North Fork Campground, Camptonville, CA

North Fork Campground is located in the American River Ranger District, Tahoe National Forest (1 hr 14 min northeast of Lincoln, CA) with an elevation of 4,813 feet. There are a total of 16 campsites. The campground is normally open from mid May to the end of October. 14 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 32 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. There is a fee of $24.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
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Campsite Reviews (57)

4.3 out of 5

5 star
63%
4 star
16%
3 star
9%
2 star
4%
1 star
7%
@MariaE2D2AA02C · Camped on Sep 27, 2024 at Campsite #3
Absolutely stunning campground.
@MichaelH990269 · Camped on Jul 26, 2024 at Campsite #9
I enjoyed the stay at North Fork Campground. What stops me from rating better than "Good" is that the camp host is emptying campfire ashes in several separate spots throughout the entire campsite area itself. This is a very unfortunate practice and really needs to stop immediately. Find some other way to clean out and dispose of the ashes from inside the campfire ring after use when needed. The ashes not only severely diminish the camping experience, but also the ashes distract from the overall natural beauty of the surrounding area. I thought perhaps it might be pervious campers doing this, however, when departing from the stay I observed all other camping sites to be of the same condition. Multiple ground in spots of ashes plainly visible. The ashes pick up and blow in the breeze or wind. The ashes stick to the bottom of shoes. The ashes plain out get everything dirty including clothes and inside of vehicles. Ironically, upon arrival, the camp host stops by to validate check in and after verification recites a list of dos and don'ts. One of these being to keep the site clean and tidy during the stay in consideration of the eco-environment and in addition to the next guest's arrival. These ashes get into everything, and it makes the entire campground to look really dingy. Very unattractive. I did not have an opportunity to discuss this with the host concerning this during the stay or upon departure. If I had, I might not be writing this review as such. In hindsight, if I did have a moment of the host's time, would my comment simply be ignored? I am not a rude person. It is very disappointing North Fork Campground campsites are in this condition. I think they will continue to be unless whomever is responsible to read this review for follow up is willing to take the initiative towards corrective action. This is the only campground I have stayed at that has campfire pit ashes strewn throughout. I hope this review helps provide a remedy.
@MieshaC89F9993 · Camped on Jul 13, 2024 at Campsite #6
Super awesome site! The swimming hole is stunning! Crystal clear and beautiful with rocks to jump from and water falls. The hike there is pretty easy but not accessible for any sort of wagons, strollers, wheel chairs or anything like that. But totally doable with just a backpack or just a water bottle. Only other thing is that the campsites are close together but its still a great site. Big sites and potable water and fire ring with a grill on it. Bathrooms and bear boxes :) Will be going again.
@RalphM3841796 · Camped on Jul 9, 2024 at Campsite #11
The North Fork campground is hard to beat. No highway noise and minimal insects. The bathrooms and facilities are well maintained. The camp host (same host as Summer 2023) is friendly and helpful. As others have stated you can't beat the ambience of a creek running down the side of the camp and a water hole loved by kids and our group of 60+ year old kids! The wooded sett ing kept the temperatures in the mid to upper 80s. Either there were more responsible campers or a better clean up of bear boxes this year. Last year two bear boxes at a number of camp sites were filled with garbage from previous campers. One great hike to do -- The Donner trail tunnels.
@NicoleR9416181 · Camped on Jul 7, 2024 at Campsite #7
Beautiful campground right along the river. So peaceful!
@Stephanie22978 · Camped on Jun 10, 2024 at Campsite #12
We left in the middle of the night on our second night as we did not feel safe. When we arrived, there were several cars parked in the spot next to us and our neighbors proceeded to play music and watch tv from a projector while loudly partying. It was not the camping experience I anticipated, but thought that it would be a one night thing and they would be asked to leave in the morning as they were clearly not following the camp rules. 24 hours later, even more vehicles and people had arrived and we were warned by the camp host not to use the restrooms as the party goers had vomited all over and made a mess. Things felt very out of control at this point and unsafe. The men were on dirtbikes, blasting music with explicit lyrics, and saying inappropriate things in front of my children. One of the men in particular kept coming over asking to borrow things and I did not appreciate him continuing to wander into our site. Other campers nearby began to express concern about safety and I made the decision to get out of there because it felt like a potentially dangerous situation.
