About BRIDAL VEIL GROUP AREA AND PICNIC GROUND
Overview Bridal Veil Group Campsite and Picnic Area is located on the South Fork of the American River. It offers picnicking sites, a group overnight area, beautiful swimming holes, and close access to fishing. Recreation This site provides two large swimming holes in the river that are popular with the local residents. Fishing is also a popular activity, mainly rainbow and brown trout.Facilities Bridal Veil Group Area is on a hill overlooking the river and day use area. The group area includes lot-style parking with 7 parking stalls, 5 tent pads, 8 picnic tables, 6 serving tables, and a large group fire ring. Group campsite users may use the day use areas with no additional fees. None of the facility is accessible. There is no water available on site. The facility has a host on site from mid-May through mid-October.Natural Features Sitting at an elevation of 3,200 feet, Bridal Veil group campsite provides easy access to the American River. A Mediterranean climate extends over most of this forest, creating warm, dry summers, and cold, wet winters. Vegetation is mixed conifers with riparian vegetation along the river. Nearby Attractions Visitors enjoy scenic drives along Highway 50 and surrounding forest roads. The site is within a half hour drive of both Jenkinson Lake and Crystal Basin. It is 10 minutes from the stores and restaurants of Pollock Pines and 5 minutes from Bridal Veil Falls. South Lake Tahoe is a 45 minute drive.Charges & Cancellations Recreation Fee: Recreation fees are the fees a visitor pays for things like overnight camping, a day-use pavilion, group facilities, a tour or a permit. Recreation fees vary by location and/or activity. Reservation Fee: A fee may be charged at the time a reservation is made to cover the cost of reservation services. This fee is in addition to the Recreation Fee and is non-refundable. Fees for camping, day use, group sites, cabins and lookouts: $8 if made on-line; $9 if made through the call center; $3 if made in-person.
How to Get There
From Placerville, take Hwy 50 east for 17 miles. The site is on the South Fork of the American River.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
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First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
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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 BRIDAL VEIL GROUP AREA AND PICNIC GROUND
Heading to BRIDAL VEIL GROUP AREA AND PICNIC GROUND? 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 BRIDAL VEIL GROUP AREA AND PICNIC GROUND?
No central reservation system listed for BRIDAL VEIL GROUP AREA AND PICNIC GROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/251615) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BRIDAL VEIL GROUP AREA AND PICNIC GROUND?
From Placerville, take Hwy 50 east for 17 miles. The site is on the South Fork of the American River.
How do I contact BRIDAL VEIL GROUP AREA AND PICNIC GROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: 831-245-6891.
References & Official Resources
