The best camping near South Yuba River State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next South Yuba River State Park adventure.

Enjoy swimming holes, rugged canyons, trails, and historic sites at this scenic river corridor park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near South Yuba River State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near South Yuba River State Park

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Windsong Ridge Village

5 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · North San Juan, CA

Welcome to Windsong Ridge, an evolving homestead on 25 acres of oak, pine, and manzanita woodland about 30 minutes outside of the historic gold rush towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City in Nevada County, CA. The property overlooks the iconic South Yuba River canyon and is 100% solar-powered and off grid with excellent cell coverage (Verizon and T-Mobile). Come be serenaded by the wind chimes throughout the property. Enjoy sitting by a fire and you may hear the coyotes in the distance after a day of swimming, hiking, paddling, site-seeing or attending one of the many festivals held throughout the year in town. We are at 1800 feet, therefore the summers are hot (sometimes in the triple digits), and winters are mild (snow is a surprising event at this elevation). We have developed an RV/tent site called Manzanita Rock Meadow (includes a wood-burning chiminea, composting toilet, trash, grill, and tables), with a pad for a van, RV and/or tent and plenty of room to spread out and set up camp. Hike the adjacent trails on public lands or enjoy hiking trails in the state park along the Yuba River. Bring your kayak or paddle board to Englebright Lake at any time of year. In less than two hours, you can visit Truckee, Lake Tahoe, or the Sierra Buttes/Lakes Basin areas and much more. In town you will find a variety excellent restaurants, farmers markets, live entertainment and wildly popular events throughout the year. We’ll be happy to help you plan your visit! (Start by checking out https://www.nevadacountygold.com/) We keep bags of instant light charcoal available for sale if you need it for $5. A bundle of firewood is available for $5 as well.

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TerraSol

2 sites · Lodging40 acres · Nevada City, CA

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 $10.00 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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Finnon Lake Recreation Area

39 sites · RVs, Tents140 acres · Placerville, CA

*BOOK EARLY* The campground is closed until April 1st. **NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ALLOWED***** DINER CLOSED EFFECTIVE JULY 5TH*** **TRAILERS AND RVs MUST USE ROCK CREEK ROAD** From Sacramento on Hwy 50: : At the second stop light, Spring St./Hwy 49, turn left, heading north about 1 block to the stop sign. Turn left, staying on Hwy 49, approximately 1 mile. Turn right on Hwy 193. Travel approximately 3.1 miles to Rock Creek Road. Turn right onto Rock Creek Road and travel 8.9 miles to Finnon Lake/Frank's Diner on the Left. The campground is behind the Diner. The DINER IS CLOSED. Traveling West on 50 from Tahoe: make a right on HWY 49 traveling north. Follow the above instructions. Welcome to Finnon Lake Recreation Area! Our lovely lake offers serenity in a beautifully unique setting, nestled deep into the forest. Enjoy the scenic and exhilarating drive to our hidden gem along the South Fork of the American River- this is all for you to discover. The night skies above Finnon Lake will reveal stars unseen in most parts of California. Enjoy searching for bullfrogs, and watch the flock of Canadian Geese fly in right at sunset as the horizon blends into the watercolor sky. This private lake supports the fire protection efforts of the Mosquito Fire Protection District and the firefighters of this community. The lake is managed by volunteers of the community for the benefit of the residents The primary funding source for the Finnon Lake Restoration is the Sierra Nevada Conservancy, which was signed into law in 2004 with a mission to support “efforts that improve the environmental, economic and social well-being of the Sierra Nevada Region, its communities and the residents of California,” according to its Website. Finnon Lake is also home to a popular 18-hole disc golf course and Mosquito’s only restaurant, Frank's Diner. Enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, paddling, hiking, or biking during your stay. Potable water, picnic tables, campfire rings, and toilets on site. The property can not accommodate horses. 2 dogs per site limit. Our property is located in Placerville, California. Placerville is a charming California gold rush town named after the placer gold deposits found in its riverbeds and hills in the late 1840s. PLEASE NOTE, there is construction on the Mosquito Bridge. Expect delays, RVS/trailers must use Rock Creek Road (even if your GPS says Mosquito Road). Please message me with any questions. Please see our website: finnonrecreationarea.com for full directions. NO FIREWORKS OF ANY KIND ARE ALLOWED. Smoking is only allowed in an enclosed vehicle.

