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Tahoe/Lewis
Overview
Lewis Campground offers a serene escape within the Tahoe National Forest. Situated near the tranquil French Meadows Reservoir, this destination provides a classic mountain experience at an elevation of 5,200 feet. Surrounded by a thick canopy of pine and fir trees, it serves as a gateway for travelers looking to disconnect from the grid and immerse themselves in the rugged beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This is a seasonal location, typically welcoming visitors from late spring through the early autumn months.
Location & Surroundings
Located about 36 miles east of Foresthill, California, the journey to the park involves winding mountain roads that offer stunning vistas. The park sits on the north shore of French Meadows Reservoir, providing immediate access to the water. The surrounding landscape is characterized by steep canyons and dense forests, making it a prime spot for those who appreciate a truly remote and scenic environment away from the noise of modern development.
Amenities & Park Features
As a traditional forest service facility, the amenities focus on the essentials for high-quality dry camping. The park features the following comforts:
- Paved parking spurs designed to accommodate various RV lengths.
- Access to shared potable water and well-maintained vault toilets.
- Individual sites equipped with fire rings and picnic tables.
A paved boat ramp is located nearby, making it convenient for visitors to launch watercraft directly into the reservoir.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the reservoir itself, known for its excellent trout fishing and calm waters perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding. Hikers can explore a variety of trails that wind through the wilderness or venture toward the nearby North Fork of the American River. The area is also popular for wildlife viewing, where visitors might spot osprey, bald eagles, or deer amidst the towering timber and rocky Sierra outcrops.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for RVers who prioritize natural solitude over modern luxuries. It is best suited for those comfortable with dry camping and smaller-to-mid-sized rigs that can navigate mountain terrain. Families seeking an authentic outdoor adventure and avid anglers will find the proximity to the water perfect for their needs. It is the ultimate choice for travelers looking to swap cell service for starry nights and fresh mountain air.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Fermen Smith
My 3 friends and I, camped at Lewis Campground (Sept 4–7, site 23) and loved it. Bathrooms were spotless, sites are private and well-spaced, and our camp host Mike was awesome. Site 23 was very spacious, but be careful—some sites are small (site 37 won’t fit more than 2 people comfortably). Tip: call ahead, since the Reserve.com map doesn’t show true site sizes. Fire ring fires are allowed—we cooked over the fire daily. The reservoir is just down the road with a boat launch and a hidden sandy beach area (perfect for 4–8 people), though it can get windy. Bear boxes are provided (about 3ft x 3ft) but a large cooler won’t fit, so plan to consolidate. Nights got much colder than forecast (down to mid-40s), so bring warm layers. Minimal bugs, plenty of shade, quiet overall, and the camp hosts were helpful without being overbearing. No showers, but clean stalls/urinals and a peaceful setting make this a great spot. Highly recommend Lewis if you want a clean, quiet, and well-run campground near French Meadows.
Anna Nunes
I’ll start by saying this campground had one of the cleanest flush bathrooms I’ve ever seen at a campground - that should say a lot! Camp host was very nice, although they were out of firewood unfortunately. Plenty of wood around to be picked up anyway, I was able to gather enough to keep hours of fire for both nights I was there. There is access to the lake right outside the campground, and a boat ramp at the end of the road. The campground was really quiet after 9pm which I really appreciate. No loud speakers, kids screaming or anything like that. And on a holiday weekend nonetheless! Finally, I saw a previous review about only driving high clearance cars to this campground, which almost made me panic cancel the trip so I felt obligated to come here and clarify. If you, like me, drive a tiny sedan, take Mosquito Ridge Road. It’s asphalt and pretty close to brand new. If you have a high clearance vehicle and are feeling adventurous, you can take Foresthill Divide Road instead. Drive safe!
Doug Berwick
Nice campground, and it definitely helped that we stayed there when no one else was in the campground, not even the camp host! Arrived on a Tuesday, left on Thursday. We were told via email and on the website not to bring firewood but to purchase there. Makes sense, support the forest service, etc. I'd love to, but the firewood was locked up and the camp host was unavailable during our stay. We scoured our campground and others nearby in the area for leftover wood we could burn, and luckily found some. If the host isn't going to be there, but they know one campsite will be used, at least leave some wood! I brought cash to pay for it but didn't have any option to buy. Anyway, the site itself is nice. We came from Sacramento so the way in was through Foresthill, and after a while that road turns into a pretty rough dirt road. Glad we brought the Tacoma as even a Subaru would have trouble at points along the road. This was the only way into the entire French Meadows campground area so far as I know. Be prepared for steep and rough roads on the way in/out. The campground is near the water, the air smells great, and it was just what we wanted. Being the only ones in the campground was a really nice bonus. Good facilities for camping, exactly what we expected. Plenty of potable water spigots. No showers. We did a hike into the Granite Chief Wilderness that started at nearby Talbot campground. Came upon a large brown bear using a tree as a scratching post. Thankfully it ran away when it became aware of us (we began to go back the way we came once we saw the bear), so we cautiously continued our hike periodically yelling out for any other potential bears to hear us. A great midweek camping adventure.
Ishan Pardesi
Such an amazing place to camp with friends and family in middle of Tahoe national forest. The reservoir next to it had amazing clear water. The night sky was good too. Campsites have dedicated fireplaces at each camp site. They have flushable toilets, so it was a huge relief. This place does not get cell service, which was exactly what I was looking for. However, you do get cell service at Chip Munk Ridge which is a vista point overlooking the reservoir at a 20 minutes drive distance.
Irina Shevchuk
Beautiful campground Spacious Surrounded by wilderness, huge trees. Lake is a walk away , fishing boating &swimming . Loved our stay here ❤️ will be coming back again
Guillermo Carteno
First time here loved it we spend 7days here quite place to relax also fun place for the kids not a lot of hikes but fun time in the water camp grounds are clean and not strict
Danō Y
Another great trip. Getting greener every year. Forest fires do wonders when the land recovers. Absolutely gorgeous green everywhere. Wouldn't know we were in a drought. Land management has really done an amazing clean up job. Thank you!!!
Lois Watts
Love this place we have been going there for 49 years. Going back Soon.
Mina Mansuetti
Great lol place
shreya bhattacharji
If you enjoy quiet campground with sunlight and moonlight streaming through the trees you've got the right spot! Clean restroom, ample space in the lot, 2 cars back up easily. You can hear the stream nearby and birds chirping.