Swimming, fishing, and gold prospecting draw campers to Mineral Bar Campground, where the North Fork of the American River runs directly alongside the sites. The access road winds down from Colfax, taking about 15 minutes to cover a stretch that feels considerably longer given the curves. That road is worth noting before arrival, particularly for anyone towing a trailer, as RVs are limited to 24 feet.
Sites sit right along the road with bear boxes, picnic tables, and fire rings in place. River access is a short walk downhill to rocky swimming pools, though as one December visitor noted, the water runs cold year-round. Bears have been spotted in the area, so the bear lockers are not optional. Multiple trails run up and down the canyon along the river's edge, with at least one beginner-friendly route on the opposite bank heading upriver.
Christian N. describes the setting as a "beautiful mountain valley of north fork," and reviewers consistently mention the campsites as clean. No water hookups are on-site, so campers should arrive with their own supply. Pit toilets are available, cell service is present, and pets are welcome. The campground sits within camping near Auburn State Recreation Area, and nearby alternatives include Orchard Springs Campground and Long Ravine Resort to the north.
Mineral Bar stays open all year, making it a workable destination in any season for those willing to navigate the road and pack their own water.
Description
Mineral Bar
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
No dogs are allowed on the lake.
Wake Surfing Prohibited- Lake Clementine
Beginning May 1, 2022 wake surfing is prohibited at Lake Clementine. This new regulation was enacted due to damage to the shoreline, other vessels, and the marina facility caused by abnormally large wakes associated with wake surfing.
Campfires are not allowed from June 15 through October 31 due to fire danger. Campfires are allowed from November through mid-June.
Ruck A Chucky is currently closed and will not reopen until 4/15/18 (weather dependent). This site will not be reserveable; it is only a 1st1st area. Road closes from 10/15 to 4/15 annually. Please have them check the local Auburn SRA State website for updates and further information. Mineral Bar is currently off reservations with an unknown activation date. The campground is going to have some work within it and may drop to a total of 14 sites. Currently Sites 1 ___ 8 are available on a 1st1st basis paid through iron ranger. Check the Auburn SRA State website for further details. Boat-in sites: 1st 1st from May 1 ___ 15; reservations available from May 15 ___ September 15; 1st 1st September 16 ___ 30; CLOSED when not on reservations (October 1, 2018 ___ April 30, 2019).
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMineral Bar Campground is located in California near Colfax
Directions
From Hwy 80 in Colfax exit at Canyon Way, head north on Canyon way turn right onto Iowa Hil Rd. 3 mile paved road to sites and river.
Address
Lake Clementine Road & Foresthill Road
Auburn, CA 95604
Coordinates
39.10079657 N
120.9239394 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/29/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonNo CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 7/29/26
- AT&TNo CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
Drive Time
- 43 min from Sacramento, CA
- 59 min from Yuba City, CA
- 1 hr 13 min from Reno, NV
- 1 hr 44 min from Carson City, NV