@ClaudiaC4D8818 · Camped on Jun 7, 2024 at Campsite #3
We love this camp ground. Access to water, safe for kids. Only wish the restrooms were upgraded and/or included showers
@AntoinettCFCD3 · Camped on Jun 1, 2024 at Campsite #3
I love this place.The camp host was great and very on top of things. I appreciated that they reminded everyone of the rules and made sure dogs were on a leash. The bathrooms were cleaned often, and fully stocked. A+ camp host. I love the day use area.
@BarbaraYCD2B90 · Camped on May 24, 2024 at Campsite #11
Beautiful and secluded. Fill up on the spring water. Take the short hike along the river to the waterfall area.
@LaurieM1044324 · Camped on Oct 28, 2023 at Campsite #10
Never saw a camp host. There was a huge group that played music from 7pm-9pm and then 9am onwards. Finally turned their generator off at 9pm. Defeats the whole purpose of camping in the mountains!!!!!!! Take the trail off #10 to North Fork River to escape the BS.. amazing 6 miler road leading to campground, feels dispersed but aint wish the rules were enforced. What can ya do?
@EricaP86BA091B · Camped on Oct 19, 2023 at Campsite #6
Five stars for the campground and location. Two stars for the other campers and general upkeep.The location was gorgeous, the campgrounds were spacious, and the bear lockers were huge. The sad part was the amount of litter and leftover food in the firepit from prior campers and in the creek. The first neighbors also left a few things after they departed, so my partner and I cleaned up both campsites a bit. The second night, there was a party with loud music and people. And by night, I mean 2-3 AM. Not much could be done without cell service or courage to confront the group.I'd still go back despite the drawbacks.
@LucasS3129241 · Camped on Oct 6, 2023 at Campsite #2
Great campground, creek running next to our spot (#2) was relaxing and helped us sleep. Fun swimming hole across the main road. Definitely coming back!
@MarkG5733121 · Camped on Sep 18, 2023 at Campsite #14
Nice campground under the the trees next to a very nice creek about 5 miles down a one lane road. The campground and Toilets were well maintained and clean, the campsites were good size with some next to the creek, some next to the hill and some in the middle of a loop. There was potable water available too.
@DarylW1F0C4BAB · Camped on Sep 8, 2023 at Campsite #12
Clean and quiet
@rkjorgens1F128 · Camped on Aug 25, 2023 at Campsite #9
Big Valley Bluff is a must see.
@christab9B7B35 · Camped on Aug 15, 2023 at Campsite #13
Beautiful and peaceful campground during the week. I've been here on a Saturday night and it's just as beautiful but maybe not as peaceful. Love coming here and visiting Onion Valley meadow down the road. There are so many private swimming spots besides the obvious one if you hike a little out of your way.
@BrianK7953567 · Camped on Jul 19, 2023 at Campsite #3
Nice little camping sites, the campground as a whole is not too big, easy to get to, quiet, there are cascades and swimming holes in the river, and sweet cold spring water to drink and cook with. All around, a great little spot for a quiet getaway.
@JeannieM645079 · Camped on Jul 17, 2023 at Campsite #7
We loved our camp site! Clean , private and close to toilet ( which was clean for a pit toilet)The short hike to the waterfalls was so beautiful!Great swimming!I really wish people would carry out all their trash! Leave no trace! So important!
@RebeccaM167754 · Camped on Jul 16, 2023 at Campsite #6
Wonderful campground. Far enough from the main roads to be quiet, just small enough to feel uncrowded. Short hike to an idyllic waterfall swimming hole.
@ElenitaJ053921 · Camped on Jul 14, 2023 at Campsite #4
My crew and I have been camping here for the past 5 years! Every year our group gets bigger. North Fork campground is amazing, with the water fall, watering holes and the beautiful surroundings. We cant wait to go back next year!!
@AndreaLE3AA289 · Camped on Jul 6, 2023 at Campsite #4
Beautiful campground with shade and space between sites. Swimming holes were a lot of fun.
@RitaK461A22C2A · Camped on Jun 27, 2023 at Campsite #2
Lovely setting, quiet and secluded though our site was near the road. We enjoyed being right bext to the creek. Highly recommend!
@MikeS6104174 · Camped on Oct 15, 2022 at Campsite #7
Love this campground, it's a great place to stay!
@KevinM8804744 · Camped on Oct 15, 2022 at Campsite #11
Beautiful sites, water and clean bathrooms available as well as fire rings and barbecues/picnic tables. Picturesque spot with trailhead access along the river.
@ChaiV5520978 · Camped on Oct 14, 2022 at Campsite #7
Great location for people who want to get away from the city and enjoy a little peaceful of mind.

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