PCWA and U.S. Forest Service Celebrate Re-Opening of French Meadows Campground by Placer County Water Agency May 19, 2026 Member Submitted News The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Tahoe National Forest, celebrated the re-opening of the French Meadows Campground following a major modernization project designed to improve recreation, water system reliability, and accessibility in the Middle Fork American River watershed. Originally constructed in the 1960s, French Meadows Campground is one of the most popular recreation destinations within PCWA’s Middle Fork Project. The $6.8 million rehabilitation project marks the campground’s first major modernization. Improvements include: New paved roads and upgraded campsites Wider parking areas designed to accommodate vehicles and trailers ADA-compliant restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings, and water faucets Hazard tree removal and safety improvements Flattened tent pads for improved camping access and comfort A new outdoor “amphitheater” area with natural log seating for small group events At the same time, PCWA completed major upgrades to the South Shore Water Supply system serving the campground, nearby picnic areas, and boat launch. The project replaced aging infrastructure with a new vertical well and more than 5,000 feet of new water distribution piping, improving long-term water quality, reliability, and operational efficiency. The new water system is in final commissioning, with completion expected soon. By coordinating both projects together, PCWA limited the impacts to a single recreation season. “These improvements reflect a long-term investment in the Middle Fork watershed and the public facilities that support recreation across the region,” said PCWA General Manager Andy Fecko. “Projects like this help PCWA reinvest in aging infrastructure, improve reliability, and continue our stewardship of the watershed and recreation system.” The project reflects how PCWA reinvests Middle Fork Project hydropower revenues back into public recreation and watershed improvements and supports local economies through the use of regional contractors and partners. The improvements are part of PCWA’s federal license requirements for the Middle Fork Project, which is regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). The license includes ongoing commitments related to recreation, environmental stewardship, and public access throughout the watershed. “The Middle Fork Project was built with incredible foresight to provide water supply, clean hydropower, and recreation opportunities for the public,” said PCWA Board Director Josh Alpine, whose district includes the French Meadows area. “Places like French Meadows are part of what makes this region special. Families return here year after year to camp, fish, boat, and spend time together, and these improvements help preserve that experience for future generations.” French Meadows Campground is the first in a series of planned recreation improvements across the French Meadows area over the next decade. Future projects include campground renovations, picnic area improvements, boat ramp extensions, expanded water supply infrastructure, and a future reservoir trail system. Planned future improvements include: Lewis Campground (2030) McGuire Picnic Area Conversion (2030) North Shore Water Supply Improvements (2030) Ahart Campground (2032) Gates Group Campground (2032) Coyote Group Campground (2034) Poppy Campground and Trail (2034) Future French Meadows Reservoir Trail (2035) French Meadows Boat Ramp Extension McGuire Boat Ramp and Parking Area Improvements “We are proud of our strong partnership with PCWA, which increases our ability to provide high-quality recreation opportunities and forest stewardship in this watershed,” said Tahoe National Forest American River District Ranger Michelle Barry. “The French Meadows Campground improvements are truly outstanding, and we are excited to welcome recreation users back to this special place.” The campground officially reopened to the public, just ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the start of the summer recreation season. For reservations and campground details, including status of potable water, visit Recreation.gov. To learn more about recreation opportunities in the Middle Fork American River watershed, visit MiddleForkFun.com or explore resources at www.pcwa.net/recreation. ### About PCWA Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) is the primary water resource agency for Placer County, California, with a broad range of responsibilities including water resource planning and management, retail and wholesale supply of drinking water and irrigation water, and production of hydroelectric energy. About U.S. Forest Service The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological, and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