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Sierra Sol Camp

11 sites · Lodging18 acres · Camptonville, CA

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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Rough And Ready Sunset Ranch

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Rough And Ready, CA

Welcome to our rustic spot nestled amidst woods, boulders, and a serene creek! Here, you'll share 10 acres with a few fellow campers and be greeted by the company of many deer. With beautiful blue skies above, tranquility and privacy abound as you immerse yourself in the towering oaks, pines, and majestic Manzanitas that surround you. Conveniently located, you're just 10 minutes away from downtown Grass Valley and a mere 15-minute drive to downtown Nevada City. Here, you'll discover exceptional wine, craft beer, and delectable cuisine in both charming old mining towns. Come experience the beauty and charm of our slice of wilderness, while still being close to the delights of these historic communities!

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Lake Lane Waterfront Camping

8 sites · RVs1 acre · Nevada City, CA

Our lake property is situated directly adjacent to Scott's Flat Reservoir without any other properties between you and the lake! Enjoy the surrounding fir, cedar, and madrone trees as you watch the sunset over the water! Our property consists of 2 separate lots. The upper lot includes water, power, sewer hookups, WiFi and off street parking. The lower lot (closest to the water) does not have any hookups but has plenty of room for tent campsites. PREMIUM RV: "Lakeview Terrace": This RV Site is the larger of the 2 RV Sites. It offers a lot more open space for camp set up (table, chairs, cooking, etc.) This is the property where we keep our family's 5th wheel year round (as seen in some pictures, although we make it policy NOT to visit when RV Site #2 is booked in order to protect your privacy). STANDARD RV: "Starling's Nest": This is the smaller of the 2 RV Sites. The entire space is approximately 60'x15'. Depending on the size of your RV/Camper there is room enough to accommodate additional campsite set up. Full hookups (city water, electrical outlet (110), and sewer connection) are available beside the gravel parking pad and WiFi is provided. The lake view is filtered because of the many trees but there is easy access to the water via trails from the property or along Lake Lane. NOTE: Per Hipcamp restrictions this site is only available as an "add on" to the Premium RV: "Lakeview Terrace" to accommodate multi-family camping. LAKESIDE TENT CAMPSITES: "Halcyon Cove" consists of 3 separate tent campsites and guests are able to set up camp wherever they like on a first come basis. There is over 1/2 acre of land adjacent to the lakeshore. City water is provided but no power or sewer hookups at this time. NOTE: Per Hipcamp restrictions these sites are only available as an "add on" to the Premium RV: "Lakeview Terrace" to accommodate multi-family camping. Come see one of the most beautiful waterfront lake spots in the Sierras.

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In Town Camping

1 site · RV2 acres · Grass Valley, CA

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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Peace in the Pines

1 site · Lodging15 acres · Nevada City, CA

Peace in the Pines is a quiet oasis located 5 minutes from Nevada City and less than 10 minutes from the Yuba River. The pictures speak for themselves. We have one campsite that includes a place for a tent, and there's an outside shower, the trailer has a stove, refrigerator, cooking equipment, a bed and flush toilet. If you're looking for a place to escape and relax with beautiful views, this is the place for you.

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Tranquillity Base Ranch

1 site · Lodging10 acres · Nevada City, CA

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. 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 too late or too early. -Our yurt has a full kitchen for all your culinary needs, including a 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. -The yurt is heated by an indoor wood burning stove with wood and kindling 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!! -This is luxury GLAMPING, 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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Rollins Lake Retreats with A/C!!!

3 sites · Lodging31 acres · Colfax, CA

We live lakeside at Rollins Lake In Colfax. We live on a beautiful 30 acres with foot path access to Rollins Lake. (3 minute walk from the dome or house and 10-15 minutes from the cabin) where most summer days here are spent swimming, paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing ect., down at the water. The remarkable property is very hilly with pines and oaks. You can follow our driveway to the bottom and access the beginning of The Bear River that has a nice hiking trail along side of it or 8 minutes to the nearest boat ramp and 10 minutes to the town of Colfax. We have a nice spot where you do not see any neighbors so it is peaceful and private with gorgeous 360 degree views. It is also very safe! We have 3 accommodations on the property A guest suite, a cabin, and a glamping dome! We have fishing boat, kayaks, and paddle boards for rent.

