North Fork Campgrounds
The two campgrounds along the North Fork of the American River are popular with campers who want to get away to quiet locations. The American River is more of a stream here, making it a great place for campers to swim, wade, fish, and hike. A maze of dirt roads lead out into the surrounding forest making the area popular with mountain bikers.
Onion Valley Campground has no piped water, but its setting on a pretty meadow and secluded campsites make it a well-liked camping destination.
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North Fork Campground
Located along the North Fork of the American River on Texas Hill Road, six miles off Interstate 80 at the Emigrant Gap exit. At 4,700 feet the campground is open from the end of May to the end of September.
Campground Amenities
- 17 campsites (15 for tents or RVs, 2 walk-in tent-only sites), vault toilets, piped water
- Picnic tables, grills, fire rings
- Swimming hole in the fork of the American River (more of a stream here), fishing
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - North Fork Campground
Fees: $24 per site, $5 for extra vehicle
Onion Valley Campground
Located in a beautiful meadow on a tributary creek of the North Fork American River. Campground is shaded by fir, pine, and cedar. Campers must provide their own water. Usually open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day. All 7 well-spaced campsites are first-come, first-served.
Campground Amenities
- vault toilets, fire rings, picnic tables
- No piped water
Fees: $18 per night
Tunnel Mills Group Campground
Located on the East Fork of the North Fork of the American River. To reach the campground exit Interstate 80 at Emigrant Gap and drive south 7½ miles on Texas Hill Road. The campground is at 4,600 feet and is usually open from the end of May to the end of September.
Campground Amenities
- 2 group sites (one for tents and RVs, the other for tents only), each site can accommodate up to 30 people and 6 vehicles
- Vault toilets, no piped water
- Picnic tables, fire rings, grills
- Hiking, fishing
Reservations: (877) 444-6777 or Recreation.gov - Tunnel Mills Group Campground
Fees: $99 per site