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    French Meadows Campground

    3.4 (25 reviews)

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    View of the eastern end of French Meadows reservoir from Chipmunk Ridge
    Bridget W.

    Sometimes you need to take the road less traveled. And occasionally you go a little farther.. switch to four wheel drive and crawl up a fire service path that takes you up a mountain to a cliff with the best view. Those are my kind of roads. If you like hiking, kayaking, camping and generally outdoor everything like I do, visit French Meadows Reservoir and campground. It's about 35 miles east of Foresthill. There's no official address, so use the GPS coordinates below. Camping season is May to October. Visit the website I linked when I created the page...it links you to Tahoe Forest Service's page with more details, including any postponements due to snow. The reservoir has a boat launch as well. It's more of a kayak, canoe, and fishing kind of lake so leave your wakeboards and speed boats at home. Campgrounds are sizeable and there are a ton of them. Some are spaced out well, others not so much. Most have adequate shade. No bear lockers unfortunately, so be prepared. Unless it's 4th of July weekend you can roll in here without a reservation and always get a good spot like I do.

    Ashley T.

    Took a trip with the family , had a great time , stayed at site 37 right across from the bathrooms . They did say that they were out of order but opened back up the next day. Site 37 is big and is on a slant has a steep path right down to the water ! It's full of rocks but is worth it and is beautiful! Very quiet and peaceful , in the middle of the night I would say the temperature got down to low 50s so it was very cold .. other than that the weather was perfect during the day! Also , no showers at this campsite .

    Nathan G.

    Great place to camp. The lake is small but beautiful. The bathrooms are clean with flush toilets and running water. Spigots available throughout. Water accessible from most water view campsites. Very well kept and clean made my experience here great. From swimming, to kayaking, and fishing, this place was great. Only downfall, the drive from Foresthill rd, was a mere 35 miles. But let me forewarn you, narrow and twisty was this road, (Mosquito rd), with steep exposure. Average speeds were between 25-40 mph making the drive long. Not for those who easily get car sick. (Dramamine) Otherwise, i would give this place 5 stars.

    Allison P.

    This place is really beautiful. I stayed here for two nights to have a little getaway. The campground is so close to the water , just a short walk away. I don't particularly like how close the campsites are but I wouldn't let that stop me from coming back. There's some really beautiful trails in the surrounding area and views on the drive up the mountain are breathtaking.

    We were here in August. Slightly long to get to on the windy roads at night time, but during the day the drive back wasn't bad. Loved the water access, and water was perfect temperature for swimming for our toddlers even. Great amenities (fire ring, table, bear box). Water pumps were good in the locations where water was present, but due to lower water levels, the pumps on the higher grounds had no water; had to walk to the lowest pumps (which had water, all but the last day when a big RV connected to it, and filled up the entire tank, leaving zero water for tents). Thought that was inconsiderate, and should not be allowed during drought season. Not sure if rangers can prevent that or ask RVs (who are more mobile than tents) to fill up tanks at neighboring campgrounds. Also we arrived late on Friday, so went to buy wood on Saturday morning (around 8 am). No firewood available for purchase left. If we knew that, we would have brought and purchased own wood at a grocery store (nearest town an hour away). However, we know most campgrounds don't allow outside wood, not to contaminate with non-native bugs, etc. Thankfully, there were enough dry logs in the forest nearby that we could scavenge to burn. Overall, great location, with great swimming, but some things could be improved with better facilities management.

    This is the reservoir. Very beautiful
    Elizabeth R.

    The drive there is a very long 34 miles from forest hill . The roads are not safe at all . There were 3 different parts that had been blocked off sink holes . That is a long drop off the cliff . The campground itself is very spacious. There was no showers bit bathrooms . I would much rather go somewhere else to avoid the drive . Most campgrounds in the sierras look similar . No cell service at all .

    Trash left behind
    Brett B.

    Well I guess I'm going to be the first one to leave a bad review, I have been to many campgrounds in this area, growing up near this area. When we first arrived it was okay but a couple hours later things changed, we were yelled at by the camp host for parking off the pavement, didn't see any signs for that, then a group of people arrived later in the evening with 3 SUV'S and about 15 people super loud, playing loud music, camp host said nothing to them. Then apparently the " drinking water" stopped working, shower's were closed due to "plumbing issues" and we were still charged full price. The next morning when the loud group next to us left, they filled the trash bin with air mattresses and tons of recycling materials, the recycle bin was literally next to it, they left tons of trash on the ground and the camp host said nothing to them. Maybe we just had a bad experience but it was dirty, no water and the camp host was rude to us, so we will probably not be going back.

