Carlton
Open for the 2026 season. The campground operates from mid-April through mid-October. Some sites are first-come-first-served while others are reservable through Recreation.gov. Fire restrictions may apply seasonally.
Heat Advisory issued October 7 at 8:51AM PDT until October 8 at 10:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...High temperatures of 92 to 101 degrees expected and overnight low temperatures in the mid 60s to low 70s, with widespread Moderate HeatRisk and areas of Major HeatRisk. * WHERE...The Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Valleys, Delta and Carquinez Strait, and foothills. * WHEN...Until 10 PM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses, especially to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Hottest days expected Today and Thursday. Temperatures begin a cooling trend on Friday, with Moderate HeatRisk in the foothill thermal belts and in Sacramento; Minor HeatRisk elsewhere.
Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited
Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…
Floriston Fire Closure
Tahoe National Forest and Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest has issued a forest closure order for national forest lands impacted by the Floriston Fire.
About
Carlton Flat Campground occupies a scenic stretch along the North Yuba River in the Tahoe National Forest, accessible directly from Highway 49 about 13 miles south of Downieville. At 2,200 feet elevation, the 17 campsites sit beneath stands of cedar, ponderosa pine, and oak trees that provide welcome shade during warm summer afternoons. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, with vault toilets and piped drinking water available throughout the campground. The North Yuba River is the main attraction here, offering swimming holes, wading areas, and rainbow trout fishing directly from camp. Seasonal rafting and kayaking draw paddlers when water levels permit. The nearby Rocky Rest trailhead provides access to the North Yuba River Trail for hiking and mountain biking, while OHV trails thread through the surrounding forest. Bear activity is present in the area, so proper food storage in approved containers is required. The campground operates under a mixed reservation and first-come-first-served system through Recreation.gov.
Directions
From Downieville, travel south on Highway 49 for 13 miles; the campground is on the left. From Camptonville, drive 9 miles northeast on Highway 49.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $24 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (530) 478-6253 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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