How much does camping cost at North Fork?

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

Is North Fork first-come first-served or reservation?

North Fork 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 North Fork before I book?

Yes! North Fork has 5 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 North Fork?

North Fork is open May 21 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 North Fork?

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

How many campsites does North Fork have?

North Fork has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at North Fork?

Yes, pets are allowed at North Fork. 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 North Fork?

North Fork offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at North Fork?

Popular activities at North Fork include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

North Fork (Ca)

Q: Can I have a campfire at North Fork?

Fire policies at North Fork: 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).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.58

135 reviews

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

Scenic ViewsSwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Swimming Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Yuba River Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Yuba River Ranger District Official Website

Get Directions

North Fork (Ca)

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-265-4531

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Camptonville (approximately 20-25 miles, 30-minute drive), Sacramento Valley (approximately 1 hour drive).

Weather at North Fork (Ca)

Current alerts(5)

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.
In accordance with standard industry practices, Tahoe National Forest will assess an additional $5 vehicle fee per day for the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined…
No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival).

Best Time to Camp at North Fork (Ca)

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather at 6,400 ft (typically daytime highs around 65–80°F and nights 35–50°F), making trail access, river recreation, and camping comfortable. This is peak time for hiking, fishing (after the last of the spring runoff), swimming in calmer river stretches, and long daylight hours for exploring the Tahoe National Forest. Expect moderate crowds and a busy reservation calendar (campground is reservable May 21–Oct 31), so book early and be prepared for fire‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season for river swimming, fishing and hiking; reviews praise summer visits despite mosquitoes.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Reservable between May 21 and October 31. Closed for reservations outside this period.

About North Fork (Ca)

North Fork sits at 6,400 feet in Tahoe National Forest near Camptonville, managed by the Yuba River Ranger District. This small campground offers shaded tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water from a natural spring, and river access for swimming and fishing. Reviewers praise the swimming hole and serene forest setting, though some note maintenance issues and occasional overcrowding during peak summer months.

North Fork Campground offers a mix of camping options, including tent-only sites and standard nonelectric sites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather at 6,400 ft (typically daytime highs around 65–80°F and nights 35–50°F), making trail access, river recreation, and camping comfortable. This is peak time for hiking, fishing (after the last of the spring runoff), swimming in calmer river stretches, and long daylight hours for exploring the Tahoe National Forest. Expect moderate crowds and a busy reservation calendar (campground is reservable May 21–Oct 31), so book early and be prepared for fire‑ Peak months: July, August, June, September Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6400 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryCedar, pine, and fir provide shade across most sites throughout the day. The North Fork American River flows past camp at this elevation, creating swimming holes and small waterfalls downstream. Granite outcroppings dot the surrounding forest, remnants of the Sierra Nevada's tectonic and glacial history. Trails branch into the Tahoe National Forest from the campground. The river here runs more like a creek, intimate and accessible rather than the thundering whitewater found at lower elevations.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations available at North Fork Campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 10 guests per site.

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 via Recreation.gov website, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features were highlighted in the authoritative information or user reviews.

Site SizeCampground sites vary in size but are described by users as spacious enough to accommodate large tents. "Campsites are well shaded most of the day." One user noted their campsite could fit a 10-person tent with room for more.

PrivacySite privacy varies depending on location. Reviews mentioned that some sites are "near the road," while others are described as "secluded" or "spread out enough." Roadside sites may experience pass-through traffic.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesFor privacy, choose sites near the river rather than near the road. Sites near the entrance may offer solitude.

Best CampsitesSites 002 and 007 get consistent praise for creek proximity and quiet. Site 011 offers extra space and direct access to the swimming hole and waterfall. Some sites sit near the road and catch pass-through traffic, while others are described as secluded and spread out. One reviewer noted their site fit a 10-person tent with room to spare.

Need help booking North Fork (Ca)?

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Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

The North Fork Campground in Tahoe National Forest offers essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience. "Vault toilets and drinking water are provided." Each campsite has a picnic table and a campfire ring. Pets are allowed, and the campground provides trash collection facilities and a food storage locker as well. The natural fresh spring water available at the site provides excellent potable drinking water. User reviews frequently mention the well-maintained bathrooms, although some noted periods when they were less clean on weekends.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided. The vault toilets were described as clean in user reviews, although some reported unpleasant smells during peak times.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are available for food storage throughout the campground.

Fire PolicyFire 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).

Trash & RecyclingTrash collection facilities are available. Multiple reviews appreciated the presence of dumpsters for trash disposal.

Cell CoverageCell service availability varies significantly depending on location. According to user reviews, T-Mobile had no service within the campground, though service was available about a half-mile up the road.

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

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

4.6

135 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 135 reviews.

Site 002Loved
Site 002 was described as quiet, with easy access to the shallow river.
Site 007Mentioned
Site 007 was frequently mentioned for its proximity to the river and is ideal for solitude.
Site 006Mentioned
Site 006 is close to the waterfall trail and recommended for families.

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want budget-friendly river access in Tahoe National Forest with hiking nearby and don't mind vault toilets.

Skip if

You need consistently maintained facilities or guaranteed site availability without double-booking risks.

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Onion Valley Campground, Emigrant Gap/Texas Hill area

Onion Valley Campground sits in a secluded mountain meadow at 4,800 feet in Tahoe National Forest, where a creek runs through dense cedar, pine, and fir forest. The campground offers large, well-spaced tent sites with vault toilets and no potable water. Sites run $18 per night and fill quickly during the Memorial Day to Labor Day season.