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Established Camping

Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area

Closed For the Season

This campground is closed for the season from January 1, 2025 through July 19, 2025.

Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect

There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

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).

Campfires are not allowed from June 15 through October 31 due to fire danger.  Campfires are allowed from November through mid-June.   

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. 

No dogs are allowed on the lake.

Effective April 14, 2025, Folsom Lake and Lake Clementine will be closed to all trailered or motorized vessels. All boats wishing to launch into Folsom Lake or Lake Clementine are required to go through a mandatory 30-day quarantine.

After May 14, 2025 all trailered or motorized vessels entering Folsom Lake or Lake Clementine will be required to have a quarantine, and/or decontamination seal intact and verified prior to entering the water. More information is available at https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=31843

Mineral Bar Campground, near Auburn, California, is a charming spot that offers a laid-back atmosphere right by the river. With sites that provide easy access to the North Fork of the American River, it’s a great place to kick back and enjoy some time in nature.

The campground features picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under the stars. Visitors have enjoyed the clean campsites and the nearby hiking trails that run along the river’s edge, making it easy for everyone to explore the beautiful surroundings. One camper mentioned, “Nice trails to explore that run along the river’s edge. Easy trails for beginners.”

If you’re into swimming, you’ll find some rocky pools nearby, although the water can be quite chilly, especially in the winter months. The area is also known for fishing and gold prospecting, so there’s plenty to keep you busy. Just remember to bring your own water, as there are no drinking water facilities on-site.

Located about an hour from Sacramento, this campground feels remote yet accessible, making it a perfect escape from the city. With its unique layout and cozy vibe, Mineral Bar Campground is a solid choice for those looking to enjoy a bit of adventure and relaxation in the great outdoors.

Description

California Department of Parks and Recreation

Auburn State Recreation Area

Mineral Bar

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Location

Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area is located in California

Detail location of campground

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

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Access

  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Available
  • AT&T
    Available
  • T-Mobile
    Fair

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

Drive Time


Reviews

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3.5

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5 Reviews

Reviewed Jul. 4, 2025

Bad experiences but good potential

First of all, this campground is so beautiful, and has so much potential to be a great place to stay. Or, if you love chaos, public intoxication, public displays of domestic violence, riffraff, and grumpy rangers, then maybe it already is a great place to stay. The last night I stayed here happened to be the last night that I was unhoused before I moved to Yosemite for a seasonal job, and I had the creepiest experience of all time. But first let me explain the campground. It's divided into two main parts. The six sites near the river stay open year round. These are the worst sites. They're tiny, stacked on top of each other, are right next to the highway, and offer zero shade. In my opinion, this whole area would be better off turned into two group sites. The better section of the campground are the back twelve sites which are only open from April to October. Snagging one of these creekside sites during the off season would be ideal. All of the campsites are within 100 yards of the North Fork American River. One of my favorite hiking trails of all time, Stevens Trail in Colfax, is just a few miles away. This is a moderately difficult hike 4 miles down to the river and then back up with fantastic views, waterfalls, and wildflowers. There is also a waterfall across the street from the Mineral Bar campground behind the boat launch. Bears are common in this area and I've personally seen a few crossing the road on my way to and from the campground. There are bear lockers provided for food and scented items. There are four vault toilets which are power washed daily. There is only space for one car per site but there is extra parking across the road. There are lots of hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and off road vehicle sites nearby. Your overnight camping fee includes day use at any CA state park the next day. The downside to camping here is that the clientele are some of the wildest riffraff of all time. This has been one of the quietest but also the noisest place I've ever camped. Last time I was here I kept hearing a pipe clinking right outside my tent at 3am. I was the only one there besides a huge family 5 sites away. I heard someone walk away, back a car up next to my site, walk back to my site, and start smoking again. It freaked me out so much I ended up blinding him with my flashlight while bolting to my car. I slept at a friend's house in Folsom and came back for my things the next day. So there are some weirdos around here for sure but the environment is very pretty.

Site2
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Oct. 6, 2021

Nice spot on the river

First visit here. Our campsite was right on the river. We enjoyed our stay here and would likely return to lounge in the river during the summer. Nice trails to explore that run along the river’s edge. Easy trails for beginners.

SiteADA accessible
Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by BRIAN O., October 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by BRIAN O., October 6, 2021
  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by BRIAN O., October 6, 2021
  • (6) View All
Reviewed Dec. 29, 2020

Off the beaten track

Only 15 minutes away (windy road) from Colfax, but feels so remote!

Beautiful mountain valley of north fork. Clean campsites right along road with bearboxes, picnic tables, and fire pits. Easy river access down the hill to rocky swimming pools. Water was COLD obviously in December haha. Many hiking trails up and down the canyon.

Highly recommend! I’m coming back here for sure!

  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by Christian N., December 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by Christian N., December 29, 2020
  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by Christian N., December 29, 2020
  • (16) View All
Reviewed Aug. 7, 2018

North fork American river camping

Close to the n. fork of the American river. Lots of great swimming holes close by up river. Great hiking path opposite the camp ground going up river. ActivitIes Include fishing, hIkIng, and gold prospectIng. Camping fee Is $30 per site. Some spaces are large enough for a rv.

  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by jim R., August 7, 2018
  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by jim R., August 7, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 12, 2018

Gold Panning on the river

Bring Water!

One of my favorite summer spots, great Access to the American River. Site has pit toilets, fire rings, tables and bear lockers(have seen several bears)

  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by jim N., July 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by jim N., July 12, 2018
  • Review photo of Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area by jim N., July 12, 2018

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the max vehicle length at Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area?

Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 24 feet.

Are fires allowed at Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is available, AT&T is available, and T-Mobile is fair.

How hard is it to get a campsite at Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area?

Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area, try setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts

Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area?

There are 15 campsites at Mineral Bar Campground — Auburn State Recreation Area and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert at TheDyrt.com/alerts