Lewis

Star4.28
93 reviews
22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA, 75631, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,344 ft

Price

$20/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

50 campsites

Season

"Season opens May 21...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens "American River Ranger District, Tahoe National Forest" site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Lewis
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
"Displayed rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges. Peak season rates for standard non-electric sites are $20 per night."
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-367-2224
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What Campers Say

4.28

Satisfactory

Based on 93 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomshiking

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews highlight the quiet and beautiful surroundings, clean facilities, and the range of activities at Lewis Campground. Several comments praise the proximity to the reservoir and the wilderness vibe. Common themes include the remoteness and lack of cell service, which are seen as positives for some campers."

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Campground Map

22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA, 75631, USA

Lewis

22830 Foresthill Road, Foresthill, CA, 75631, USA

Driving directions"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 for trucks with trailers, motorhomes/RVs or passenger vehicles that are not high clearance vehicles with four-wheel drive. It is 6 miles around the lake to the north shore, Lewis Campground will be on the right."
"Mosquito Ridge Rd outside of Foresthill is closed. Alternative routes include Eleven Pines Rd for low-clearance vehicles, and Robinson Flat Rd for high-clearance vehicles. Roads are steep and rough."
Nearby places
Foresthill (40 miles).
Nearby supplies
"Foresthill (40 miles away) for gas, ice, and other camping supplies."

Best Time to Camp at Lewis

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Sierra Nevada at Lewis Campground. Winter blankets the landscape in deep, pristine snow, creating a wonderland for those brave enough to venture into the cold. As summer arrives, the campground becomes a haven of contrasts – bask in warm, sun-drenched days perfect for swimming and hiking, then cozy up by the campfire during refreshingly cool mountain nights. Early risers will enjoy calm morning waters on the reservoir, as afternoon winds tend to pick up before noon, bringing welcome relief from the summer heat and creating ideal conditions for sailing enthusiasts.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season with swimming, boating and hiking, though winds and heat/shade issues noted.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Early fall (through Sept 30) offers fewer crowds and good vistas; campground closes late fall.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring (post May 21) opens for season; snowmelt conditions may persist early on.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground is seasonally closed in winter (opens May 21).

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: "May 21, 2025 - September 30, 2025". Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: "Season opens May 21, 2025. Reservations start June 22, 2025, and go until September 30, 2025."
  • Current Alerts: "Mosquito Ridge Road closure. Potential fire restrictions. Water systems may fail; visitors are encouraged to bring their own drinking water."

About Lewis

Nestled along the pristine north shore of French Meadows Reservoir, Lewis Campground invites you to experience the raw beauty of Tahoe National Forest. Each thoughtfully designed single-family campsite comes equipped with its own picnic table, grill, and paved parking spur, creating the perfect basecamp for your mountain adventure. Modern amenities including flush and vault toilets ensure comfort in the wilderness, while fresh drinking water keeps you refreshed after a day of exploration. The campground proudly offers accessible sites, welcoming all nature enthusiasts to discover this mountain paradise.
Lewis Campground offers standard nonelectric campsites suitable for tent and RV camping. It is located within the French Meadows Recreation Area and accommodates single-family stays.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
"Check-in begins at 2 PM."
Check-out
"Check-out is by 12 PM."
Stay Limit
"You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground."

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Lewis Campground offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, and boating. The proximity to French Meadows Reservoir and trails leading to the Granite Chief Wilderness enhance the recreational value. Boating and canoeing are popular on the reservoir, while the Middle Fork American River supports fishing and swimming. "Fishing, boating, and swimming were highlights of our trip," stated a user review. Wildlife viewing is also notable, with one user recounting a bear sighting during a hike.
HikingThe area provides access to several trails, including the Western States Trail, Tevis Cup Trail, and paths leading into the Granite Chief Wilderness. "We took a day and explored Granite Chief Wilderness, a must-see if you go to French Meadows," noted one camper. Trails vary in difficulty and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, including bears.
FishingFishing is available both in the Middle Fork American River and French Meadows Reservoir. Species and specific fishing tips are not detailed in the provided sources.
SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity, especially in French Meadows Reservoir. "Lake temperature for swimming is perfect," one user observed. However, afternoon winds can make swimming less enjoyable.
BikingTrails surrounding the campground support mountain biking, with varying levels of difficulty. "Enjoyed biking trails near the campground," said one reviewer.
BoatingBoating options include canoeing, kayaking, and non-motorized boating. A boat ramp is located within a mile of the campground. "Great kayaking or float tubes," one user said.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include bears, butterflies, and other forest fauna. "Came upon a large brown bear using a tree as a scratching post," a user recounted.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Bear activity reported; food storage lockers are mandatory. Afternoon winds are common on the reservoir. Steep and rough roads for access."
Active Alerts"Mosquito Ridge Road closure. Potential fire restrictions. Water systems may fail; visitors are encouraged to bring their own drinking water."
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage Required"Mandatory use due to bear activity. Lockers are provided at each site."},

Weather at Lewis

Reviews

4.3
93 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Lewis is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the quiet and beautiful surroundings, clean facilities, and the range of activities at Lewis Campground. Several comments praise the proximity to the reservoir and the wilderness vibe. Common themes include the remoteness and lack of cell service, which are seen as positives for some campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 93 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive themes from reviews include the scenic beauty, clean restrooms, potable water availability, and range of activities such as swimming, fishing, and hiking. "Bathrooms were clean and well...
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Based on 93 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include downed trees not being fully cleared, lack of firewood for purchase, and challenges accessing the site due to rough roads. "The firewood was locked up, and the camp host was...
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Based on 93 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing extra drinking water due to the potential failure of water systems, arriving early to avoid winds on the reservoir, and gas up before heading to the campground as it is remote....
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Based on 93 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer seems to be the most popular season for visits, with complaints about winds on the reservoir and lack of shade during peak heat periods. "Afternoon lake wind can be crazy," noted one user....
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Based on 93 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Such an amazing place to camp with friends and family in the middle of Tahoe National Forest." - Ishan P. "Glad we brought the Tacoma as even a Subaru would have trouble at points along the road." -...
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Based on 93 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews highlight variability in site sizes and privacy levels. Site 017 was noted for its lack of proximity to water, while site 013 was recommended for smaller SUVs/sedans due to...
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Based on 93 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground has a few accessible campsites, and paved roads and parking spurs improve accessibility for wheelchair users and other visitors with disabilities.
Based on 93 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific pet-related reviews were highlighted in the source materials.
Based on 93 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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