyote Group. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Coyote Group?

Coyote Group offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Coyote Group?

Popular activities at Coyote Group include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Coyote Group

Q: Can I have a campfire at Coyote Group?

Fire policies at Coyote Group: Water systems are on and water is potable. Water Systems at remote recreation sites can be unreliable, it is highly recommended to bring additional drinking water for your stay. If water system fails the closest services are in Foresthill, 40 miles away. 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-. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.11

24 reviews

22830 Foresthill Road

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Summer Camping California

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$82 - $143/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,200 ft

Price

$82 - $143/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

Open season is May 2...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Coyote Group

$82.00 - $143.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-BLACK BEAR: $143.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $82.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$143.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-367-2224

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

22830 Foresthill Road

Coyote Group

22830 Foresthill Road

Nearby places

Foresthill (40 miles away)

Driving directionsMosquito Ridge Rd outside of Foresthill is closed. Access to French Meadows Reservoir for low clearance vehicles, trucks pulling any type of trailer, and motorhomes/RVs is best through Georgetown on the Eldorado National Forest, taking Wentworth Springs Rd to Eleven Pines Rd. High clearance vehicles may take 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 trucks with trailers, motorhomes/RV's or passenger vehicles that are not high clearance vehicles with four wheel drive.

Weather at Coyote Group

Current alerts(7)

Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Due to a temporary disruption with our water system the campground currently has no potable water, but the water system should be operational soon. You will need to bring your own drinking water. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Due to a temporary disruption with our water system the campground currently has no potable water, but the water system should be operational soon. You will need to bring your own water or you may fill water jugs in the French Meadows Campground.

Best Time to Camp at Coyote Group

Best season: summer. Summer is the clear peak: expect warm, sun-filled days (typical highs about 70–85°F) and cool nights (40s–50s°F) with full access to French Meadows Reservoir and the campground. Water-based activities — swimming, paddling/boating, and warm-water shore fishing — and hiking through the granite canyons are at their best, and trails are generally clear of snow. Weekends in July–August can be busy for group sites, so reserve early and plan for campground traffic on access roads. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is peak season with warm days, full reservoir access and vibrant group activities.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 14 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season is May 21 to September 30 during peak season. Closed from September 30 to June 5.

About Coyote Group

Coyote Group sits in Tahoe National Forest near French Meadows Reservoir, a mid-elevation campground managed by the Forest Service for group reservations only. The setting offers direct access to granite canyon trails, reservoir swimming, and paddling, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings at each spacious site. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and natural scenery but note the remote location requires navigating challenging forest roads.

Coyote Group Campground caters exclusively to group camping, offering spacious sites with options for large and small groups.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the clear peak: expect warm, sun-filled days (typical highs about 70–85°F) and cool nights (40s–50s°F) with full access to French Meadows Reservoir and the campground. Water-based activities — swimming, paddling/boating, and warm-water shore fishing — and hiking through the granite canyons are at their best, and trails are generally clear of snow. Weekends in July–August can be busy for group sites, so reserve early and plan for campground traffic on access roads. Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5200 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe Middle Fork of the American River has carved dramatic granite canyons through this area, creating a landscape of rocky outcroppings, dense coniferous forest, and French Meadows Reservoir. At 5,200 feet, the campground sits among towering pines and firs, with the reservoir visible from the sites. The granite bedrock and volcanic geology create distinct microclimates. Summer days are warm and sun-filled, while nights cool down into the 40s and 50s. Swimming holes and cascading sections of the river offer relief from afternoon heat.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground does not have hotel-style lodging; it is designed for group camping with basic amenities.

Programs & ActivitiesNo mention of cultural or educational programs was found in the source material.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay duration is 15 consecutive nights per visit and 15 nights total within each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Black Bear site allows up to 50 guests
other sites accommodate up to 25 guests each.

Groups

The campground consists of four group campsites: Black Bear (accessible, up to 50 people), Brush Wolf, Little Wolf, and Prairie Wolf (each accommodating up to 25 people).

