French Meadows
Campground · California · 61 bookable sites ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Tahoe National Forest (NF) · Open Access
- 61
- Bookable sites
- 85 ft
- Max rig length
- up to 6
- People per site
- 7
- Accessible sites
- 5,306 ft
- Elevation
Overview
French Meadows Campground is located along the shores French Meadows Reservoir, about 40 miles from the town of Foresthill. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, boating and trail opportunities. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.Recreation
Popular activities on the reservoir include boating, canoeing, fishing and swimming. A boat ramp is located adjacent to the campground. The North Fork American River can be accessed nearby and provides additional opportunities for fishing and swimming. A variety of hiking and biking trails are found in the surrounding area, including some that provide access to the nearby Granite Chief Wilderness and The Western States Trail. Just down the road is the Granite Chief Wilderness which provides amazing hiking opportunities for an adventurous party to explore historic aspen trees and secluded mountain passes and trails. The Western States Trail provides great opporunity for hiking, horse back riding, dirt biking, and for adventurous mountain bikers.Facilities
The campground offers single-family campsites, a few of which are wheel chair accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table, fire ring and food locker. Flush and vault toilets as well as drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved. Several campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.Natural Features
The campground sits on the southern shore of French Meadows Reservoir, in a pine/fir forest. Summer days can be hot, but evenings are usually cool.The facts
- Season: June – October — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
- 61 bookable sites
- 63 sites in total, including non-bookable
- 7 accessible sites
- Vehicles up to 85 ft
- Up to 6 people per site
- Loops: AREA FRENCH MEADOWS
Site types
- 61 Standard Nonelectric
- 2 Management
Amenities
- Campfires allowed
- Fire pits
- Picnic tables
- Shade
- Pets allowed
Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.
63 campsites at French Meadows
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 001 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 002 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 36 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 003 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Management | Back In | Paved | 41 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 004 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 85 ft | 6 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 005 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 21 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 006 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 22 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 007 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 49 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 008 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 21 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 009 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 26 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 010 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 24 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 011 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 26 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 012 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 23 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 013 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 38 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 014 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 32 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 015 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 64 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 016 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 21 ft | 6 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 017 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 018 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 019 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 26 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 020 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 021 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 022 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 35 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 023 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 24 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 024 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 025 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 24 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 026 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 027 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 27 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 028 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 029 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Management | Back In | Paved | 54 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 030 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 25 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 031 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 21 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 032 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 21 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 033 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 24 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 034 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 035 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 67 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 036 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 037 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 32 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 038 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 22 ft | 6 | ♿ 🐾 |
| 039 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 24 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 040 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 24 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 041 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 042 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 30 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 043 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 044 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 23 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 045 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 28 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 046 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 047 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 23 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 048 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 60 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 049 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 31 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 050 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 21 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 051 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 34 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 052 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 50 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 053 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 25 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 054 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 26 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 055 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 32 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 056 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 24 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 057 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 34 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 058 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Pull Through | Paved | 47 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 059 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 52 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 060 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 28 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 061 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 062 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 36 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
| 063 | AREA FRENCH MEADOWS | Standard Nonelectric | Back In | Paved | 20 ft | 6 | 🐾 |
Getting there
High clearance vehicles may take Foresthill Rd to the 43 Rd (Robinson Flat Rd) to Mosquito Ridge Rd, snow permitting. Access from Soda Springs and the 43 Rd is not recommoned to trucks with trailers, motorhomes/RV's or passenger vehicles that are not high clearance vehicle with four wheel drive.
The campground is on the south shore.
39.11389, -120.42389 · 39°6'50.0"N 120°25'26.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 10.6 | 9.3 | 8.8 | 5.0 | 3.5 | 1.3 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 4.1 | 6.8 | 11.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 10.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about French Meadows
- Can you reserve a site at French Meadows?
- Yes, French Meadows is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does French Meadows have?
- 63 sites in total, of which 61 can be booked.
- What is the maximum RV length at French Meadows?
- 85 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
- Are pets allowed at French Meadows?
- Yes, pets are allowed at French Meadows.
- Are campfires allowed at French Meadows?
- Campfires are allowed at French Meadows. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.
Also listed by
French Meadows also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by French Meadows's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- $24 per site $5 for extra vehicle
Restrictions:
- French Meadows is located within a State Game Refuge. Firearms or any other implements capable of taking game (including, but not limited to, bows & arrows and slingshots) are prohibited in this area; camping outside designated campground is prohibited in this area.
Camping near French Meadows
- Lewis 1.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Coyote Group 1.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Gates Group 2.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Ahart Campground 2.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Middle Meadows 4.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- French Meadows Reservoir 0.1 mi · Facility
- Poppy Campground 0.8 mi · Campground
- Mumford Bar Campground 0.8 mi · Campground
- Big Meadows Campground 2.7 mi · Campground
- Hell Hole Campground 3 mi · Campground
- Upper Hole Campground 4.2 mi · Campground
- Robinson Flat Campground 5.1 mi · Campground
Contact
- Phone 530-367-2224
- Book Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-06-19.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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