    First time at French Meadows and we will be back! We reserved site #18 & #19 for a group of 10 of us. Lots of shade. Flush toilets. Bear box on the sites which was great. Hosts provided free fire wood and asked for any donation. Site 18 is a disabled accessible site so it's nice and flat. Great site but table is completely in the sun. Space is a little smaller than the other one. Site 19 has a path straight down to the lake! Lots of shade and space for multiple tents. By far the best of the two sites we stayed on. Woke up with a view of the lake. We had bears come to the campsites every night. One raided our campsite the first night. Our fault, we left an ice chest out filled with beer soda and juice. Loved the orange juice lol Other than that they pretty much left us alone. The lake was perfect! We took the kayak out on the water.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great place to camp. Go here every year, a place to re center my life and be in nature with no cell service.

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    Ask the Community - French Meadows Campground

    What are nighttime temperatures typically like in mid June?

    How big are the bear boxes?

    Is there any current fire restrictions in that area?

    Is there a lot of bugs this time of year (August)?

    Is it true that the closest store where you can buy ice is an hour and a half away? Thank you

    It is true!

    I got an email for my upcoming reservation saying to bring our own drinking water, I'm just wondering if there is a spigot for non drinking water at the camp sites?

    Are any of these sitea reservable or is it all first come-first serve?

    Has anyone been recently, how are the road conditions now? I know last year they were very bad, have they been fixed? I know my suv can make the trip but we may need 2 vehicles and need to make sure my hubbies car can make it 😉

    I was just there a month ago and the roads were absolutely fine.

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    Review Highlights - French Meadows Campground

    Flush toilets working this year.

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    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area

    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area

    4.8
    (5 reviews)
    31.8 mi

    On a recent mild sunny winter weekend afternoon, I visited the Halsey Forebay fishing access area…read more It's a water reservoir that's occasionally stocked with trout and crawfish. It's managed by PG&E. The reservoir is a lake with shallow rocky edges. It's just for casting fishing, no humans or animals should go into the water. The access and parking is FREE. And as always, anglers 16 and older need a CA fishing license to fish. I didn't fish here. I looked about and soaked in the sights though. It was rusticly beautiful. However the perimeter doesn't have any shade trees. But vibes were super quiet, I call it library fishing. Shhhh. As I walked about the perimeter of the lake, I noticed folks were quiet even amongst their own groups. Even the elementary school age children there were super quiet. An incredible feat. QuietPlace. And about the fishing situation, not much luck with the anglers that day. Stock was low. Near the parking lot is a short concrete pier with fishing rod holders. This is closest to the water shed. The picnic area is across the watershed. To get to the area from the parking lot, you will have to walk, on a narrow steel grate walkway, over the watershed. The rushing water provides for a dizzying visual effect. The picnic area is set back enough from the lake so if you bring the kiddos, this is the area where they can go about hooting n hollering. The area has 3-4 concrete picnic tables and a several bbq pits. It's first come, first serve. This area is not paved, dirt packed; shaded with big growth trees. Plus let me tell you I learned the hard way that the walking path doesn't connect fully around the lake. I don't recommend attempting the mythical loop. The path is mostly gravel with the other parts being dirt. Watch where you step; there was a lot of poop along the trail. There is a stretch of the path that ends and funnels you out to the narrow bike lane on Christian Valley Road near Bancroft Road. There is no adjacent room to the side of the bike lane, only a chain link fence. Cars are going 50plus miles a hour inches away from you; and they are on a curve. So wait until traffic clears for a significant distance to hightail yourself across that stretch which runs about 50 feet. Don't try to walk with cars coming at you; don't risk getting impaled by a side view mirror or worse. There is a paved parking lot and a public restrooms with vault toilets. Sorry ladies, I can't provide any additional info about the restrooms. As always, I try my best to avoid public park restrooms. But at least they have a restrooms. And to add the landscape of area doesn't provide for any natural discrete spots to answer the call of nature.

    It's gorgeous out here…read more.. We've been fishing at Halsey Forebay Picnic Area quite a few times now. We've caught trout and crawfish! Along with some gnarly mosquito bites. You can pull in and park in a parking space where it leads right up some picnic benches. Just beyond that, a l is a fence with holders for your pole. About 10-12 of them lined up. If you are fishing here, this is where having a 2nd and 3rd pole comes in handy - just be sure to get your license for that!! The water current starts off strong over here and, depending on what you are using, could float downward towards our into the next person's line, so use wisely! Figure it out! On this cool evening, we were catching them left and right. Everyone fishing here is so friendly. It's fun to meet people and see what they're using. When the sun goes down, and most of the heat goes away, Halsey Forebay becomes a sight for sore eyes... as I said... so gorgeous

    Photos
    This pathway is near the corner of Bancroft and Christian Valley Road.
    This pathway is near the corner of Bancroft and Christian Valley Road.
    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area
    Halsey Forebay Picnic Area

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    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls

    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls

    4.6
    (39 reviews)
    33.4 mi

    On AllTrails app search "Western States Trail to Calcutta Falls". Parallel Parking on the street…read moreClose to the trailhead - get here early otherwise your parking will be part of your hike. It's early spring. There is lots of wildflowers - lots and lots of butterflies to see. Got to see many reptiles - skinks and a variety of lizards. Many hawks flying overhead. Lots of amazing views of the river. And a couple of small waterfalls. Walked further than the posted trail on All Trails just to add some extra mileage.

