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Fiddle Creek

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Anglers targeting the North Yuba River will find Fiddle Creek Campground positioned along Highway 49, with fishing access to cold mountain waters where visitors pan for gold. The US Forest Service facility operates from late April through October, accommodating RVs up to 15 feet and offering both drive-in and walk-in sites among forested terrain.

Highway 49 runs approximately 75 feet from the camping areas, generating consistent truck traffic and headlight exposure throughout the night. Sites cluster together with minimal privacy screening between neighbors. The campground includes bear boxes, pit toilets, and weekly trash service, though no camp host stays on-site. Carlton provides river views for campers prioritizing water vistas over road access.

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Location

Public Campground

Fiddle Creek is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Downieville, travel south on Highway 49 for about 12 miles. The campground is on the left side of the highway. From Nevada City, travel north on Highway 49 for 30 miles. The campground is on the right side of the higway.

Coordinates

39.5183333 N
120.9925 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.
  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

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Reviews

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2 Reviews

LThe Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Jun. 10, 2023

Neat and clean but with a few strikes against it

Fiddle Creek Campground is clean and well maintained, which is always great to find.  But its close proximity to Hwy 49 (maybe 75 feet away) makes for more headlights and traffic noise than I'm used to when camping (especially since the majority of traffic is from loud trucks that zoom by at 50-60 mph).  Another negative is the abundance of mosquitoes, which I guess you have to expect when you're near a river but still not pleasant.  Also, the sites are close together with little or no privacy.  We were one of only two campers there but still could easily see and hear the other camp, and those open sight lines made for frequent territorial barking between the dogs in both camps.  Finally (and this is admittedly a nitpick), you can't see the river from the campground, which is too bad because you're camped so close to it.  (You'll have to go to Carlton Campground a few miles down the road if you want a river view.)  I'd reserved Campground 15 (at the very end of line) but after my husband complained about how far away it was from the toilets, we moved to Campground 6 (as I said, pretty empty campground during the week, although the ranger said it's usually full on weekends).  Site 6 was fine, but Site 15 would've been quieter as it's farther away from the road and the river and it has more space around it than others.

Site6 (and 15)
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Fiddle Creek by L , June 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Fiddle Creek by L , June 10, 2023
  • Review photo of Fiddle Creek by L , June 10, 2023
  • (12) View All
Amber Q.
Reviewed Aug. 29, 2019

One of my favorites getaways

This is right off HWY 49. Tent only. You park and walk to you camping which is with other camps right by. It's not too bad and if you get a group you can get your own little slice of the campground to yourself. 

Toilets are pit toilets. So make sure you keep the door shut and lid down to help with the smell sometimes during busy week/ends. They are clean once a week and there are two dumpster that are picked up weekly too. 

No camp host. So people are loud at times. But for the most part people are pretty good. 

Bear boxes have been put in, in the last 4 years or so. During the bad drought the bears were losing for food. But really having had any issues since that year. 

Also no cell service.... which I love. 

The river is cold and refreshing. People pan for gold and some walk up the road to Jackson Hole to float down. About 5 mins up, pass a few houses on your right. 

Check it out if your in the area.

Showing results 1-2 of 2 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make reservations at Fiddle Creek Campground?

Fiddle Creek Campground appears to operate on a first-come, first-served basis rather than taking advance reservations. For the most current reservation information and policies, contact the campground directly or check with the managing agency (likely the US Forest Service for this area). During peak camping seasons, arriving early in the day, especially on weekdays, will improve your chances of securing a spot.

What do visitor reviews say about Fiddle Creek Campground?

Fiddle Creek Campground is a clean and well-maintained tent-only camping area. The campground offers a communal camping experience where sites are relatively close to each other, though groups can secure their own section of the campground. While the natural setting is appealing, its proximity to Highway 49 (approximately 75 feet away) means campers may experience traffic noise and headlights from passing vehicles, particularly from trucks traveling at high speeds. This might be a consideration for light sleepers or those seeking a more secluded wilderness experience.

What facilities and amenities are available at Fiddle Creek Campground?

Fiddle Creek Campground features basic facilities including pit toilets (vault toilets). The campground is tent-only with a walk-in format where you park and then carry your gear to your site. No RV accommodations are available. The grounds are well-maintained and clean. Remember to follow proper toilet etiquette by keeping doors shut and lids down to maintain pleasant conditions. Pack essential supplies as amenities are minimal, with no indication of running water, showers, or electrical hookups being available.

Where is Fiddle Creek Campground located and how do I get there?

Fiddle Creek Campground is located directly off Highway 49, near Camptonville in Northern California. The campground is easily accessible from the highway, making it convenient for travelers passing through the area. You'll need to park in a designated area and then walk a short distance to reach the actual camping sites. The location offers good accessibility but comes with the trade-off of highway proximity and associated traffic noise.

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