Campsite options near Goodyears Bar, California range across several elevational zones from 2,500 to 4,000 feet within Tahoe National Forest. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-95°F during day and drop to 45-55°F at night, with campgrounds at higher elevations experiencing cooler conditions. Many campsites maintain vault toilets with no running water, requiring visitors to bring their own supplies or utilize water filtration systems at nearby river access points.
What to do
Hiking the Sierra Buttes: Access trails from Sardine Lake where visitors can trek to panoramic views. A camper noted, "I would recommend hiking up to the Buttes if you're looking for a challenge. Be sure to stop at Bassett's for some icecream on your way out!"
Off-road adventures: Gold Lake 4x4 Campground offers access to remote areas requiring specialized vehicles. "The 4x4 campground is great, stayed here a couple times now. The trail in isn't very challenging, the first rock section is a good 'gatekeeper' if you will. My 4runner made it in fine, small lift and 33's," explains one visitor.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: Several lakes in the area provide calm water conditions ideal for non-motorized watercraft. "Gold Lake is glass in the morning, and this place is overall somewhere I will always return to," reports an experienced camper who visits regularly.
Gold panning: North Yuba River access points allow recreational gold panning opportunities with basic equipment. Many visitors bring small sluice boxes and pans to try their luck at finding flakes in the river gravels.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Indian Valley campground offers well-spaced sites that provide more seclusion than many other locations. A visitor mentioned, "We were looking for a spot next to the Yuba River and found this gem. Only 17 campsites so it's not crowded. It's also away from any road noise."
Swimming holes: Several campgrounds provide direct access to swimming areas along the Yuba River. "Easy access to water (creek) and firewood. Definitely a lot of mosquitoes, but once the fire kicks in they scatter," notes a camper at Indian Valley.
Disconnection from technology: The lack of cell service throughout most camping areas creates opportunities for genuine unplugging. One camper at Bowman Campground appreciates this aspect: "I loved this getaway! There is absolutely no cell service, so it was the perfect place to unplug and relax."
Fishing opportunities: The North Yuba River and nearby lakes support multiple fish species. A visitor explained, "Great campsite at the bottom of lower sardine lake. Busy on the weekends. Booking advised. Great fishing in the lower lake."
What you should know
Road conditions vary significantly: Access to some campgrounds requires specialized vehicles with high clearance. "The drive is long and fairly rough. Having a vehicle with some clearance helps. It is possible to get a smaller trailer there but not recommended," warns a visitor to Bowman Campground.
Bear activity requires proper storage: Bears frequently visit campgrounds seeking food. "This is bear country so we had a nightly visitor, the bear boxes are there for a reason so use them!" emphasizes a camper at Schoolhouse Campground.
Weekday vs. weekend crowds: Significant differences exist between weekday and weekend occupancy. A review from Schoolhouse Campground notes, "If you are looking for a quiet campground, definitely not this. People arrive late at night and past midnight and lots of generator noises as well. A lot of yelling and late night parties as well."
Weather unpredictability: Higher elevation campgrounds can experience dramatic temperature changes even during summer months. Overnight temperatures may drop below 40°F even when daytime temperatures exceed 90°F.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options for kids: Union Flat campground offers safer swimming areas for children. "We stayed at 7A which had zero shade, but did have access to the swimming hole. Our kids loved this campground. The swimming hole was awesome," reports a family that visited.
Consider noise factors when choosing sites: Highway-adjacent sites often experience traffic noise that may disturb light sleepers. A camper noted, "We stayed here for three nights. Two of those nights were during the week. Friday night had a completely different vibe- lots of parties and loud music."
Plan for limited amenities: Most campgrounds have minimal facilities requiring preparation. "The sites are not available for reservations so you will need to get there mid week to get a prime spot. Sites 17-24 are my favorite with beautiful views of the lake," advises a regular visitor to Gold Lake.
Mosquito protection is essential: Riverfront campgrounds frequently experience heavy mosquito activity, especially near dawn and dusk. Bring appropriate repellents and protective clothing for children.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions and accessibility: Many campgrounds have tight turning radiuses and limited maneuvering room. "While the space was long enough for our 35 ft trailer and truck the pad was narrow and there are a lot of rocks to maneuver around. We were barely able to open our slide and drop the stairs due to the amount of large rocks on each side of the pad," cautions an RV owner at Schoolhouse Campground.
Generator restrictions: Several campgrounds have limitations on generator use or prohibition. "It's mixed RV and tent with no RV power so the generators are loud and you'll be surrounded by them," notes a visitor describing the noise environment.
Limited water access for larger vehicles: Fiddle Creek and other campgrounds often require walking from parking areas to water sources. "You park and walk to your 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," explains a regular visitor.
Dump stations are sparse: Plan accordingly as sanitary dump facilities are limited throughout the region, requiring proper waste management planning for extended stays.
