Bridal Veil sits on a hill above the South Fork American River at 3,200 feet, built for groups who want river access without the crowds of more popular Sierra camps. The setup is straightforward: seven parking spots, five tent pads, and two deep swimming holes that locals know about.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $8
- 📍GPS
- 38.76639, -120.48250
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 831-245-6891
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The group area overlooks both the river and day-use picnic grounds below. You get lot-style parking rather than individual sites — think more like a group retreat than traditional camping. Five tent pads accommodate the overnight crowd, while eight picnic tables and six serving tables handle meals and gear staging. A large communal fire ring anchors the setup.
The day-use area comes with your group reservation at no extra charge, extending your territory down to the water. None of the facilities meet accessibility standards, and there's no water on-site — plan your supply runs accordingly.
What to Know
A camp host stays on-site from mid-May through mid-October, which covers the prime swimming season when those river holes matter most. The Mediterranean climate here means warm, dry summers and cold, wet winters — time your visit for when the water's actually appealing.
Reserve early: group campground cancellations within 14 days cost you $10 plus your first night's fee. The 14-day advance booking window is firm.
Nearby
Bridal Veil Falls sits five minutes away by car. Pollock Pines offers stores and restaurants 10 minutes up the road when your group supplies run low. Jenkinson Lake and Crystal Basin are both within 30 minutes for expanded water activities.
The South Fork American here holds rainbow and brown trout for anyone who brought tackle. Highway 50 and the surrounding forest roads provide scenic driving, while South Lake Tahoe sits 45 minutes away for day trips or supply runs to a larger town.