North Fork sits along the North Fork American River in Tahoe National Forest, reached via the Emigrant Gap exit off Interstate 80. This group campground offers riverside camping with swimming holes and rainbow trout fishing, shaded by cedar, pine, and fir trees in a remote setting that feels far from the interstate despite easy access.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $20
- 📍GPS
- 39.27147, -120.65812
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-265-4531
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The campground spreads along what the Forest Service calls a "creek-sized river" — the North Fork of the North Fork American River. Sites come with the standard picnic tables and fire rings, with vault toilets and drinking water available. Some sites are designated tent-only, though the campground accommodates both tents and RVs. The setting feels genuinely remote despite being just off I-80, with thick forest cover providing shade and screening.
A short walk from the campground's end leads to a swimming hole that draws campers during warmer months. The river runs clear and cold, typical of Sierra Nevada watersheds, with rainbow trout holding in deeper pools for those who brought fishing gear.
What to Know
This is designated group camping at $20 per night, so expect to share the space with organized parties rather than individual families. The proximity to Interstate 80 makes it accessible year-round, though check conditions during winter months when snow can complicate access.
Nearby
Hiking trails branch out from the campground area, with foot trail access leading into the North Fork American Wild and Scenic River canyon for those wanting to explore beyond the immediate camping area. Off-highway vehicle trails also thread through the surrounding forest for motorized recreation.
Drive east on I-80 to reach more extensive trail networks at Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area and around Donner Summit, both a short distance from camp and offering different terrain and difficulty levels.