Tunnel Mills Group Campground

For California groups seeking an authentic and secluded camping experience deep within the embrace of nature, Tunnel Mills Group Campground offers an exceptional opportunity. Tucked away in the beautiful Tahoe National Forest, this campground provides a remote and spacious setting perfect for gatherings, family reunions, or a peaceful escape with friends. If your group desires ample space, natural shade, and proximity to a flowing river for hiking, Tunnel Mills Group Campground is a compelling destination to consider for your next outdoor adventure in the Golden State.

Tunnel Mills Group Campground is distinct in its offering of dedicated group sites, making it ideal for larger parties that require more space and a sense of privacy. Unlike individual campsites that can feel cramped when accommodating multiple tents and vehicles, these group sites are designed to provide generous room, allowing everyone to spread out comfortably. The campground's remote location enhances the feeling of being truly immersed in the wilderness, far from the typical distractions of urban life. Despite its secluded nature, it provides essential amenities to ensure a comfortable stay, blending rustic charm with necessary conveniences. The natural landscape, with its abundant pine needles underfoot and a variety of trees providing ample shade, contributes to a genuinely peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

Tunnel Mills Group Campground is located near the East Fork American River in the Tahoe National Forest. While the provided address is broadly "California, USA," more specific details indicate it can be accessed just off of Interstate 80, at the Emigrant Gap exit. From I-80, take the Emigrant Gap exit (Exit 158). Turn south on Emigrant Gap Road, which then turns into Texas Hill Road. Follow this road for approximately 7 to 7.5 miles to reach the campground.

The accessibility from Interstate 80 makes it a relatively straightforward drive for many Californians, especially those coming from the Sacramento Valley or the Bay Area, heading towards the Sierra Nevada. However, it's crucial for visitors to be aware that while the road to the campground from the highway is paved, it has been noted to contain "a lot of deep potholes," and the road "narrows to one lane at some point." This requires careful driving, especially for larger vehicles. Despite these road conditions, the campground entrance is visible from the road, and parking is conveniently located right near the sites in the shade, making arrival and setup relatively easy once you navigate the access road.

It's also important to note that due to the remote location, there is "no network coverage after you take the exit off highway 80." This means offline maps are highly recommended for navigation and that campers should be prepared for a period of disconnection, which for many, is precisely the appeal of such a natural retreat. The proximity to the East Fork American River (approximately a 3-minute walk from some sites) adds to its appeal for nature lovers, even though the strong current means it's not suitable for swimming.

Tunnel Mills Group Campground provides key services to support group camping in a rustic, natural environment. While it prioritizes a secluded experience, it ensures that fundamental needs are met for a comfortable stay.

• Group Sites: The campground offers two dedicated group sites (Site 1 and Site 2). Site 1 can accommodate up to 30 people and 6 vehicles (suitable for tent and RV camping), while Site 2 is designated for tent camping only, also for up to 30 people and 6 vehicles.
• Picnic Tables: Each group site is equipped with multiple picnic tables to facilitate group meals and gatherings.
• Grills: Sites come with two grills for cooking, providing ample space for preparing food for larger groups.
• Fire Pits/Rings: One fire pit or fire ring is available per site, perfect for campfires and communal gatherings in the evening.
• Vault Toilets: On-site vault toilets are available. While a review mentioned them not being "maintained well" or looking "unhygienic" at one point, it also stated that rangers "kept bathrooms clean," suggesting varying maintenance levels or efforts.
• Natural Firewood: "Lots of firewood to pick up near the site" is a significant benefit, reducing the need to bring or purchase firewood.
• Ranger Presence: Rangers are noted as being "nice and kept bathrooms clean," indicating an active presence by forest service personnel.
• Parking: Parking is available right near the site, often in shaded areas.

