Tent camping near Foresthill, California puts campers at the gateway to the Tahoe National Forest, with most sites situated between 3,000-5,000 feet elevation. The region experiences typical Sierra Nevada weather patterns with hot, dry summers and cold, snowy winters that can close many campgrounds from November through April. Summer daytime temperatures often reach 90°F while dropping to the 50s at night, making proper layering essential for campers.
What to do
Swimming access: Visitors at Lake Clementine Boat In campground enjoy the American River's clear waters for cooling off during hot summer days. According to one camper, "The river is extremely clean and clear with good temperature. The rangers are there everyday (I think). Very friendly folks. It can get pretty busy during the weekend with a lot of folks coming in for day-use."
Kayaking opportunities: Lake Spaulding Campground offers excellent paddling opportunities though conditions change throughout the day. One reviewer notes, "We take our Kayaks and spend the day on the lake. It gets choppy in the afternoon so be aware."
Hiking trails: Multiple paths connect campsites to the surrounding wilderness. At Mumford Bar Trail Campground, one camper advises, "The hike down to the American via Mumford Trail is NOT a leisurely stroll. Pack plenty of water and be prepared to spend the night down at the river if you head out late. There is a camp space down there once you reach the river and pass through the thickets."
Scenic lake circuit: Jenkinson Campground features a well-maintained trail system around its lake. A visitor reports, "The trails are perfectly maintained and you can go around the whole lake in 9miles. The hike to the waterfall is wonderful and depending where you start depends on length."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many Foresthill area campgrounds offer good separation between sites. At Tahoe National Forest Onion Valley Campground, a camper appreciates, "Only one other group on the opposite end of the campground since it has a north/south side. There aren't many spots and they are well spaced out."
Natural waterfall access: Some sites provide access to waterfalls within hiking distance. A Jenkinson camper shares, "The hike to the waterfall is wonderful... You have to see it though! 33ft and the perfect spot to swim when it warms up."
Star-gazing opportunities: The open meadows near some campsites create ideal conditions for viewing night skies. A reviewer at Onion Valley Campground notes, "I loved the open fields of wild flowers. Those open spaces allow for some great star gazing night."
Wildlife viewing: The ecosystem supports diverse wildlife. At Onion Valley Campground, one camper comments, "Frogs are noisy at night due to the streams that run nearby. Fire scarring just up the road made for good firewood and a humbling reminder of what a wildfire leaves behind."
What you should know
Fire regulations: Fire restrictions vary by season and campground. At Camp Nauvoo, fires are permitted in designated rings, while other areas may have complete bans during dry periods. Lake Spaulding campsites include "Tables, bear lockers, fire rings at all campsites."
Cash-only payment: Some sites require exact cash payment upon arrival. One Lake Clementine camper advises, "First come first serve campsites... (Useful tip, BRING A PEN AND EXACT CASH) Upon arrival, scope out the place and claim your spot by filling out the envelope with your name and vehicle information and how many days your plan on staying."
Limited water sources: Most tent camping sites near Foresthill lack potable water. A camper at Lake Clementine warns, "No showers or running water....there are only toilets available. Bring your own water to drink, wash dishes and pans, or wash yourselves. The nearest store is about 2 miles back to the main road if you need to re-up on anything."
Seasonal closures: Many campgrounds close completely during winter months. A reviewer notes about Lake Spaulding: "Closed from October till May." Always check current status before planning a trip.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly options: OARS American River Outpost Campground offers organized activities for families. A visitor shares, "We stayed at the American River Outpost campground for a rafting tour with OARS a few years ago, and it was such a blast! This was our first time whitewater rafting, and it was a great experience."
Shade considerations: When tent camping with children near Foresthill, shade availability varies significantly between sites. At Lake Clementine, a camper notes, "Overall, the campsite area is nice, it's close proximity to the river, depending on which site you chose, sites 1-6 offer little shade to none, the rest of the sites offer a good amount of shade."
Poison oak awareness: Some campgrounds have poison oak between sites that parents should teach children to identify. A Peninsula Family Camping visitor warns, "When we arrived to the campground, we found that the sites we reserved were on a hill, and poison oak between them."
Bear safety measures: Most Foresthill area campgrounds are in bear country and require proper food storage. Lake Spaulding campers note, "There are bears but they seem to keep to themselves but don't temp with unstored food."
Tips from RVers
Road access limitations: Many roads to Foresthill area campgrounds have restrictions. At Lake Clementine, an RVer cautions, "The access road is about six miles of curvy, hilly, and narrow (sometimes only one lane) pavement. There is a sign prohibiting trailers; our 18-foot camper van did fine but anything much larger would definitely be challenged."
Site leveling challenges: Finding level sites for larger vehicles can be difficult. A Lake Clementine visitor notes, "Many of the sites are more suitable for tent campers. The parking area is at the top of the hill, and you set up your tent below. Most of the sites that have a 'driveway' were not level, except for Sites 5 and 6."
Limited RV-friendly options: Most tent camping areas near Foresthill have few or no hookups. At Jenkinson Campground, the front section typically accommodates larger RVs, with one camper observing, "The front half of the lake is sometimes quite close quarters full of large RVs and campers."
