Talbot Campground
02 reviewsTalbot Campground, Forest Road 96, Foresthill, CA
Quick Facts
5,600 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
Quick Facts
5,600 ftPrice
Free
Booking
First-Come
Sites
5 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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What Campers Say
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Limited Reviews
Based on 2 reviews
4 Google reviews
Most mentioned
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"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."
Fees & Passes at Talbot Campground
Free
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Stay Limit: No limit specified.
Cancellation: No reservation or cancellation policies apply as this is a first-come, first-serve site.
Prices verified November 17, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official Tahoe National Forest website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm days. Most facilities open. Reserve ahead.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
Historical SignificanceTalbot Campground serves as your gateway to the magnificent Granite Chief Wilderness, a protected landscape that embodies the conservation spirit of the Sierra Nevada. This special designation as a state game refuge creates a haven where wildlife thrives undisturbed – firearms and hunting are strictly prohibited, allowing nature to flourish in its purest form. The area represents decades of conservation efforts to preserve California's mountain ecosystems for future generations to explore and cherish.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationAt 5,600 feet above sea level, Talbot Campground offers that sweet spot of Sierra elevation where the air is crisp and clean, yet still comfortable for camping. This alpine setting provides natural air conditioning during summer months, with temperatures typically 15-20 degrees cooler than the valley below. The elevation creates perfect conditions for restful sleep under star-filled skies and invigorating morning hikes through the thin mountain air.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where towering conifers create a natural cathedral above your campsite, and the Middle Fork American River provides a constant soundtrack of flowing water. The dense forest canopy filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor, while the protected game refuge status means you're sharing this wilderness with deer, black bears, and countless bird species living undisturbed in their natural habitat. Every direction offers postcard-worthy views of unspoiled Sierra wilderness, from moss-covered boulders to wildflower meadows tucked between the trees.
Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic geological tapestry of the Granite Chief Wilderness, Talbot Campground sits where ancient geological forces carved deep river valleys through solid granite. The Middle Fork American River has spent millennia sculpting this landscape, creating the perfect blend of rushing water, smooth river rocks, and forested slopes. As part of a protected game refuge, this pristine ecosystem showcases the raw beauty of the Sierra Nevada's granite backbone, offering campers an authentic wilderness experience in one of California's most treasured mountain regions.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeThe campground has 5 tent sites that reviewers describe as 'decent sized and spread out.'
Sites PrivacyReviews describe the sites as well-spread out, providing some level of privacy.
Total Campsites5 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect sites closest to the river for easy access to water and scenic views.
Best Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specified check-in time.
Check-out
No specified check-out time.
Stay Limit
No limit specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No guest limit explicitly stated.
Groups
No group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground has 5 tent sites spaced out for privacy, located near the American River.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are available; camping is first-come, first-serve.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-serve, with no reservations required.
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation or cancellation policies apply as this is a first-come, first-serve site.
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
No winter-specific activities are referenced.Water Sports
No water sports are mentioned in either authoritative sources or user reviews.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are permitted but must adhere to local regulations and seasonal fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsDue 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.
Weather at Talbot Campground
41
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 45%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 6.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are located in Foresthill, which is 36 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot applicable as the campsite is free and open year-round.
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are provided; campers are required to follow the 'Pack it in, Pack it out' policy.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly along the Middle Fork of the American River, offering easy access for recreation and water purification.
Common complaintsReviews did not highlight complaints; however, the lack of services and remote nature may be challenging for some visitors.
HostNo hosts are available; the campground is unstaffed.
Campground Map
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
0.0
2 reviews
Talbot Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 2 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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No specific complaints are mentioned in the reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsPro 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 2 reviewsSeasonal 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 2 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground features only 5 sites, praised for their spread-out layout and closeness to the river.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not reviewed or mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or comments are available regarding pet policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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0 review
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Last updated November 17, 2025
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