About LEWIS
Overview Lewis Campground is located on French Meadows Reservoir in the Tahoe National Forest, 40 miles east Foresthill. Visitors enjoy the area for its fishing, boating and trail opportunities. Recreation Popular activities on the reservoir include boating, canoeing, fishing and swimming. McGuire boat ramp is located within a mile of the campground. The Middle Fork American River can be accessed nearby and provides fishing and swimming. A variety of hiking and biking trails are found in the surrounding area, including the Western States Trail, Tevis Cup Trail, and some that provide access to the nearby Granite Chief Wilderness.Facilities The campground offers single-family campsites, a few of which are accessible. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and a grill. Flush and vault toilets and drinking water are provided. Roads and parking spurs are paved.Natural Features The campground sits on the north shore of French Meadows Reservoir in a coniferous forest. The reservoir is on the Middle Fork of the American River and is the western gateway to the Granite Chief Wilderness. Nearby Attractions Lewis Campground is a recreation site within the French Meadows Recreation Area which includes many other recreation facilities. The Granite Chief Wilderness can be accessed nearby at Talbot Trailhead and access to the Western States Trail and Tevis Cup Trail also can be accessed nearby. Other recreation opportunities include many hiking, equestrian, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack trails, Duncan Canyon, Duncan Peak Lookout, Robinson Flat historic ranger station, Placer County Big Tree Grove Botanical Area, and Grouse Falls Scenic Area.
How to Get There
High clearance vehicles may take Foresthill Rd to the 43 Rd (Robinson Flat Rd) to Mosquito Ridge Rd, snow permitting. Access from Soda Springs and the 43 Rd is not recommended for trucks with trailers, motorhomes/RV's or passenger vehicles that are not high clearance vehicles with four wheel drive. It is 6 miles around the lake to the north shore, Lewis Campground will be on the right.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
- 🌡
Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (47°F low → 70°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 8)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to LEWIS
Heading to LEWIS? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for LEWIS?
No central reservation system listed for LEWIS. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233180) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to LEWIS?
High clearance vehicles may take Foresthill Rd to the 43 Rd (Robinson Flat Rd) to Mosquito Ridge Rd, snow permitting. Access from Soda Springs and the 43 Rd is not recommended for trucks with trailers, motorhomes/RV's or passenger vehicles that are not high clearance vehicles with four wheel drive. It is 6 miles around the lake to the north shore, Lewis Campground will be on the right.
How do I contact LEWIS?
You can reach the park at phone: 530-367-2224.
References & Official Resources
