Camping near Downieville, California

Downieville sets the standard for camping, with epic seasonal activities from swimming to skiing.

94% (23887 reviews)

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12 top campgrounds near Downieville

96%
(403)

Sierra Sol Camp

11 sites ¡ Lodging18 acres ¡ Camptonville, Yuba
Welcome to Sierra Sol Camp! We have 9 different sites available to book as well as the option to book the entire property. Please scroll down to see all of the available options. Here are the sites we offer: -Sierra Sol Diva Den (cabin) -Water Tower (cabin) -Daisy Belle (canvas tent) -Rise and Shine (canvas tent) -Sierra Sol Camp Lotus (cabin) -Sierra Sol Vintage Trailer (onsite trailer) -Sierra Shipping Container Retreat (cabin) -Sierra Sol Main Cabin (cabin) -Sierra Sol Camp Whole Property (all sites) The Sierra Sol Camp project has been hosting community events and friend gathering for years. We take great pride in extending a warm and welcoming space for all our visitors and extending the invitation to campers was a great next step. We have listings ranging from yurts to shipping containers, an old water tower converted to a mini suit to a vintage trailer and canvas tents. The diva den was my old music studio and the main cabin is our family cabin. This is a magical and sacred space filled with a ton of memories please come join our community and nook in the sierras and make some more. We are based in between the middle fork of the Yuba river right where it meets up with Oregon Creek. If you like a long walk it is 2.5 miles down the dirt road to Oregon Creek and the middle fork of the Yuba. Driving takes 5 to 10 mins. The other direction is the largest lake in our county Bullards Bar Reservoir and Emerald Cove Marina. We are 1 mile down Marysville Rd. from a launch called dark day. There is a trailhead at the top of overflow boat parking for a public swimming hole on the lake. On our property, we have a main house with its own private facilities such as a kitchen, shower, and bath. On the land, we have 9 total unique cabin and canvas tent structures converted into boutique-like campsites. We have an epic outdoor entertaining kitchen and patio with an outdoor pizza oven and a little dog rinse behind the outdoor shower. The bathhouse is right across the way and provides a private but shared guest shower house, tub and sink. The sauna and fenced-in dog area are near the shipping container site. The sauna has just been remodelled with a shower and bathtub right outside the sauna house. Like anywhere in the woods there is an hour at sunset when you may have mosquitoes down near the sites in the spring and some of the summers depending on the year. We have a natural spray for that or fans in the kitchen. Off the path, you may find poison oak in the thick of the woods. So please stay on the marked trails.
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$100
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Your private Yurt in the woods

1 site ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Nevada City, Nevada
Your private Yurt in the woods -2 miles to town! Come experience the Beauty of the Sierra foothills and the Yuba river in our Yurt tucked into the forest just 2 miles from downtown Nevada city. With a natural creek right outside your door and hiking trails right off the deck, this serene and beautiful yurt retreat awaits you. Claw foot bath tub, fire pit and large deck to relax on. Wood fired stove inside with plenty of wood stacked to keep you warm. Small functional kitchen with a hot plate, toaster oven, micro sink and fridge. We have a wood fired hot tub on-site. It requires a fire to be lit and maintained to keep it hot. During the winter the yurt is heated with a wood fired stove. It takes a few hours to warm up, and needs to be maintained during your stay to keep the place toasty. There is a lovely wood stove and plenty of firewood for you to use! The Queen bed has a heating blanket to help keep you cozy throughout the night. The hot tub Is wonderful in the winter, it is wood fired and takes several hours to heat as well. Please feel free to check us out at - https://www.tripstodiscover.com/yurt-airbnbs-california/ The yurt was nominated for top yurts in California. We are also featured in Glampaluza as #17 - glampaluza dot com/blog/glamping-in-california We are new to Hip Camp and don’t have many reviews but we have been on Airbnb for almost 2 years. Here is a link to our reviews below and you can see that we have over 100 5-star reviews. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/49631283?adults=2&check_in=2023-01-08&check_out=2023-01-10&source_impression_id=p3_1669075701_6AzX5HHXIsHJr7lk
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$130
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Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres ¡ Nevada City, Nevada
Bright Bear Camp is a private two-acre property bordering Tahoe National Forest. We are located at 4300' elevation down a mostly dirt road along the beautiful Bear River and Bear Valley. This is a very peaceful spot among the trees with a small meadow and creek on the property. As our name suggests, bears are occasionally in the area so keep an eye out. You may also see the spotted owls that live nearby - listen closely for their calls (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/overview). There is much to explore in the area and more with only a short drive to the South Yuba River, Emerald Pools, Lake Spaulding, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, and Truckee.
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$40
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99%
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TerraSol

