Lewis Campground sits on the north shore of French Meadows Reservoir at 5,300 feet elevation, about 36 miles east of Foresthill via Mosquito Ridge Road. The 40 campsites are spread through a coniferous forest, each with its own table and grill, so you’ll have a genuine campfire dinner setup rather than just parking near other tents.

The reservoir itself is a big draw. There’s a concrete boat launch if you want to bring a kayak or small boat, and the water is cold but swimmable in summer. You’ll see people fishing from shore and boats throughout the day. The campground has basic amenities—potable water, toilets, and a trailer dump station nearby—so it’s functional without being fancy.

What makes this spot work for dogs is the combination of water access, trails, and relative quiet. The Western States Trail runs through the area, giving you options for longer hikes beyond just the immediate campground. The scenery around the reservoir is genuinely nice—you get views across the water and into the surrounding forest. Picnicking is straightforward with those tables, and there’s plenty of open area for dogs to move around.

One important restriction: dogs aren’t allowed in certain deer fawning areas of the nearby Granite Chief Wilderness from May 15 through July 15, so plan your hiking accordingly if you’re visiting during that window. The campground provides bear proof food boxes, which you’ll definitely want to use—this is active bear country.

Weather at 5,300 feet means it’s cool even in summer and snow-covered in winter, so this is really a late spring through early fall destination. The sites have some spacing between them, so it doesn’t feel cramped even when the campground fills up on weekends. Bring your own firewood or purchase it locally before heading out, since you won’t find supplies once you’re 36 miles into the forest.