How much does camping cost at French Meadows?

Camping fees at French Meadows are $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is French Meadows first-come first-served or reservation?

French Meadows 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 French Meadows before I book?

Yes! French Meadows has 9 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 French Meadows?

French Meadows 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 French Meadows?

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

How many campsites does French Meadows have?

French Meadows has 75 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at French Meadows?

Yes, pets are allowed at French Meadows. 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 French Meadows?

French Meadows offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at French Meadows?

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

French Meadows

Q: Can I have a campfire at French Meadows?

Fire policies at French Meadows: 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.

4.20

215 reviews

AMERICAN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 22830 FORESTHILL ROAD, FORESTHILL, CA 95631, USA

CReport Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Mountain Camping California

Quick Facts

5,315 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open May 21 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,315 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

75 campsites

Season

Open May 21 to Septe...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

French Meadows

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

530-367-2224

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Campground Map

AMERICAN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 22830 FORESTHILL ROAD, FORESTHILL, CA 95631, USA

French Meadows

AMERICAN RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 22830 FORESTHILL ROAD, FORESTHILL, CA 95631, USA

Nearby places

Foresthill: 40 miles, approximately 1 hour 20 minutes driving time.

Driving directionsMosquito Ridge Rd outside of Foresthill is closed. As of June 2023, 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 to trucks with trailers, motorhomes/RVs or passenger vehicles that are not high-clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive.

Weather at French Meadows

Current alerts(9)

Campground is 40 miles from Foresthill and not on Lake Tahoe
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.

Best Time to Camp at French Meadows

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, stable weather and full access to the reservoir and campground services — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Boating, swimming, paddling, and trail hikes are at their peak once roads and facilities are fully open, and trout fishing is excellent from early morning through evening. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest (reservable sites begin June 22, 2025), so plan reservations for July–August and be prepared for fire Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season: warm stable weather, full reservoir access and campground services (70–85°F).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 14 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 21 to September 30, reservable starting June 22, 2025.

About French Meadows

French Meadows sits at mid-elevation in Tahoe National Forest near Foresthill, California, with direct access to French Meadows Reservoir. Operated by the Forest Service, this campground offers tent and RV sites with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and standard amenities. Campers come for reservoir recreation including boating, swimming, and trout fishing, plus trail access for hiking and biking.

French Meadows Campground offers standard non-electric campsites suitable for tents and small RVs. Some sites are first-come, first-served, while others are reservable.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of warm, stable weather and full access to the reservoir and campground services — expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the 40s–50s. Boating, swimming, paddling, and trail hikes are at their peak once roads and facilities are fully open, and trout fishing is excellent from early morning through evening. Weekends and holiday periods are busiest (reservable sites begin June 22, 2025), so plan reservations for July–August and be prepared for fire Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation5315 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPine and fir forests slope down to meet the reservoir's edge, creating dense shade across most campsites. The water is clear and the shoreline rocky in places. Summer temperatures reach 70–85°F during the day and drop to the 40s–50s at night. The forest canopy filters sunlight during the day and opens to dark skies after sunset. The elevation and tree cover keep the campground cooler than lower-elevation sites, even in July and August.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges or other accommodations available within the French Meadows Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 15 nights during a visit and up to 15 nights total within each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated.

Groups

Group camping options are not explicitly mentioned in the source materials.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityA few campsites are wheelchair accessible. The campground roads and parking spurs are paved, which improves accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

Site SizeCampsites accommodate a variety of setups, including tents and small RVs. Parking lengths may not support larger RVs due to the campground's layout.

PrivacyCampsites are described as fairly private, though some are closer together. One review noted: 'Campsites are fairly private and very well maintained.

Total Campsites75 campsites

Recommended SitesSites with lakefront views like Site 49 are desirable. Sites closer to vault toilets are recommended for individuals with mobility challenges.

