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Signs & Maps
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Established Camping

South Yuba Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

South Yuba Campground is located near Nevada City, CA, surrounded by forested terrain and the South Yuba River. Temperatures range from 30°F in winter to 90°F in summer, offering varied seasonal experiences. Nearby attractions include the South Yuba River State Park and the historic downtown of Nevada City.

Fee Info

Campsites, $5.00 per night, per site. Recreation Pass $2.50 per night, per site. Pay camp fee within 30 minutes of occupying site. Self-pay Iron Ranger. Check-out is by 12 noon. First come first serve basis. No reservation system is available. Eight people maximum per site. Two car maximum per site. Fourteen (14) day camp limit within a 90-day period.

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Location

South Yuba Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Nevada City: Follow Highway 49 to North Bloomfield Road and travel ten (10) miles to South Yuba Recreation Lands. From the one lane bridge at Edwards Crossing it is approximately 1 1/2 miles on a dirt/gravel road to the campground. PLEASE NOTE: the bridge at Edward Crossing has a 4 ton limit. RV's, trailers and vehicles over 4 tons not recommended. For RV's/Trailers/Vehicles over 4 tons: Recommended Route - Follow Highway 49 to Tyler Foote Crossing. Turn right onto Grizzly Hill Road to the intersection with North Bloomfield Road and make a left turn. Proceed through a small residential area and make a right hand turn into the campground.

Coordinates

39.33890991 N
120.97167597 W

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Drive Time

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Access

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

Connectivity

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    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
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    Verizon
    No Coverage
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    AT&T
    No Coverage

Site Types

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

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Water Hookups

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Reviews

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4 Reviews

Reviewed Sep. 8, 2025

nice wooded campground

No cell signal here - speed test is from starlink. Note google & garmin routing from Nevada City takes a bridge with a 4 Ton weight restriction.

Site5
Month of VisitSeptember
Reviewed Jul. 18, 2018

The naked truth

This river trail is the best in the state. Clear water, lovely pools. Expect nudity as it is Northern California. The river is beloved by kayakers and swimmers. Perfect snow melt means August is the prime time.

  • Review photo of South Yuba Campground by Anna R., July 18, 2018
  • Review photo of South Yuba Campground by Anna R., July 18, 2018
Reviewed Jul. 9, 2015

The Peaceful Sound of a Flowing River

This is one of the best sites there is. There's hiking access to the river, and almost never anybody at this campground. It's scenic privacy at it's best. Hike up or downstream for some really great swimming holes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities and facilities are available at South Yuba Campground?

South Yuba Campground offers primitive camping with minimal facilities. There is a composting toilet available, though it may not always be in optimal condition, so come prepared with alternatives. No potable water is provided, so campers should bring their own water supply. The campground does not have electric hookups, showers, or trash service. The natural setting provides scenic views and privacy, making it popular for those seeking a more rustic camping experience away from crowds. Pack in, pack out principles apply at this wilderness location.

Where is South Yuba Campground located and how do I access it?

South Yuba Campground is located along the South Yuba River in Northern California. When traveling from Nevada City, be aware that GPS routing may direct you over a bridge with a 4-ton weight restriction, which isn't suitable for larger vehicles or RVs. The campground is relatively remote with no cell signal (except for satellite options like Starlink). Due to its secluded location, the campground offers exceptional privacy and natural surroundings. Contact the managing agency for specific directions and road condition updates before your trip.

Are there hiking trails near South Yuba Campground?

Yes, South Yuba Campground offers excellent hiking opportunities. There's direct trail access to the river from the campground, with options to hike both upstream and downstream. The South Yuba river trail is considered one of the best in the state, featuring clear water and lovely swimming pools along the way. Hiking in either direction from camp will lead you to spectacular swimming holes. The trails offer scenic views of the river, though hikers should be cautious of abundant poison oak in the area. Wear appropriate footwear and bring water for your hikes.

Do I need reservations for South Yuba Campground?

South Yuba Campground typically operates on a first-come, first-served basis without a formal reservation system. The campground is noted for being lightly used, with visitors frequently mentioning the privacy and lack of crowds. This increases your chances of finding available spots, especially on weekdays. August tends to be prime visiting time due to ideal water conditions. For the most up-to-date information on the reservation policy, contact the managing agency before your trip, as policies may change seasonally or annually.