Carlton
Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically operates from late spring through fall, with water systems shut down during the off-season to prevent freeze damage.
Downieville Downhill Closure Order
Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres
Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting.
Snow Grooming Updates
Updated 2/9/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Trails will not be groomed again until we get another good storm.
PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres
Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)
Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure
Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.
Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville Ranger
Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions
To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.
14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions
Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.
Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed
Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.
Winter Weather Advisory issued February 9 at 12:31PM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA
* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 3 to 6 inches over 5500 feet, 8 to 12 inches above 6000 feet, and locally up to 18 inches over higher peaks. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park. * WHEN...From 10 PM this evening to 4 PM PST Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Mountain travel could be very difficult Tuesday into Wednesday. Plan for travel delays and chain controls. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Heaviest snow expected Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning. Snow levels will be rising to around 6000 to 7000 feet by late Tuesday morning and afternoon, dropping to around 5500 feet Wednesday.
About
Carlton Campground stretches along the North Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, located 13 miles south of Downieville on Highway 49. The campground features 17 single-family campsites suitable for both tent and trailer camping, set among stands of cedar, ponderosa pine, and oak trees that provide afternoon shade. Each site includes a picnic table and campfire ring with vault toilets and drinking water available. The North Yuba River is the centerpiece attraction, offering opportunities for swimming, wading, and rainbow trout fishing. During spring runoff, the river provides seasonal rafting and kayaking. The campground serves as a gateway to an extensive network of trails for hiking, biking, and OHV use, with the North Yuba River Trail accessible from the nearby Rocky Rest trailhead. The area is also popular for hunting during appropriate seasons. This facility is operated by the Tahoe National Forest and operates on a reservation basis through Recreation.gov during the main camping season. Bears frequent the area, so approved food storage containers are required. Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather conditions.
Directions
From Downieville, travel south on Highway 49 for just over 13 miles. The campground is on the left side of the highway. From Nevada City, travel north on Highway 49 for just under 30 miles. The campground is on the right side of the highway.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| 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) 265-5431 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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