It is crucial to note a significant point regarding water: there is "no water on site," and campers "have to drive about 1.5m to a near campground to get water." This detail requires groups to plan accordingly for their water needs. Additionally, while the area is bear country, the campground "has no bear boxes," despite other nearby campgrounds having them. This means campers must be diligent in storing all food and scented items securely in their vehicles to prevent bear encounters.

Tunnel Mills Group Campground offers several compelling features and highlights that make it an attractive option for groups seeking a rustic and serene outdoor experience in California's Sierra Nevada region.

• Great Campground for Groups: Specifically designed for group camping, offering ample space for multiple tents and vehicles, ensuring privacy between sites 1 and 2.
• Good Shade Throughout: The presence of a forest of cedar, pine, and fir trees provides extensive natural shade, a crucial comfort during warmer California days.
• Remote Location: Ideal for those looking to truly get away from it all, offering a sense of seclusion and deep immersion in nature.
• Plenty of Space for Tents: Each group site provides generous room for pitching multiple tents comfortably.
• Abundant Natural Firewood: The availability of "lots of firewood to pick up near the site" is a major convenience for campfires and outdoor cooking.
• Proximity to River for Hiking: The East Fork American River is within walking distance (approximately 3 minutes from sites), offering excellent opportunities for scenic hikes along the riverbanks.
• Generally Clean Bathrooms (with Ranger Maintenance): While there was some mixed feedback, the presence of rangers actively cleaning the vault toilets is a positive sign of maintenance efforts.
• Visible Entrance and Shaded Parking: The campground entrance is easily spotted from the road, and parking is conveniently located right next to the sites, often under shade.
• Peaceful Atmosphere: The remote setting and group-focused design contribute to a quiet environment, allowing for undisturbed relaxation and enjoyment of nature's sounds.

While the lack of on-site water and bear boxes are key considerations, these are balanced by the otherwise excellent natural features and the secluded, spacious nature of the group sites. The opportunities for hiking and the overall natural beauty of the Tahoe National Forest make it a memorable spot.

For inquiries, reservations, or to get more specific information about Tunnel Mills Group Campground, please use the following contact details. It is always highly recommended to call ahead to confirm availability, especially given the limited number of group sites, and to get the most current information regarding road conditions, fire restrictions, and bear safety guidelines.

Address: California, USA (more specifically, accessible off I-80 at Emigrant Gap exit, via Texas Hill Road)

While a general address is provided, the most effective way to communicate with the managing authority (likely the Tahoe National Forest Ranger Station) for detailed information on Tunnel Mills Group Campground would be through their dedicated phone lines. For campground inquiries specific to the Tahoe National Forest, the phone number for the Yuba River Ranger Station is typically used.

Phone: 530-265-4531 (Yuba River Ranger Station for Tahoe National Forest inquiries)

This direct contact will allow you to obtain crucial details about current conditions, water availability, bear safety protocols, and how to best prepare for your group's stay at this remote location. Remember, offline maps are essential due to lack of cell service past the highway exit.

Tunnel Mills Group Campground is an exceptional choice for California locals, particularly groups, seeking a truly remote and peaceful camping experience away from the hustle and bustle. Its primary suitability stems from its dedicated group sites, which offer ample space and privacy rarely found in other campgrounds, making it perfect for family gatherings or friend retreats. For those yearning to disconnect, the lack of network coverage past the highway exit is a feature, not a bug, allowing for full immersion in the natural surroundings of the Tahoe National Forest.

While campers must be prepared for some rustic aspects—like bringing their own water from a nearby source and diligently managing food for bear safety (given the lack of bear boxes)—these considerations are outweighed by the profound tranquility, abundant shade, and direct access to the East Fork American River for scenic hikes. It offers a genuine "deep in the woods" feel, providing a true escape into California's majestic Sierra Nevada. For local groups that prioritize seclusion, a natural setting, and a chance to truly bond amidst nature's quietude, Tunnel Mills Group Campground offers a unique and memorable adventure that is well worth the journey.

Tunnel Mills Group Campground

California, USA