Best CampsitesSite 49 sits right on the lake with open water views. Sites 50, 56, and 48 also provide easy reservoir access. Reviews mention these spots fill quickly on weekends, so book early if you want shoreline proximity.

Need help booking French Meadows?

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

French Meadows Campground offers a variety of amenities, including picnic tables, fire rings, and food lockers at each campsite. Paved roads and parking spurs are available, ensuring easy navigation within the campground. Flush and vault toilets, as well as potable drinking water, are provided. However, water systems can be unreliable, and bringing additional drinking water is recommended. Trash collection is available on-site. Some campsites are wheelchair accessible. User reviews frequently praised the cleanliness and maintenance of the campground, but noted occasional water system failures and bathroom outages.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at French Meadows

French Meadows Campground is a hub for outdoor recreation including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. The proximity to French Meadows Reservoir and trails to the Granite Chief Wilderness cater to both adventurous and leisure campers.

Hiking4.0/5

Trail access to Granite Chief Wilderness and the Western States Trail; varied difficulties.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Swimming popular; users describe clear water though shoreline is rocky in places.

Boating4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Clear reservoir and boat launch support non-motorized boating and kayaking.

Fishing3.0/5

Biking3.0/5

Western States Trail offers mountain biking but is shared with hikers.

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 RequiredEach campsite is equipped with a bear-proof food storage locker.

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.

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 collection is available, and there are recycling facilities on-site. However, some users reported improper trash disposal by other campers, such as leaving air mattresses and recyclables in trash 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

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

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From Booking Sources

4.2

215 reviews

Satisfactory

French Meadows is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

French Meadows Campground is frequently praised for its tranquility, natural beauty, and well-maintained sites. However, some reviews cited issues like noisy neighbors, water system failures, and challenging access roads.

Review Summaries

Based on 215 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 215 reviews.

Site 49Mentioned
Site 49 was noted for its proximity to the lake but experienced strong winds.
Site 47Mentioned
Site 47 was sunny and near the bathroom.

What Campers Love

Clean and spacious campsites, friendly and accommodating camp host, proximity to the reservoir, and opportunities for disconnecting from technology.

Based on 215 reviews

Common Concerns

Noisy groups during weekends, occasional lack of water and restroom facilities, and rocky or steep access to the reservoir.

Based on 215 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra drinking water and toilet paper. Avoid Soda Springs Road unless in a high-clearance vehicle. Download maps in advance due to lack of cell service.

Based on 215 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer experiences varied widely; weekdays were quieter, while weekends brought more noise. Water levels and facilities like bathrooms were occasionally impacted by drought conditions.

Based on 215 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This campground is one of, if not the best national forest campground that I've ever been to.' 2. 'No cell service at all - thing that I liked the most.' 3. 'Bathrooms were relatively clean and...

Based on 215 reviews

Accessibility Features

Wheelchair-accessible sites and paved roads were appreciated, though some users mentioned closed bathrooms causing difficulties for those with mobility issues.

Based on 215 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the campground is generally pet-friendly. A user mentioned 'lots of shady campsites' and recommended bringing extra water and supplies for pets.

Based on 215 reviews

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French Meadows

$24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. 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

Go if

You want reservoir recreation with spacious sites and a helpful camp host in a budget-friendly setting.

Skip if

You need privacy between sites or prefer guaranteed quiet on summer weekends.

Nearby Campgrounds

Tahoe National Forest

Poppy Campground sits on the northwest shore of French Meadows Reservoir at 5,300 feet in Tahoe National Forest. The 12 tent sites are accessible only by boat or trail. There's no road access. The $18/night fee covers primitive camping with no amenities. You'll need to purify reservoir water for drinking and pack out all trash.

French Meadows

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at French Meadows

Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at French Meadows

Planning Tips

About French Meadows

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking French Meadows?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at French Meadows

Policies & Safety

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Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

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Current alerts(9)

Best Time to Camp at French Meadows

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking French Meadows?

Amenities available

Things to do at French Meadows

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns