How much does camping cost at Tunnel Mills Ii?

Camping fees at Tunnel Mills Ii are $99/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tunnel Mills Ii first-come first-served or reservation?

Tunnel Mills Ii 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 Tunnel Mills Ii before I book?

Yes! Tunnel Mills Ii 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 Tunnel Mills Ii?

Tunnel Mills Ii 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 Tunnel Mills Ii?

Tunnel Mills Ii does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Tunnel Mills Ii?

Fire policies at Tunnel Mills Ii: 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.

How many campsites does Tunnel Mills Ii have?

Tunnel Mills Ii has 2 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tunnel Mills Ii?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tunnel Mills Ii. 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 Tunnel Mills Ii?

Tunnel Mills Ii offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tunnel Mills Ii?

Popular activities at Tunnel Mills Ii include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tunnel Mills Ii

3.77

15 reviews

Tunnel Mills Group Campground, Texas Hill Rd., Emigrant Gap, CA

Featured in:Fall Camping California

Quick Facts

4,619 ft

Price

$99/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

4,619 ft

Price

$99/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

2 campsites

Season

Peak season runs fro...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Tunnel Mills Ii

$99.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $99.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $99.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

Group Site Fee$99.00

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Provider

530-265-4531

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Campground Map

Tunnel Mills Group Campground, Texas Hill Rd., Emigrant Gap, CA

Tunnel Mills Ii

Tunnel Mills Group Campground, Texas Hill Rd., Emigrant Gap, CA

Nearby places

Emigrant Gap (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive)

Nyack (30 minutes drive)

Camptonville (address of ranger station, distance not specified)

Weather at Tunnel Mills Ii

Current alerts(4)

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.
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).
Water taken from the creek must be purified before drinking; drinking water is available at the North Fork Campground, a mile north

Best Time to Camp at Tunnel Mills Ii

Best season: fall. Early fall (especially September) offers the best combination of cooler daytime hiking weather, steady trout fishing, and dramatically quieter group campsites after the summer rush. Expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (warmer earlier in September) and crisp nights that can drop into the 30s–40s°F, perfect for campfires and starry evenings. Trails are usually dry and stable, OHV routes remain accessible, and late-summer low insect activity makes outdoor meals and evening programs for Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Best season per description: cooler hikes, steady trout fishing, quieter sites after summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 21 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Peak season runs from May 27, 2025 to September 27, 2025 and May 29, 2026 to September 13, 2026. Closed for bookings outside these dates.

About Tunnel Mills Ii

Tunnel Mills II sits in mid-elevation Tahoe National Forest near Emigrant Gap, managed by the Forest Service. This very small campground offers spacious group sites shaded by conifers, with trail access and proximity to the river for fishing and boating. Reviewers praise the secluded atmosphere and natural setting, though vault toilets require vigilant maintenance and access roads are rough with potholes.

The campground offers two group camping sites. Site 1 is suitable for tents and RVs, while Site 2 is exclusively for tent camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Early fall (especially September) offers the best combination of cooler daytime hiking weather, steady trout fishing, and dramatically quieter group campsites after the summer rush. Expect daytime highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s°F (warmer earlier in September) and crisp nights that can drop into the 30s–40s°F, perfect for campfires and starry evenings. Trails are usually dry and stable, OHV routes remain accessible, and late-summer low insect activity makes outdoor meals and evening programs for Peak months: September, August, July, June Avoid: October, November, December, January

Elevation4619 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe creek-sized East Fork flows through a remote valley thick with conifers. Cedars, pines, and firs provide heavy shade across both group sites. The forest here grows dense enough to create a genuine sense of seclusion. Visitors mention ample firewood on the ground and proximity to both the river and trail access. The setting feels genuinely wild, not manicured.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo lodging or hotel-style accommodations are available on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 30 people per group site.

Groups

Each group site accommodates up to 30 people and six vehicles. Site 1 allows both RV and tent camping, while Site 2 is designated for tent camping only.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsBookings are managed through Recreation.gov website and app.