    We stopped by on a Friday afternoon and the sun was peaking in and out from the clouds. The…read moreopening to the trail can be easily missed so just pay attention to the signs. The address on Yelp is not accurate so I would suggest using Google for directions. Parking is limited so if you don't get lucky with snagging one of the parking spots in the front then just park down the corridor and make the walk back up. The entire trail itself is flat with very little to no incline. We had my three younger nieces with us and they were able to physically complete the hike with no complaints. As you reach the bridge, walk across it and keep going to see the end prize of a gorgeous waterfall. The hike will amaze you with some scenic views of beautiful mountain backdrops with clear waters roaming down the stream. It was a very peaceful and therapeutic experience. We were able to have conversations without the disruptions of life, and we had a chance to soak in nature without the nuances of digital connectivity. So -- bring some water, snacks, and maybe a light lunch to enjoy the short and yet breathtaking experience with your loved ones. P.S. you will pass a few mini waterfalls before getting to the grand prize. Even if you don't see or hear anything for a while, just keep going because once you turn the corner -- it will all have been worth it. Although I'm an avid hiker and have walked through many trails throughout the state, this trail will remain my favorite trail in all of California.

    Photos
    Someone's creation.  Super cool.
    Someone's creation. Super cool.
    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls
    Peaceful.

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    Peaceful.
    Rollins Lake

    Rollins Lake

    3.0
    (18 reviews)
    25.2 mi

    We kicked off our 4th of July bright and early with a fishing trip to Rollins Lake before heading…read moreto Ripley to catch the parade--and it couldn't have started the day off better! The whole fam-bam was out there by 7 a.m., lines in the water as soon as we could get them in. About 30 minutes in, our middle child--who ALWAYS seems to be the first to catch something--reeled in the first fish. Not long after, our youngest caught one too, literally right after releasing the first! Then I got in on the action, followed by my husband. Our oldest was getting tons of bites but just couldn't land one. With only about 30 minutes left before we had to pack up for the parade, my husband gave him a tip and sent him to his go-to spot. Boom--fish on the line right away! He let that one go, cast again, and caught another within minutes. It was a perfect ending to our morning. Rollins Lake is such a fun spot to fish as a family. Bring chairs, sunscreen, hats, and don't forget snacks and drinks. The port-o-potties weren't bad at all, and there was plenty of parking too. We had a blast and will absolutely be coming back soon!

    100% not the lakes fault but the way this lake is described in a paddling California book is almost…read moreexactly opposite of what it really is. Idyllic paddling and nice beach shores-no Abundant wildlife-no Loud music-yes Loud Harley like speed boats-yes Even louder jet skis-yes Overly crowded shores-yes Tons of wake making kayaking next to impossible-yes Do I think it's worth going? Sure but go as early as possible

    Photos
    The lake with none of the 3 dozen jet skis in the shot
    The lake with none of the 3 dozen jet skis in the shot
    Rollins Lake
    Rollins Lake
    Our middle

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    Our middle
    Auburn State Recreation Area

    Auburn State Recreation Area

    4.5
    (76 reviews)
    28.5 mi

    Gorgeous landscape! I recently completed the Quarry trail and it was a beautiful walk. The entire…read morepark is great for enjoying nature and exploring the outdoors for various levels of activity. For the Quarry trail, I recommend parking along the main road if you find a parking spot. The parking lot at the trailhead is tiny, and always full. This trail has plenty of portable bathroom stalls and is paved.

    I luv hiking the multitude of trails in the Auburn State Recreation Area (ASRA). The area covers 40…read moremiles of the north and middle forks of the American River. Lots of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horse riding. It is a beautiful area with hills, Foresthill bridge, lake, and the river. I am not an avid hiker. More of a leisurely stroller. There are various trails with different elevation gains, distance, and difficulty. Most of the time that I came out to this area is to just hike near the confluence and sit along the river bank and take in the sights and sounds. If you go in the summer, just be aware that the temperatures can hit triple digits during the day and there can be very little shade on the trails. There is no potable water stations on the trails. Parking is limited to what is available along the side of the road near the trailheads. The spots fill up quickly on the weekend. The fee is $10. But from April 1- October 1 on the weekends 9am-5pm, there is a transit bus rides from designated areas in Auburn to the Ranger station at the confluence crossing (near Highway 49 and Old Foresthill Road). The rides need to be reserved though, details on the ride program (cost, reservations, route) are on the state parks website. The ASRA is managed by the State of California Parks Department.

    Photos
    Tamaroo Bar Trail
    Tamaroo Bar Trail
    Auburn State Recreation Area
    Olmstead Loop Trail

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    Olmstead Loop Trail

    French Meadows Campground - hiking - Updated June 2026

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