2 sites ¡ Lodging40 acres ¡ Nevada City, Nevada
I’ve had the pleasure to be the “caretaker” of this special land once inhabited by the Maidu Indians for the past 43 years. This is SPECIAL ground here and I’m sure you will feel the MAGIC!!! This 40 acres sits on the Yuba River Ridgetop. At the "Platform of Pleasure" you will enjoy 100,000+ acre views of protected land looking North to the High Sierra, minutes away from downtown Nevada City and 8-10 miles from Yuba River Trailheads. Firewood bundles are $15 per bundle (2+ hours of campfire when campfires 🔥 are allowed). There is a $5.00 dog fee per dog/per stay. On our property like anywhere in the woods there are mosquitos, so you should bring bug spray. We offer a tent platform, as well as a canvas tent listing. Guests love staying here: "From the moment we arrived Chris was nothing but amazing. He helped us get settled in and even recommended some beautiful spots to hike/sight see. They are both so generous! The campsite beautiful and they did a very nice job supplying us with any materials we may need. Definitely coming back during the summer!"
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$75
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98%
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200-acre developing eco-preserv

37 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres ¡ Nevada City, Nevada
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore. 
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$80
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97%
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Sacred Valley Ranch Retreat

2 sites ¡ Lodging150 acres ¡ North Auburn, Placer
Learn more about this land: Hiking on the 150 acres is available and we also are situated next to an 1100 acre park. There is a picnic area and a pond for seasonal swimming...    We have boarding area if you are inclined to bring your horse. We have many amenities to help you relax while you adjust to our unique location. Rope chairs, hammocks, sauna, etc.
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$98
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99%
(59)

The Yuba Yurt

1 site ¡ Lodging5 acres ¡ North San Juan, Nevada
The Yuba Yurt is "glamping", or an idyllic remote working location, at its best. Carefully appointed "simplicity" immersed in Nature, but with stable high speed internet, situated equidistantly between the three forks of the "wild and scenic" Yuba River. Enjoy! THE SPACE Venture to the heart of Yuba river country and experience the rustic comfort of glamping in a 30’ pacific yurt. A remedy for “Nature Deficit Disorder”, this is your opportunity to taste the magic of simple living in the round. Located on the North San Juan ridge at the edge of Tahoe National Forest, endless outdoor activities abound. Enjoy incredible hiking, crystal-clear swimming holes and world-class mountain biking trails during summer and pristine snow-play areas away from the crowds during winter. Take in gorgeous scenic drives and numerous points of historical interest--including Malokoff Diggins--from California gold rush period. Discover the active gold mining town of Allegheny, the scenic beauty of Downieville or soak the afternoon away at Sierra Hot Springs in Sierraville. The village of Nevada city--with all it has to offer--is just 20 minutes away. Or simply relax... As much a nature blind as a dwelling, the yurt is located on 5 peaceful acres of mixed oak and madrone woodland with a filtered view of the Sierra foothills, a claw foot bath tub under the stars and much more. Light and airy with both propane and wood heat, the well-designed interior features a spacious kitchen, a comfy queen bed and a full bathroom. The kitchen is stocked for a cook with quality cooking equipment and is supplied with oils, sauces and spices. Tranquil and rustic, but with WiFi and a small streaming set-up, there are also games and plenty of good books. A perfect anytime retreat! THE AREA RiverSea East is located on the San Juan Ridge, an area near Nevada City and Grass Valley that extends about 24 miles between the south and middle forks of the Yuba River. A small Nevada County community far removed from town, modern day North San Juan is part hippie, part isolationist, part new age and part conservative.It's only a 20 minute drive from downtown Nevada City, but since you have to drive up and down the heavily forested, windy river-canyon road, it feels rather remote. When you get there, it consists of less than ten businesses scattered around the mountains, a bushel of dreadlocked hippies, a bunch of pot farms, a vineyard, and LOTS of empty, undeveloped wood, making North San Juan a really beautiful place, surrounded, as it is, by forested mountains and rivers. North San Juan is a great place to explore. There's all kinds of hidden spots, neat places to go, river access with good swimming holes and little stores and cafes. This area is spotted with little organic farms, beautiful little houses and the occasional run-down looking trailer.Farm, house OR trailer, because North San Juan and the Ridge are so sparsely populated, every residence seems to have acres of property that the people are free to plant, enjoy or neglect at will. OTHER IMPORTANT STUFF PETS: Your well-behaved dog is welcome with advanced permission and agreement to our pet policy for an additional $10.00 per night. As this is a wilderness area with abundant wildlife, do not let your dog wander outside at night unattended. NEVER leave your dog unattended at the yurt or let them roam unleashed in the woods. Neighbors will report dogs who bark incessantly. PARTIES and extra visitors are not allowed. Quiet time in the neighborhood is 10pm SAVE OUR ROAD SPEED is 10mph at all times.
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$125
 / night
99%
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Yuba River Retreat

4 sites ¡ Lodging1500 acres ¡ Nevada City, Nevada
This special land is part of a multi-parcel wildlife corridor, helping to provide valuable habitat between the state parks. Out your doorstep, you'll find miles of private, groomed, hiking, biking and horseback riding trails and have an opportunity to reconnect with nature.Our solar-powered farmhouse overlooks the mountains and an organic orchard and garden, with two queen bedrooms lined with hand-milled sugar pine from the land, strong wifi/tv, waterfalls, and private fifteen-mile network of trails to hike or bike. Walk to refreshing creek swimming hole or private Yuba river swimming access available at certain times. Included in your stay is seasonal organic produce and hammocks to relax in under the fruit treas and at the creek. The two bedrooms downstairs have queen beds handcrafted of sugar pine milled from downed trees from the land and are fitted with organic sheets. Downstairs has a bathroom with tub and shower, living room with mid-century furniture, views of the orchard and a tv for cozy movie nights. Upstairs is a fully-stocked kitchen with gas stove, oven, and all chef's amenities, foldout queen sleeper, bathroom with shower and outdoor table for a sunset dinner. Cool mountain air refreshes your nights or feel the luxury of air conditioning on a hot summer afternoon.  After a relaxing day in the mountains, perhaps star gaze from the patio or orchard. To get to the sandy beach and creek spot, called Barkhouse Beach, take an easy stroll through the forest. The nearby Barkhouse, close to the creek, is a reconstruction of a typical Maidu Indian dwelling. Walk inside to experience the traditional history of this land. Or cool off in the Yuba River at the South Yuba River State Park, just a 5-minute drive from the farmhouse. Ask about accommodating additional guests.
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$350
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In Town Camping

1 site ¡ RV2 acres ¡ Grass Valley, Nevada
Enjoy a nice nature spot close to town. The property is minutes away from Downtown Grass Valley. It’s a great spot to spent the night after a show in town, or to explore the area for a few days. If you need water and electric hookups it’s best to park near or on the cement pad. Otherwise feel free to park anywhere in the back yard. There is a small creek which is an NID ditch and chairs set up there for relaxing. For being close to town the spot has a lot of beautiful nature! It's an easy 15 minute drive to multiple lakes and river spots of Nevada County. Enjoy the beautiful nature of this area while being close to town!
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$35
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Heidi's Goldnugget

1 site ¡ Lodging2 acres ¡ Dutch Flat, Placer
Heidi Goldnugget is a 1972 cabin that has been empty for 20 years. They spent over a year bringing the space back to life. The deck had holes and falling apart, animals and the forest had made Heidi's Goldnugget their home.
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$165
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Tranquillity Base Ranch

1 site ¡ Lodging10 acres ¡ Nevada City, Nevada
Escape the busyness of the world at our own little sanctuary conveniently located in between Grass Valley and Nevada City. Our 25ft yurt is nestled away on our 10acre ranch offering the ideal location for your next getaway to Nevada County. We are 10 min from downtown Grass Valley, 12 minutes from historic downtown Nevada City and only 15 min from the Yuba River! While enjoying some decompression on our land feel free to take a hot or cold bath outside by the sauna (great for stargazing at night) or even fire up the wood burning sauna for some relaxing and invigorating self care. ** as of 6/28 due to fire season , we have suspended all use of the sauna since it has a wood-fired stove. As soon as it rains some we will lift the restriction. You can choose to shower outside by the sauna or use the private shower next door to the yurt. Our toilet is a traditional indoor composting toilet located right outside the door from the yurt as well. -Feel like going on a stroll? Feel free to wander down to our NID where you can take a leisurely stroll on a path along the waterside. Woolman lane is also a great little stroll as well. It is a very quiet road and with friendly neighbors. The driveway to the yurt has a separate entrance so no worries about coming in late or early. -Our yurt has a full kitchen for all your culinary needs, including a vitamix and full oven/stove. There’s a table for eating or work, chairs and shelving for any of your clothes, accessories etc. -Windows all around the yurt give tons of sunlight along with an opening skylight up top complete with a ceiling fan and lights. -The yurt is heated by an indoor wood burning stove and wood and kindling is provided. -Summer days can get very hot so be prepared by bringing an extra mister or take a dip in the Yuba only 15 min away. -Enjoy sitting outside on the patio furniture. Take a nap or read a book on the hammock while you relax in a peaceful and serene environment. -We also provide organic coffee, tea, sugar and honey. An outdoor table and a hammock will be waiting for you, too. -Plenty of parking! -No pets allowed on the land unless we pre-approve your pet first!! Must be up to date with their rabies vaccination and friendly to other dogs, cats and chickens. -This is luxury CAMPING, not a luxury hotel. We welcome all friends from all races, religions, gender identities and backgrounds. *Quiet hours are from 12am - 7am.
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$140
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(140)

Russtic Roadside Retreat (R3)

1 site ¡ Lodging1 acre ¡ Nevada City, Nevada
Learn more about this land: R3 is a rustic studio/cabin located in a private corner of our half acre property, walking distance to historic Nevada City, CA. From its humble beginnings as a simple camping platform, R3 is now fully enclosed with a stunning glass front wall which preserves the great view from the site. A small kitchen area and bathroom with flush toilet and shower complete a private and cozy space. Guests need to provide their own food storage and preparation materials. There is much local history and many cultural activities to enjoy in Nevada County. Outdoor pursuits include hiking, road and mountain biking, river and lake access, skiing, and many more, all nestled in the beautiful Sierra Nevada Foothills. Nevada City, and it's sister town, Grass Valley, are Gold Rush Victorian gems, boasting a variety of shopping venues, many fine eateries, and eclectic "watering holes" featuring craft brews, local wines and tasty cocktails. Live music in many locations adds an upbeat and lively ambiance. Unwind with a day at the river or lake, take a road or mountain bike ride, or a hike on one of the many local trails.
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$75
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Dog-friendly getaways

Within one hour of Downieville

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Camping near Downieville guide

Downieville is nestled in northern California, just west of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Close to several national forests and a wealth of campgrounds, Downieville is well-known for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. The Downieville Downhill, a 17-mile track running from Sierra City to the heart of Downieville, is undoubtedly the most famous. Campers can also dive into Lake Tahoe’s refreshing water in hot summer months or ski soothing groomers in the middle of winter. Stay the night in a yurt, wood cabin rental, or RV campground nearby. For fantastic hiking, head to Tahoe National Forest and walk beneath giant sequoia canopies, or get spritzed by misty air when watching waterfalls in Plumas National Forest before pitching a tent by the water at a dispersed campsite.

Where to Go

Tahoe National Forest

Roughly 1.5 hours from Downieville, Tahoe National Forest has 76 designated campgrounds to choose from. Book a fire lookout tower featuring propane-powered appliances, roll the RV into campgrounds equipped with toilet facilities and drinking water, or opt for primitive backcountry tent camping for an untamed experience in the local wilderness. Then, spend the day viewing giant sequoias in Placer County Big Trees Grove, discover preserved mining towns, or explore one of the many hiking trails that lead to natural gems like waterfalls, scenic vistas, and wildflower-filled meadows in spring.

Lake Tahoe

The biggest freshwater lake within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe offers unbeatable summer fun and world-renowned ski resorts in winter. Although dispersed camping isn’t allowed in the Lake Tahoe area, there are plenty of other options including wood cabin rentals, glamping in canvas yurts, and RV-friendly campgrounds. Many tent and motorhome campgrounds provide convenient amenities like drinking water, restrooms, and laundry facilities, with individual campsites featuring picnic tables and grill-top fire rings. Head to Emerald Bay for sandy beaches in warmer months, and spend snowy winter days cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or sledding at one of the nearby local ski resorts.

Plumas National Forest

Get acquainted with Plumas National Forest’s awe-inspiring beauty and excellent camping options. There are dozens of RV and tent campgrounds to choose from, some with drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, and firepits. Dispersed camping is also allowed, just make sure to respect fire bans. There are eight separate recreation areas within Plumas National Forest to explore. Some well-known highlights include Feather Falls, scenic views at the Sierra Buttes Lookout, and Lake Davis for swimming and trout fishing.

When to Go

Downieville offers year-round outdoor entertainment and camping accommodations, just be prepared for cold winters. An average annual snowfall of 115 inches makes it one of the snowiest areas in California. July and August are the warmest and driest months, but they’re also the busiest. Double-check for road and campground closures in wintertime, as well as campfire bans in the summertime. Many areas don’t allow fires seasonally, and the freezing winter temperatures shut down water access in higher-elevation campgrounds.

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