Camper submitted image from North Fork Campground - 1

View Photos

Camper submitted image from North Fork Campground - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from North Fork Campground - 3
Water
Camper submitted image from North Fork Campground - 4
People
Camper submitted image from North Fork Campground - 5
Roads
Unlock Planning Tools in App

Established Camping

North Fork Campground

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Stage 2 fire restrictions are in place on the Tahoe National Forest beginning August 22, 2025 due to increasing fire danger. Please visit the link below to review Forest Order 17-25-08 and to view a list of authorized hosted campgrounds where fires (in established metal fire rings) are allowed and to review additional prohibitions:https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/tahoe/alerts/stage-2-fire-restrictionsIndividuals with a valid campfire permit may use a portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials provided that the portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern only burns gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel and has a with a shut-off valve. Campfire permits are free and available online at permit.preventwildfiresca.org or in-person at Tahoe National Forest Visitors Centers.

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

North Fork Campground is located near Camptonville in the Tahoe National Forest. The area features forested terrain with the Yuba River nearby, offering opportunities for fishing and hiking. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer, and visitors can explore the historic town of Nevada City or the scenic views at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park, both accessible within an hour.

Suggest an Edit

Location

North Fork Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From east bound Interstate 80 take exit 158A or west bound Interstate 80 take exit 158B south to Emigrant Gap. After exiting the interstate take a right on Texas Hill Road towards Emigrant Gap. Continue on Texas Hill Road for about 6.5 miles and turn right into the campground.

Address

YUBA RIVER RANGER DISTRICT THIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND 15924 HIGHWAY 49
Camptonville, CA 95922

Coordinates

39.271467 N
120.658122 W

Open in Google Maps

Is North Fork Campground sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More
Presented byT Mobile

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    VerizonLTE
    Some Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • Market
  • Trash
  • Firewood Available
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Pets

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

25%
50%
25%
0%
0%

4.0

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 28, 2025

Nice quiet campground and river

I stopped by here to check out the campground and found it to be very nice quiet and clean. There is a nice river running along the side with a waterfall and a few nice deep swimming holes. I got the only FCFS site and it was nice.

Site17
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of North Fork Campground by Matthew C., August 28, 2025
  • Review photo of North Fork Campground by Matthew C., August 28, 2025
Reviewed Jul. 3, 2025

Nice

Quiet clean campground with host. Some sites are by creek. Some by the road but the ride is higher up in elevation. There is a swim hole nearby. Road in is paved. Cool and convenient campground. There are separate grills in addition to fire rings.

Site13
Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Apr. 23, 2021

Dipping pools

This is a smaller no-host campsite. There are bear lockers, picnic table, and fire pit at each site. I do not know if there are electrical hook ups for RVs. The drinking water comes from an always running spigot and I have never drank anything so refreshing. Several dipping pools are accessible from the campsite. The downside is that a feeder road runs along the site so it can be quite loud, especially during the weekends. If you need firewood, stop at the lodge like gas station that’s less than 5 mins from the turn off the hwy that will take you to camp.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of North Fork Campground by Allie F., April 23, 2021
  • Review photo of North Fork Campground by Allie F., April 23, 2021
  • Review photo of North Fork Campground by Allie F., April 23, 2021
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2020

Crowded, but convenient

The campsites are all pretty close together and they fill up fast. There is a trail at the back of the campground that leads to a gorgeous swimming spot that can get pretty busy on the weekends.

  • Review photo of North Fork Campground by Adam B., July 17, 2020
  • Review photo of North Fork Campground by Adam B., July 17, 2020
  • Review photo of North Fork Campground by Adam B., July 17, 2020
  • (4) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at North Fork Campground in Emigrant Gap?

North Fork Campground offers several basic amenities for a comfortable camping experience. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, fire pit, and separate grill. Bear lockers are provided at all sites for safe food storage. The campground features refreshing drinking water from a continuously running spigot. While primarily designed for tent camping, some RV sites may be available, though specific hookup information isn't confirmed. The campground has a host on-site during the main season to assist visitors.

Where is North Fork Campground located in Tahoe National Forest?

North Fork Campground is located in Emigrant Gap within Tahoe National Forest. The campground sits alongside a creek, with some sites positioned directly by the water and others situated near the road at a higher elevation. Access is convenient with a paved road leading into the campground. Its location provides a cool mountain retreat while remaining accessible for visitors exploring the Tahoe National Forest area.

What do photos of North Fork Campground show about the camping experience?

Photos of North Fork Campground showcase a picturesque setting with campsites nestled among trees, some positioned alongside a creek. Images highlight the natural beauty with several deep swimming holes and a waterfall nearby. You'll see the provided amenities at each site: picnic tables, fire rings, separate grills, and bear lockers. The campground appears well-maintained and clean, with a peaceful forest atmosphere that offers a quintessential Sierra Nevada camping experience.

What do visitors say in reviews about North Fork Campground?

Visitors describe North Fork Campground as quiet, clean, and well-maintained. The campground earns praise for its beautiful setting alongside a creek with access to swimming holes and a waterfall. Campers appreciate the refreshing drinking water and the practical amenities at each site, including bear lockers, picnic tables, fire pits, and separate grills. While some note that sites are relatively close together and fill quickly, especially on weekends, the overall experience is positive. First-come, first-served sites are limited, so arriving early is recommended, particularly during peak season.

Are there good fishing spots near North Fork Campground on the American River?

The North Fork Campground offers excellent water access with several promising fishing opportunities. A creek runs alongside the campground, and there are multiple swimming holes and a waterfall in the vicinity. A trail at the back of the campground leads to a particularly nice swimming spot that becomes popular on weekends. While specific fishing success isn't detailed, the presence of accessible water features suggests potential fishing opportunities. For serious anglers, it's advisable to check with the campground host about current fishing conditions.