The Nevada City area offers a network of dispersed camping options along the North Yuba River at elevations between 1,800-4,500 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-90°F during daytime hours with cooler mountain nights. Cell service becomes increasingly limited at higher elevations, particularly in forested areas east of Nevada City.
What to do
Fishing at mountain lakes: French Meadows Reservoir provides trout fishing opportunities throughout the camping season. "Great trout fishing. Bear country be advised. Extreme fire danger the summer months and closed due to snow in winter," notes one visitor to French Meadows.
Swimming in river pools: The North Yuba River offers numerous swimming spots accessible from nearby campgrounds. "The 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," according to a camper at South Yuba Campground.
Paddle sports on calm lakes: Several campgrounds maintain small lakes perfect for non-motorized watercraft. At Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs, one visitor reports: "We spent practically the whole weekend in the lake. It was the perfect temperature to sit in for hours. No motorized water craft kept it quiet. I really wish I'd brought my canoe."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Many campgrounds host deer and other wildlife that become accustomed to campers. "Each day a family of deer came thru our site and were so tame they ate fruit right out of the kids' hands. So cool!" shares a camper at Thousand Trails Lake of the Springs.
River access from campsites: Proximity to water ranks high on camper preferences. One Loganville visitor notes: "The campground itself is pretty standard, sites are decent size, and lots of shade. There is a path down to the Yuba River, where you can get in the water or float on a tube. The best part about this campground is the river."
Quiet mountain atmosphere: Lower-traffic campgrounds offer peace away from busier destinations. "Not a lot of people were there so it was fairly private. Our site was by the lake, while it was a beautiful site the wind that day was hitting us like a train which made setting up a bit difficult. Once set up we were able to enjoy the scenery," reports a visitor to French Meadows.
What you should know
Bear safety protocols: Bears frequent many campgrounds in the region. At Loganville, one camper reported: "There was a bear in the area one year, I didnt see it myself, but a friend said he saw one on the other loop from where we were staying." Most established campgrounds provide bear boxes for food storage.
Mosquito pressure at forest lakes: Insect activity can be intense at some locations, particularly at small lakes surrounded by trees. At Snowflower RV Resort, a visitor explains: "Our group's collective joy was short lived after we were beseeched with mosquitos. We spent the weekend trying to figure out why this camp is more bug-ridden than others and concluded that it is likely due to limited air currents through this secluded part of the forest."
Challenging mountain access roads: Getting to remote campgrounds requires careful driving. "The road to get to the site is extremely windy and narrow with no rails so be careful!" warns a camper about French Meadows. Another notes: "Long somewhat treacherous drive to get there."
Tips for camping with families
Pack extra water containers: Water access varies widely between sites, sometimes becoming limited. "Water pumps were good in the locations where water was present, but due to lower water levels, the pumps on the higher grounds had no water; had to walk to the lowest pumps," shares a French Meadows camper.
Prepare for limited level tent spots: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. One camper at French Meadows warns: "Two thirds of the campsites were on a slope with no where to setup a tent on level ground. We got lucky and reserved a site with a 'decent' spot to place a tent."
Consider cabin options for younger children: Several rv camping areas near Washington, California offer cabin rentals. Lake Francis Resort provides family-friendly alternatives: "We stayed at the Diamond P cabin which has the best view of the lake within this group of cabins. Two bedrooms, each with twin bunk beds and a full bottom bunk and twin above. Small bathroom with shower, mini fridge, hot plates, microwave, and dishes."
Tips from RVers
Plan for uneven campsites: Many RV sites in the mountain region require significant leveling. Even at established RV parks, one camper at Snowflower notes: "RV sites are mostly electric and water only, and many aren't anywhere near level."
Check seasonal opening dates: Several RV parks in the region close during winter months. Clio's Rivers Edge RV Park operates seasonally from April 15 to October 31, while Sierra Skies RV Park runs May through October.
Verify bridge weight restrictions: Route planning is essential when towing to campgrounds. A South Yuba visitor cautions: "No cell signal here. Note google & garmin routing from Nevada City takes a bridge with a 4 Ton weight restriction."
Anticipate dump station waits: Limited dump facilities can create congestion during peak periods. "Only one dump station was open (there are 3) so waited 30+ minutes to dump," reports a Thousand Trails Snowflower visitor who suggests an alternative: "They do offer a honey wagon service for $40.00 available 2 times a week."