Site SizeTwo group sites are available, each accommodating up to 30 people and six vehicles.

PrivacyThe two group sites are "nicely separated," according to one review, offering some level of privacy.

Total Campsites2 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 1 supports tent and RV camping, while Site 2 is tent-only. Reviewers recommend bringing bug spray and citronella candles due to mosquitoes.

Need help booking Tunnel Mills Ii?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Water taken from the creek must be purified before drinking; drinking water is available at the North Fork Campground, a mile north

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Tunnel Mills Ii

Tunnel Mills Group Campground offers fishing, hiking, biking, hunting, and camping activities. The nearby East Fork of the North Fork of the North Fork American River is popular for rainbow trout fishing. The surrounding area is ideal for hiking and OHV trails.

Hiking4.0/5

Foot trail access into the North Fork American Wild & Scenic River canyon and nearby hikes mentioned.

Fishing4.0/5

Biking3.0/5

OHV trails nearby and bike trails in the surrounding area mentioned.

Boating2.0/5

Boating not mentioned; river is creek-sized and access implied but not highlighted.

Water Sports2.0/5

River present but described as creek-sized with strong currents; kayaking not promoted.

Winter Activities

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; vault toilets are provided instead. User reviews on vault toilet cleanliness vary: "Rangers are nice and kept bathrooms clean," while another noted, "Restrooms were not maintained well, looked unhygienic."

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

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

Rate Tunnel Mills Ii

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From Booking Sources

3.8

15 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Tunnel Mills Ii has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews emphasize the remote and scenic nature of Tunnel Mills Group Campground and appreciate the large group capacity and shade provided by the surrounding cedar, pine, and fir trees. However, visitors raised concerns about the road conditions, vault toilets, and lack of on-site water.

Review Summaries

Based on 15 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 15 reviews.

Site 1Loved
Site 1: Praised for its proximity to the river and spaciousness.
Site 2Loved
Site 2: Described as quieter and more secluded, but also lacking water.

What Campers Love

Positive themes include spacious group sites, proximity to trails and the river, and a secluded, peaceful atmosphere. The campground's natural shading and ample firewood are also appreciated.

Based on 15 reviews

Common Concerns

Visitors frequently mention the poor maintenance of the road leading to the campground and the vault toilets. Other concerns include the lack of potable water on-site and the absence of bear boxes...

Based on 15 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring sufficient water as there is no potable water on-site; the nearest source is 1.5 miles away at North Fork Campground. Carry offline maps as there is no network coverage. Firewood can be...

Based on 15 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight mosquito prevalence after rain and note the campground's lack of water as a recurring issue. Winter reviews are not available.

Based on 15 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Great campground, good shade throughout, lots of space for tents, remote location." – Alina. "Bathrooms were not maintained well, looked unhygienic." – Pavan. "Remember that bug spray and citronella...

Based on 15 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-focused reviews are available.

Based on 15 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but no specific reviews address pet-related experiences.

Based on 15 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Tunnel Mills Ii

$99.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $99.00; GROUP TENT ONLY AREA NONELECTRIC: $99.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone /...

Group Site Fee$99.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-265-4531

Go if

You want a quiet, shaded group site near trails and the river and can handle primitive facilities and bumpy access roads.

Skip if

You need well-maintained restrooms or smooth road access to your campsite.

Nearby Campgrounds

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(22)

Onion Valley Campground

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.

Tunnel Mills Ii

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

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Campground Map

Weather at Tunnel Mills Ii

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Tunnel Mills Ii

Planning Tips

About Tunnel Mills Ii

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Tunnel Mills Ii?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Tunnel Mills Ii

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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Overview

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Ask Camp Sage about Tunnel Mills Ii

Current alerts(4)

Best Time to Camp at Tunnel Mills Ii

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Tunnel Mills Ii?

Amenities available

Things to do at Tunnel Mills Ii

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns