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

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.

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 1/30/26:Be advised, many grooming routes have little or patchy snow with water crossing the trails. Some 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 8 at 11:54AM PST until February 11 at 4:00PM PST by NWS Sacramento CA

February 8th, 11:54 AM — 4:00 PM

* WHAT...Total snow accumulations 4 to 10 inches over 5000 feet, 10 to 18 inches above 6000 feet, and locally up to 2 feet over higher peaks. * WHERE...West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada and Western Plumas County/Lassen Park Counties above 5000 feet. * WHEN...From 10 PM Monday 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.

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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