Swimming holes and fishing draw campers to North Fork Campground, a drive-in site set within Tahoe National Forest near Camptonville, California. A trail at the back of the campground leads to a deep swimming hole, and several dipping pools are accessible directly from the campsites. The North Fork river runs along one edge of the property, with a waterfall visible from certain spots. Sites are close together and fill quickly, especially on summer weekends, so arriving early or booking a reservation gives campers the best chance at a spot near the water.
Nabil describes it as a "quiet clean campground with host," and that tracks with what multiple visitors report. Each site has a bear locker, picnic table, fire ring, and a separate grill. A feeder road runs along the campground, which can generate road noise on busy weekends. The drinking water comes from a continuously running spigot on-site.
Practical details worth noting: firewood is available nearby at a lodge-style gas station less than five minutes from the highway turnoff. The campground accommodates RVs up to 50 feet with sewer hookups. Pets are allowed. Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground sits less than a mile to the northeast for campers who want a nearby alternative, and those planning a broader trip can browse campsites around Tahoe National Forest for additional context. North Fork runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day at $24 per night, making it a reasonable base for a summer week along the North Fork river.
Description
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.
Charges & Cancellations
No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). * No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsNorth Fork Campground is located in California near Emigrant Gap
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
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/4/26- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/4/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
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
Drive Time
- 53 min from Reno, NV
- 1 hr 2 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr 18 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 24 min from Carson City, NV
