North Fork (Ca)

Star4.58
135 reviews
North Fork Campground, Emigrant Gap, Tahoe National Forest, CA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,400 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Reservable between M...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Yuba River Ranger District 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
North Fork (Ca)
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are priced at $24 per night during peak season (May 21–October 31). Rates do not include taxes,...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
530-265-4531
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What Campers Say

4.58

Top-Rated

Based on 135 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadehikingwater

Some mention

noise

"User reviews for North Fork Campground are mixed, with frequent praise for its natural beauty and seclusion, alongside criticism of management and occasional maintenance issues. "My family loves North Fork! Perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with nature," wrote one reviewer. However, double bookings and noisy neighboring parties have frustrated some visitors."

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Campground Map

North Fork Campground, Emigrant Gap, Tahoe National Forest, CA

North Fork (Ca)

North Fork Campground, Emigrant Gap, Tahoe National Forest, CA

Driving directionsFrom eastbound Interstate 80 take exit 158A or westbound Interstate 80 take exit 158B south to Emigrant Gap. After exiting the interstate take a right on Texas Hill Road towards Emigrant Gap. Continue on Texas Hill Road for about 6.5 miles and turn right into the campground.
Accessible via paved roads, though users have reported narrow sections and potholes along the final 6-mile stretch on Texas Hill Road.
Nearby places
Camptonville (approximately 20-25 miles, 30-minute drive), Sacramento Valley (approximately 1 hour drive).
Nearby supplies
Closest store and fuel options are approximately a 20-25 minute drive from the campground near Interstate 80. Supplies should be procured before arriving.

Best Time to Camp at North Fork (Ca)

From May through October, North Fork transforms into a high-country haven where warm days invite exploration and cool evenings demand cozy campfires. Summer brings perfect conditions for all outdoor pursuits, while shoulder seasons paint the forest in spectacular colors. Early spring and late fall adventurers should come prepared for winter's lingering kiss or early arrival, as temperatures can plunge dramatically when the sun dips behind the peaks, creating that crisp mountain air that makes morning coffee taste extraordinary.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

May–Oct is peak season; warm days, swimming and hiking make summer prime despite mosquitoes.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall visits noted as quiet and serene though occasional hunters and cooler weather occur.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Late spring (post-May 21) opens the site; shorter window and variable conditions limit spring appeal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed for reservations outside May 21–Oct 31; winter not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 21–October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Reservable between May 21 and October 31. Closed for reservations outside this period.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be implemented during hot, dry weather. Contact the American River Ranger District for current fire conditions.

About North Fork (Ca)

Nestled deep within the Tahoe National Forest, North Fork Campground beckons adventurers to discover its hidden riverside paradise along the North Fork of the North Fork American River. This mountain sanctuary offers thoughtfully spaced campsites, each featuring its own picnic table and campfire ring where stories unfold under starlit skies. Modern vault toilets and fresh potable water ensure comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience. Days here flow naturally between casting lines into pristine waters, exploring forest trails that wind through ancient groves, tracking wildlife through the underbrush, and discovering secret swimming holes where crystal-clear waterfalls create nature's perfect plunge pools.
North Fork Campground offers a mix of camping options, including tent-only sites and standard nonelectric sites.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

North Fork Campground offers activities centered around its natural location, including swimming, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. "A great swimming hole is located a short walk from the campground," and rainbow trout fishing is a popular pastime. Several hiking trails and opportunities for hunting are also available.
HikingHiking is a prominent activity at North Fork Campground, with trails leading to scenic spots like the North Fork American Wild and Scenic River canyon and Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area.
FishingRainbow trout fishing is "a popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the campground." One user review highlighted the joy of fly fishing and catching trout in the river.
SwimmingThe campground is home to a picturesque swimming hole and waterfall, located at the end of the campground loop. "Swimming holes near the North Fork campground are great spots to cool off," according to user reviews.
Wildlife viewingThe natural setting provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. User reviews described the campground as "quiet and serene" with "beautiful surroundings."
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include fast-moving logging trucks on narrow access roads, mosquitoes during warmer months, and occasional gunfire during hunting season.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be implemented during hot, dry weather. Contact the American River Ranger District for current fire conditions.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available for food storage throughout the campground.

Weather at North Fork (Ca)

Reviews

4.6
135 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
North Fork (Ca) is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for North Fork Campground are mixed, with frequent praise for its natural beauty and seclusion, alongside criticism of management and occasional maintenance issues. "My family loves North Fork! Perfect for anyone looking to reconnect with nature," wrote one reviewer. However, double bookings and noisy neighboring parties have frustrated some visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 135 reviews

What Campers Love

Many reviewers lauded the campground's natural setting, describing it as "serene," "picturesque," and "well-shaded." "The swimming hole is incredible," wrote one user. "Potable water from the fresh...
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Based on 135 reviews

Common Concerns

User complaints focused on issues like double bookings, noisy neighbors, and poorly managed facilities during peak times. "Bathrooms were pretty stinky," said one user. Another noted excessive dust...
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Based on 135 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray to counter mosquitoes, and get all supplies beforehand as the nearest store is about a 20-minute drive away. "Aim for a spot near the entrance for solitude," advised one user.
Based on 135 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews noted that summer is popular but mosquitoes can be a problem. Visits during fall months offer quiet serenity, though hunters can occasionally be heard. Reviews also mentioned that weekends...
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Based on 135 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Small campground with vault toilets and a natural spring with the freshest potable drinking water." "The hike to the waterfall was worth it despite being daunting with young children." "Aim for...
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Based on 135 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 007 was frequently mentioned for its proximity to the river and is ideal for solitude. Site 006 is close to the waterfall trail and recommended for families. Site 002 was described as quiet,...
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Based on 135 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific reviews addressed the accessibility experience for users with disabilities.
Based on 135 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

User reviews highlight that North Fork is dog-friendly, with several mentions of dogs enjoying the swimming holes alongside campers.
Based on 135 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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