Coyote Group Campground sits on the northeast shore of French Meadows Reservoir, 40 miles into the forest from Foresthill. This is group camping for parties that want access to both the Middle Fork American River and reservoir recreation, with trailheads into Granite Chief Wilderness nearby.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $82
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 📍GPS
- 39.13556, -120.41056
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- summer, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-367-2224
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Four group sites spread through coniferous forest at 5,200 feet elevation. Black Bear handles up to 50 people and meets accessibility standards. Brush Wolf, Little Wolf, and Prairie Wolf each take 25. Every site comes with multiple picnic tables, fire circles, and grills — the setup assumes you're feeding a crowd.
The location puts you between two water features: the Middle Fork American River for swimming and fishing, and French Meadows Reservoir for boating. Two boat ramps sit within three miles if you've hauled watercraft this far into the mountains.
Nearby
The Western States Trail passes through the area, open to hikers, horseback riders, dirt bikes, and mountain bikers. More adventurous parties can access Granite Chief Wilderness trailheads from camp — the wilderness holds historic aspen stands and mountain passes worth the effort.
French Meadows Reservoir offers the standard reservoir activities: boating, canoeing, fishing, swimming. The Middle Fork American River provides a different character of water recreation, with current and more intimate swimming holes.
What to Know
Reservations required for all sites. The remote location — 40 miles from Foresthill — means this isn't a quick weekend option. Summer and fall seasons only. Temperatures run warm during the day, cool at night at this elevation. Stock up on supplies before making the drive; this isn't a place for forgotten essentials.