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

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: Nyack - 200 acres

Total acreage: 200 Ignition dates: Dec. 1, 2025 - Feb. 28, 2026 Location: Forest Service Rd. 19 between Fulda Creek and North Fork Campground, County Rd. 6001K between Casa Loma recreation cabins and Euchre Bar Trailhead

North Yuba Trail Closure

Forest Service Trail 9E06 (North Yuba Trail) between the Mountain House Road (County Rd 300) and Ramshorn is closed.

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

Rattlesnake Road Closure

The purpose of this closure is to provide for public safety along the closed roads in light of their proximity to the Lake Fordyce Dam during dam reconstruction activities.

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.

Cabin Creek Sale Closure

To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.

Sand Pond Trail Boardwalk Closure

The Sand Pond Interpretive Trail is partially closed for visitor safety per Forest Order 17-24-17.

Yuba Pass and Sierra Campground Closures

Yuba Pass Campground and Sierra Campground are closed.

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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