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French Meadows Campground in California
Moderate to BookNational Forest

French Meadows Campground

Tahoe National Forest, California

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As of October 2026, French Meadows Campground is a campground in Tahoe National Forest, California with 60 campsites. French Meadows Campground is booked through Recreation.gov.

  • PermitSnag checks French Meadows Campground for availability and tells alert holders when a site opens up.
  • French Meadows Campground is located at 39.1139Β° N, 120.4239Β° W.
people allowed on each site
6

French Meadows Campground reservations and next available dates

October 2026

open, tap to book on Recreation.govsold outin your alert

Next Available Dates

Oct 1 (51 sites)Oct 2 (37 sites)Oct 3 (32 sites)

51 sites open on Oct 1 at French Meadows Campground. Book one now, or pick your dates above and get an alert when a site opens.

As of 30 September 2026, 06:53 UTC.

Campsites at French Meadows Campground

  • Standard 60
  • Accessible 7

What an RV fits

  • 85 ft1 site

Amenities

  • restrooms
  • potable water

At a glance: Setting: Mountain Β· Access: Paved road.

Things to do: fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, biking, horse riding.

All sites at French Meadows Campground, as listed by Recreation.gov

Every site is in the AREA FRENCH MEADOWS loop.

SiteTypeSleepsMax RVAccess
001Standard6--
002Standard6--
004Standard685 ftAccessible
005Standard6--
006Standard6--
007Standard6--
008Standard6--
009Standard6--
010Standard6--
011Standard6--
012Standard6--
014Standard6--
015Standard6--
016Standard6-Accessible
017Standard6-Accessible
018Standard6-Accessible
019Standard6--
020Standard6--
021Standard6-Accessible
022Standard6--
023Standard6--
024Standard6--
025Standard6--
026Standard6--
027Standard6--
028Standard6--
030Standard6--
031Standard6--
032Standard6--
033Standard6--
SiteTypeSleepsMax RVAccess
034Standard6--
035Standard6--
036Standard6-Accessible
037Standard6--
038Standard6-Accessible
039Standard6--
040Standard6--
041Standard6--
042Standard6--
043Standard6--
044Standard6--
045Standard6--
046Standard6--
047Standard6--
048Standard6--
049Standard6--
050Standard6--
051Standard6--
052Standard6--
053Standard6--
054Standard6--
055Standard6--
056Standard6--
057Standard6--
058Standard6--
059Standard6--
060Standard6--
061Standard6--
062Standard6--
063Standard6--

About French Meadows Campground

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.

Rules and notices at French Meadows Campground

Recreation.gov does not date these notices. We last read them on September 29, 2026. Check French Meadows Campground on Recreation.gov

Notices from Recreation.gov

Water systems are on and water is potable. Water Systems at remote recreation sites can be unreliable, it is highly recommended to bring additional drinking water for your stay. If water system fails the closest services are in Foresthill, 40 miles away.

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).

Campground is 40 miles from Foresthill and not on Lake Tahoe

This is bear country; food must be stored in approved containers

Last minute gas, ice and supplies should be purchased at Foresthill

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 in Foresthill or by using down wood debris from the area that fit within the fire ring. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

One vehicle (or two motorcycles) included with reservation. Additional vehicle fee cost is $5/each per night for all untowed vehicles. Please pay extra vehicle fee at the self-serve fee tube located near campground entrance.

Large single unit RVs are not suitable for the campground roads. Even though a site might have a 40 foot parking space, a 40 foot long RV can’t navigate through the campground. Also please remember that site parking length includes trailer and vehicle.

There is no cell phone service in this area!

French Meadows Campground FAQ

How hard is it to get a campsite at French Meadows Campground?

French Meadows Campground is rated "Moderate to Book" based on historical demand. With 60 sites available, you have good chances of finding availability, especially on weekdays.

How do I find last-minute availability at French Meadows Campground?

Cancellations happen frequently at French Meadows Campground, especially 1-2 weeks before check-in dates. PermitSnag monitors availability 24/7 and sends instant alerts when sites open up due to cancellations. This is often the best way to snag popular campsites.

How many campsites does French Meadows Campground have?

French Meadows Campground has 60 campsites.

More campgrounds in Tahoe National Forest

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