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityThe Black Bear group site is specifically identified as accessible, accommodating up to 50 people. Other sites like Brush Wolf, Little Wolf, and Prairie Wolf cater to smaller groups of up to 25 people each.

Site SizeGroup sites are spacious, with the Black Bear site accommodating up to 50 people and the others supporting up to 25.

PrivacyThe campground offers privacy between group sites. As noted by Danae J, 'Wonderful and spacious campground. Far from other campers.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Recommended SitesSites are spacious and ideal for large groups. Brush Wolf and Prairie Wolf sites are mentioned positively for cleanliness and amenities.

Best CampsitesBlack Bear site is the most accessible and holds up to 50 people. Brush Wolf, Little Wolf, and Prairie Wolf sites each accommodate 25 people. Danae J notes that sites are "wonderful and spacious" with good distance from other campers.

Need help booking Coyote Group?

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

Coyote Group Campground provides essential amenities to support group camping. Visitors will find multiple picnic tables, campfire circles, grills, vault toilets, and drinking water available. The campground’s facilities are designed for group use, with features like large picnic areas and spacious fire pits. However, it is worth noting that there are no shower facilities, and cell phone service is unavailable.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Things to do at Coyote Group

Coyote Group Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, and boating. The Middle Fork of the American River and French Meadows Reservoir provide aquatic activities, while nearby trails like the Western States Trail and Granite Chief Wilderness cater to adventurers.

Hiking4.0/5

Trails connect to Granite Chief Wilderness and the Western States Trail; granite canyon hiking nearby.

Fishing4.0/5

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Boating4.0/5

French Meadows Reservoir supports boating; two boat ramps within ~3 miles noted.

Water Sports4.0/5

Biking3.5/5

Western States Trail and nearby trails offer adventurous riding opportunities.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote location, lack of cell service and spacious sites imply dark skies and good stargazing.

Photography4.0/5Granite canyons, reservoir vistas and forested sites create strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

Food Storage RequiredSix large bear boxes available per site. Bear activity necessitates strict food storage compliance.

Fire PolicyWater systems are on and water is potable. Water Systems at remote recreation sites can be unreliable, it is highly recommended to bring additional drinking water for your stay. If water system fails the closest services are in Foresthill, 40 miles away. 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-

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are well-maintained. Reviews frequently mention locked bins, and Danae J noted: 'Locked trash and recycling bins' and 'The camp host/ranger came to our site every day to remove trash/recycle from the bins.'

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

24 reviews

Satisfactory

Coyote Group is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's spaciousness, privacy, and family-friendly atmosphere. Common themes include its remote location, lack of cell service, and the necessity of proper food storage due to bear activity.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews emphasize the campground's spacious group sites, clean facilities, scenic natural environment, and proximity to recreational activities like hiking and water sports.

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Some complaints include the remote and difficult drive to the campground, lack of showers, and bear activity creating issues with trash bins.

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Black Bear: Spacious and accessible, popular for large groups. Brush Wolf: Mixed reviews, with some noise issues noted. Prairie Wolf: Clean and well-maintained. Little Wolf: Highlighted as immaculate...

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing extra water due to the remote location, arriving during daylight to navigate the winding roads, and using the Auburn route for easier access. Ensuring proper food...

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak seasons, reviews highlight vibrant group activities and access to water sports. In off-peak times, the remote and quiet environment is praised, though weather conditions can affect...

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

- Charene Robinson: 'So many places for tents and trailers. It’s a bit of a trek to get to, but that makes it all worth it.' - Danae J: 'We were amazed by the grounds and all of the amenities...

Based on 24 reviews

Accessibility Features

Black Bear is described as accessible and suitable for larger groups. Other sites also offer private restrooms and well-maintained facilities, as noted by Danae J.

Based on 24 reviews

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Coyote Group

$82.00 - $143.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC-BLACK BEAR: $143.00; GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $82.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$143.00