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A white Tacoma with a camper shell parked on a rise above a broad, empty basin under building cloud.

Forest Service campground

North Fork

Forest Service campground in Tahoe National Forest, Placer County, California. 4,741 feet. 20 miles from Colfax.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Managed by
Forest Service Tahoe National Forest
Elevation
4,741 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Sites
15 13 standard non-electric, 2 tent only non-electric
Longest rig
50 ft The longest vehicle any site is listed for
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov
County
Placer County

Overview

North Fork Campground is located along the North Fork of the North Fork American River in the Tahoe National Forest, off of Interstate 80, at the Emigrant Gap Exit. Visitors enjoy fishing and swimming in this scenic area.

Recreation

A great swimming hole is located a short walk from the end of the campground, on the river. Rainbow trout fishing is a popular activity enjoyed by visitors to the campground. Hiking trails and hunting opportunities are found in the surrounding area.

Facilities

The campground offers single-family sites, a few of which are designated for tent camping only. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.

Natural Features

The campground is near the beautiful creek-sized river, in a remote location. It is shaded by cedar, pine and fir trees and is a pleasant escape from urban life.

Nearby Attractions

Many hiking, and OHV trails are located nearby as well as foot trail access into the North Fork American Wild and Scenic River canyon. Many more trails can be found a short distance east on Interstate 80 at Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area and Donner Summit.

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • camping
  • fishing
  • hiking
  • hunting
  • swimming
  • water activities

The land around North Fork

The ringed pin is this campground; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Nearest campgrounds

Camping near

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated June 19, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.

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