Talbot Campground

Star4.80
7 reviews
Talbot Campground, Forest Road 96, Foresthill, CA

Quick Facts

5,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Tahoe National Forest site

Official Website
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Talbot Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees are required to camp at Talbot Campground.
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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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What Campers Say

4.80

Top-Rated

Based on 7 reviews

4 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spaciouslocationsites

"Overall, user reviews are highly positive, often highlighting the beauty of the campground and its free access. Some reviewers appreciate its remote nature and proximity to the American River."

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Campground Map

Talbot Campground, Forest Road 96, Foresthill, CA

Talbot Campground

Talbot Campground, Forest Road 96, Foresthill, CA

Driving directionsTravel 36 miles east on Mosquito Ridge Road (Forest Road 96) from Foresthill and proceed to the campground. The campground is located five miles above French Meadows Reservoir. Be sure to have a full tank of gas before traveling beyond Foresthill as the area is remote with no services or cell phone reception.
Access is through Mosquito Ridge Road, which is paved but leads to a remote area with no services. Ensure vehicles are in good condition due to the remoteness.
Nearby places
Foresthill: Approximately 36 miles, Auburn: Approximately 52 miles, Sacramento: Approximately 95 miles
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies, including groceries, camping gear, and fuel, are available in Foresthill, approximately 36 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Talbot Campground

Experience the full spectrum of Sierra seasons at Talbot Campground, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter transforms the area into a snow-dusted wonderland with crystalline air and freezing temperatures that demand proper preparation. As spring arrives, the forest awakens with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers. Summer brings those perfect Sierra days – warm sunshine filtering through the canopy, brilliantly clear skies, and ideal conditions for riverside relaxation and trail adventures. The dry summer climate creates exceptional stargazing opportunities that will leave you breathless.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer likely popular for riverside camping; remote setting attracts summer visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Scenic beauty should carry into fall, but no specific seasonal review trends provided.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring scenery and river flows attractive, but limited review detail on spring conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but 'snow-dusted wonderland' noted; winter access and amenities likely limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not applicable as the campsite is free and open year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts reported at this time.

About Talbot Campground

Escape to the tranquil embrace of Talbot Campground, where five secluded tent sites await along the pristine waters of the Middle Fork American River. Perched at 5,600 feet in the Sierra Nevada, this intimate wilderness retreat offers the perfect balance of solitude and adventure. Each thoughtfully spaced campsite provides direct access to the river's gentle melody, while equestrian enthusiasts will discover convenient trailheads and hitching posts for backcountry exploration. This is true wilderness camping at its finest – bring everything you need and leave only footprints, as no water or trash services are available in this protected natural sanctuary.
Talbot Campground exclusively offers primitive tent camping with minimal facilities. There are 5 designated campsites located near the Middle Fork of the American River. No fees are required.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No specified check-in time.
Check-out
No specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
No limit specified.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Talbot Campground cater to nature enthusiasts, including horseback riding and proximity to the Granite Chief Wilderness. The campground's location along the Middle Fork of the American River provides scenic views and opportunities for exploration. User reviewers highlight the proximity to the river as being a major benefit.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsDue to its remote location, there is no cell phone service, and campers must come prepared with all supplies. The lack of potable water requires campers to purify river water before consumption.
Active AlertsNo active alerts reported at this time.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Talbot Campground

Reviews

4.8
7 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Talbot Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews are highly positive, often highlighting the beauty of the campground and its free access. Some reviewers appreciate its remote nature and proximity to the American River.
Review Summaries
Based on 7 reviews

What Campers Love

Key highlights include the campground's scenic location, proximity to the American River, availability of free firewood, and spacious layout of campsites. Reviewers also note that the campground...
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Based on 7 reviews

Common Concerns

No specific complaints are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 7 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers strongly recommend planning ahead due to the campground's remote location and lack of services. Bringing adequate supplies, including purified water, is advised.
Based on 7 reviews

Seasonal Insights

No specific seasonal trends are mentioned, but the remote and natural setting suggests summer may be the most popular season for camping.
Based on 7 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'One of the most beautiful campgrounds you can visit, and it's free!' - Eric Husmann 2. 'Loved this campsite!!! Only a few spots but they were decent sized and spread out. Only 25 steps to the...
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Based on 7 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground features only 5 sites, praised for their spread-out layout and closeness to the river.
Based on 7 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are not reviewed or mentioned.
Based on 7 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews or comments are available regarding pet policies or experiences.
Based on 7 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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