Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Foresthill, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Foresthill. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.
$24 - $48 / night
"We rode his e-tricycle (and I walked) all the way down to the lake and around it going clockwise. The trail around the lake extends about 75% of the way around, from the campground to the boat dock."
"The site was spacious and a short walk to the reservoir and trail. We hiked around the entire reservoir and it was gorgeous."
"Beautiful fall surroundings right adjacent to the South Fork of the American River. Easy walk or car ride to numerous hiking trails."
"If you ever want to experience the thrill of gold panning, and California history go here!"
$3 - $8 / night
"A lovely quiet spot midweek, quiet drive to Georgetown for some great breakfasts if you want some classic American diner fare."
"Close to Georgetown and to the El Dorado National Forest. Super clean and easy to get to. Signs off 193 are well marked! The have horse corrals too if you’re into that. Highly recommend!"
"Our site was next to the raft launch/pickup, so there were a couple of groups picked up during the day. Bathrooms were average and the site was maintained well."
"(Small cars made it down ther without difficulty)
Once at the camp ground, right on the waters edge, grab up the 3rd site on the right. It is literally on the edge of the river."
$38 / night
"I’ve been here about 8-10 times and every time I love my stay, it’s a quiet getaway around 45 mins away from me and the sound of the river is amazing."
"Place the cash ($28 a night) in the envelope and put it in the post that’s on the parking entrance."
"Nice campground - close to river. .5 mile walk to town for shopping/eating. All sites have fire pit and picnic table. Bathrooms clean and private showers."
"It is right in the American River and next to a class 3 rapid called Trouble Maker. It was awesome watching rafters and kayakers go through it."
"It’s great for kids that want to ride bikes around the sites- but be careful of the river, it’s swift."
"Great spot if you can get in half of the camp got washed away from the rain this year though ."
$28 / night
"Nice trails to explore that run along the river’s edge. Easy trails for beginners."
"One of my favorite summer spots, great Access to the American River. Site has pit toilets, fire rings, tables and bear lockers(have seen several bears)"
$42 - $53 / night
"This is a smaller but nice lake. It hasn’t ever been over crowded when I’ve gone. The reason I like this spot is because campsites C3-C10 have the most shade you can hope for!"
"They have a convenience store that is walkable distance to get supplies, food, candy from.
You should reserve a spot right on the lake. If you have a boat you can anchor it right in front."
"Just know that here on The Dyrt, the location on the map for some reason shows it as being many miles away from Kidder Ct: it’s marked as if it is at Higgins Corner, halfway to Auburn?"
"Super clean and friendly
Not congested and close to many hiking trails Easy drive and close to Nevada City.
Especially nice during Christmas Season. Feels like walking back in time."
TravelerUse the coordinates to get to the Boca campground site and make a right, the exact coordinates will take you to a boat ramp , the campground itself was fire we stayed at site 25 , had a private walk way to the beach
TravelerDuring our stay (mid of September) the place was empty and we had the most relaxed time we could have. RV site close to the river and some deers also crossing our ways on the campground
TravelerAwesome site, stayed in my van on the boat launch. There are tent sites above the boat ramp with bear boxes and fire rings. Left side of tent sites is very loud due to the rushing river. Very secluded from others, only 2 others on the boat ramp in vans. do not attempt to do this in anything smaller than an SUv sedans would definitely not be able to make it to this site. Road has lots of holes and rocks sticking up out the ground.
TravelerNo cell signal here - speed test is from starlink. Note google & garmin routing from Nevada City takes a bridge with a 4 Ton weight restriction.
ScoutWhat a great camp site. We used site 31, with a tent. While it was a little rocky the site was great. Located near the restroom but not to close (if you know what I mean). The site is while in five to 15 mins of several lakes and breathtaking water falls. The walking trails being the grounds are easy and shady for those hot summer days.
LegendEasy to get to and easy to park at although not a great spot for tents. Unfortunately there was a massive fire here and there is nothing to look at but burned out trees.
GuideI 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.
TravelerThis campground is a hidden gem—just 10 minutes from Truckee and about 20 minutes to Tahoe. We stayed in site #6, which was a first-come, first-served spot. According to the camp host, weekdays are usually easy to snag a site, but you’ll definitely want a reservation if you're planning to stay Friday through Sunday. Most sites offer beautiful views of the lake, and many are on level ground, making setup easy. One tip: avoid site #8 unless you're in a pinch—it’s surrounded by other sites (island spot) and doesn’t offer much privacy, but it would work for a quick overnight stay. The campground feels spacious, peaceful, and scenic. Just keep in mind there are no showers or running water, so come prepared for dry camping. That wasn’t an issue for us since our camper is set up for boondocking. All in all, an awesome spot—we’ll definitely be back!
GuideRoad is rough, especially after first mile to interpretive site. Looks like a few spots there you could camp. The last mile gets rougher. Was fine in my 2wd van but have high clearance and was dry. Might be worse if muddy or low clearance vehicle. Also, coordinates lead to historic sheep camp site. Can probably camp next to it but better spots just beyond though road gets even rougher.
Camping near Foresthill, California, offers a fantastic escape into nature with beautiful landscapes and plenty of outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are several campgrounds to choose from.
Camping near Foresthill, California, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the options for dispersed camping near Foresthill?
Dispersed camping options near Foresthill include several areas in Tahoe National Forest. Gold Lake 4x4 Campground offers a remote experience in the Sierra Buttes area where you can truly escape crowds while enjoying access to fishing and hiking trails. Many forest roads in the Foresthill area permit dispersed camping with a valid California Campfire Permit. Ruck-A-Chucky Campground near Foresthill provides more accessible options with basic facilities. When dispersed camping, remember to follow Leave No Trace principles, camp at least 100 feet from water sources, and check current fire restrictions before your trip as they frequently change in California.
Are there tiny homes or alternative accommodations available in Foresthill?
While traditional tiny homes are limited in the immediate Foresthill area, several alternative accommodations exist nearby. American River Resort offers various lodging options beyond standard camping, with easy river access and a half-mile walk to town for amenities. For those seeking unique experiences, Uncle Tom's Cabin Campground provides a rustic mountain retreat popular with various outdoor enthusiasts. The broader region around Foresthill has seen growth in glamping options, though availability varies seasonally. For more developed alternative accommodations, check Inn Town Campground near Nevada City, which offers glamping tents and other unique lodging options within a reasonable drive from Foresthill.
Where are the best campgrounds in Foresthill, CA?
The Foresthill area offers several excellent campgrounds for different preferences. Giant Gap is highly rated with accessible sites for RVs, featuring trails around a lake that are ideal for walking and even wheelchair-accessible recreation. For those seeking solitude with beautiful forest settings, Tahoe National Forest Wild Plum Campground offers large, private campsites along Haypress Creek with easy access to outdoor activities like mountain biking in Downieville. Both campgrounds provide fire pits and picnic tables, though amenities vary seasonally. For water recreation, campgrounds near the American River provide refreshing swimming opportunities during hot summer months.
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