Gates Group is built for gatherings, not solitude — three sites designed for groups of 25 to 75 people spread along the North Fork American River. At 5,200 feet in the Tahoe National Forest, it's a solid base camp for larger parties wanting river access and proximity to French Meadows Reservoir, 40 miles from Foresthill.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 3
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,200 ft
- 📍GPS
- 39.14139, -120.40917
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- summer, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- Yes
- 📞Phone
- 530-367-2224
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The three group sites sit along the North Fork American River in a coniferous forest north of French Meadows Reservoir. Two sites handle up to 25 people and eight vehicles each, while the largest accommodates 75 people and 25 vehicles. Each site comes with picnic tables, campfire circles, grills, and vault toilets, plus drinking water on-site.
Summer days run warm at this elevation, but nights cool down — pack layers even in peak season.
What to Know
Reservations are required for all sites. Given the group capacity and river location, this place books up during summer weekends. The 40-mile drive from Foresthill puts you well into the backcountry, so plan your supply runs accordingly.
Nearby
The North Fork American River runs right through camp, offering fishing and swimming spots. French Meadows Reservoir sits nearby with two boat ramps within three miles — bring your canoe or fishing gear.
Trail access opens up quickly from here. The Western States Trail accommodates hikers, horseback riders, dirt bikers, and mountain bikers. For wilderness seekers, the Granite Chief Wilderness boundary lies just down the road, with hiking trails leading to historic aspen groves and mountain passes.
The reservoir and river combination makes this more than just a place to sleep — it's a water-focused base camp with wilderness access for groups that want both.