Yuba River
Carlton Campground
North Fork Yuba River at Carlton

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.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Downieville Downhill Closure Order

Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.

Alder 89 Timber Sale Closure

Closure of Alder 89 WUI Timber Sale area.

Castle Peak Avalanche Closure Termination

A closure order restricting public access to national forest lands in the Castle Peak area was terminated on Feb. 23, 2026.

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres

Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Calpine, Sierraville, Loyalton and surrounding areas.  Smoke may settle overnight in valleys, drainages, and throughout the surrounding communities.  Smoke will…

Snow Grooming Updates

Tahoe National Forest has lifted the Castle Peak Avalanche Closure. The area was closed for public safety and to support search and rescue operations following an avalanche that occurred on Feb. 17. All victims have now been recovered. Individuals that choose to enter the area are encouraged to…

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Jan. 14 - Feb. 28, 2026 (tentative, weather dependent)Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar TrailheadAboutThe Nyack Fuels Reduction Project aims to…

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 RangerDistricts of the Tahoe National Forest. This Order is effective from July 1, 2025, through…

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.

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

Yuba River
Carlton Campground
North Fork Yuba River at Carlton
North Fork Yuba River at Carlton
Campsite Carlton

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