Tunnel Mills Group Campground serves groups looking for a quiet base camp along the East Fork of the North Fork of the North Fork American River. With two sites that handle up to 30 people each, it's positioned for fishing, hiking, and exploring the nearby Wild and Scenic River canyon without the crowds of more accessible Tahoe National Forest spots.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $20
- 📍GPS
- 39.25216, -120.65172
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-265-4531
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Two group sites sit under a canopy of cedar, pine, and fir alongside what's essentially a creek-sized tributary of the American River. Site 1 accommodates both tents and RVs with space for six vehicles, while Site 2 is tent-only with the same vehicle limit and 30-person capacity. Both come with picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets — standard group camp amenities in a decidedly non-standard location.
The setting feels remote despite highway access. The river runs small here in the upper drainage, but it's genuine moving water in a forested canyon setting rather than the developed reservoir environment you'll find closer to the Interstate 80 corridor.
Access and Activities
Get here via the Emigrant Gap exit off Interstate 80 — the same exit that serves as a gateway to much of the northern Sierra backcountry. Rainbow trout fishing works the river, though at this size you're looking at small stream techniques rather than anything resembling the main American River fishery downstream.
Hiking and OHV trails branch out from the area, including foot trail access into the North Fork American Wild and Scenic River canyon. For more extensive trail networks, Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area and Donner Summit are a short drive east on 80, opening up the high country around Castle Peak and the Pacific Crest Trail corridor.
Hunting opportunities exist in the surrounding forest during appropriate seasons, making this a potential base for fall groups combining multiple activities.
Planning Notes
Group reservations required for both sites. The remote location means this isn't a spot you stumble into — plan ahead and confirm your reservation details, especially regarding the no-show policy and potential $20 fee if your group doesn't arrive as scheduled.