North Yuba River
North Forks Yuba River at Union Flat Campground
North Fork Yuba

Union Flat

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Typically operates from May 20 through October 15, with most reliable access from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Current conditions note that potable water is not available.

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

Union Flat Campground stretches along the north bank of the North Yuba River, 6 miles east of Downieville on Highway 49. The campground offers 11 sites shaded by a mixed forest of pine, fir, maple, and oak trees. A tumbled rock wall from early gold dredging activity separates the campsites from the river, providing a reminder of the area's mining heritage. This is the only campground on the North Yuba River where recreational gold panning is permitted, with a designated casual mining area downstream from the campground. The North Yuba River provides excellent opportunities for swimming, wading, and rainbow trout fishing. During appropriate water levels, visitors enjoy seasonal rafting, tubing, and kayaking. Hiking trails branch out from the area, and the campground sits along the Yuba Donner Scenic Byway, offering access to numerous gold rush era historical sites and old mining towns including Goodyears Bar, Sierra City, and Downieville. The Gold Lakes Basin to the east provides additional opportunities for boating, fishing, mountain biking, and hiking, with the Pacific Crest Trail accessible from several points near Sierra City.

Directions

From Downieville, drive 6 miles east on Highway 49. The campground is on the right side of the highway along the North Yuba River.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water No
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 30ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (530) 478-6253

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon None
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

North Yuba River
North Forks Yuba River at Union Flat Campground
North Fork Yuba
North Fork Yuba River at Union Flat

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