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Oregon House Falls

45 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Dobbins, CA

Nestled in the foothills of Western Sierra Mountains lies a piece of heaven. If you are looking for a quiet peaceful place to escape, this is your spot. Here you will find peace and quiet and the beauty of nature. Sit lakeside or Creekside and enjoy the scenery or a picnic along side one of the beautiful waterfalls. You can even grab a pole and fish in our lake. Trout are known to migrate through these waters, there has been bass and sun fish pulled from this lake as well. There is also some history here as you can hunt for one of the few grinding rocks that have been found on this land. With tons of wildlife like deer, turkeys, ducks, fish, crawdads, river otters, herons, owls, lots of song birds, and even bald eagles. This hidden gem is surrounded by many lakes rivers and even wineries . We are located 17 miles from The Yuba River, 9.2 miles to Bullards Bar (one of the tallest dames in the US) 7.2 miles to Collins lake and 3.8 miles to lake Frances not to mention tons of nearby swimming holes and creeks. You can boat, kayak, fish, swim, horseback ride, bike and hike all within a stone’s throw. The Sierra Nevada foothills and mountains are rich in history as you visit, you will find many historical landmarks. The Sierra Nevadas played a crucial role in history during the gold rush. Take a 5 min drive down the road and you will find an original stagecoach stop from back in time and pick up anything you might need for your stay from gas, food ,ice and all the essentials. They even have a deli with delicious food. The Sierras are ideal for any outdoor enthusiasts.

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Love Creek Sanctuary!

6 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Grass Valley, CA

Love creek sanctuary was founded in 2016. It all started with Stu the steer and his best friend Petey the goat, from there we have rescued over 90 animals, 45 make their home here at the sanctuary. Our camping areas are fenced from the animals but you are free to explore our 12 acres and interact with the animals during your stay here. We ask that children under 10 stay outside the animal areas and children over 10 are accompanied by a grownup. We have plenty of art and child friendly activities, just ask and we can set you up. We have a no dog policy because the chickens and birds are free ranging, unfortunately we have had several bad experiences with dogs attacking the birds and other animals. If you have a dog that has been around farm animals and is well behaved, let's talk about it. We have 5 dogs so the birds have NO FEAR of them. ---- We are a working farm - PLEASE READ----- There are donkeys, roosters, dogs and peacocks that make noise, sometimes at night and always early in the morning. Please be aware that you may hear the donkeys bray (usually lasts about 30 seconds), roosters crow, guinea fowl chirp. It is startling and will wake you up. We do our best to keep the dogs hushed but we cannot stop the donkeys, roosters and peacocks from doing their thing. If you are a light sleeper, please bring earplugs or select another wonderful Hipcamp in our area, thank you! In addition to the interesting sounds you will hear, you will encounter dirt, poop and spiders. Since we are a working farm, things get dirty. We spray all high traffic surfaces twice a day but things get dirty and when it rains it is muddy. Please plan accordingly. We are centrally located between Grass Valley and Auburn, giving you access to endless recreational activities, wineries, breweries and restaurants. We have 50 or so rescued farm animals, you can interact with our pig Hank, Mojo the goat or Teddy the alpaca. NOTE: Starting Memorial Day each year, we have replaced all of our wood fire pits with gas fire pits. We have increased our prices to help cover the costs of propane. Thank you for choosing us!

The best camping near South Yuba River State Park guide

Overview

About

Stretching for 20 miles along the South Yuba River Canyon, this scenic park offers water and land based recreation, nature, and plenty of historic sites. While camping isn’t allowed inside the park, camping options can be found at nearby Malakoff Diggins State Park and on BLM land in the South Yuba Recreation Area along the river. Natural swimming holes are a big draw, as are seasonal wildflowers, birdwatching, and miles of hiking trails, including the wheelchair-accessible Independence Trail wilderness trail. Visitors can also explore the area’s rich history at historic river crossings and bridges, including the Bridgeport Covered Bridge, and gold mining sites, or try their hand at gold panning.

When to go

The park’s swimming holes are popular in the summer for visitors looking to escape the heat. Swimming is best, and safest, from mid summer through the fall. Visit in the spring to see wildflowers, with guided wildflower walks available on spring weekends. Guided history and gold-panning tours are available over the summer, while guided bird walks are available in the spring and fall. Fishing is only allowed upstream of the Highway 49 Crossing from late April through mid November, and year-round downstream of the crossing.

Know before you go

Fire, alcohol, and glass are not permitted anywhere inside the park.
Diving is prohibited and jumping from rocks is discouraged. The river may not be safe for swimming in spring and early summer, and anywhere with even a moderate current. There are no lifeguards on duty.
Fishing licenses are required for anyone aged 16 and over.
Sturdy shoes and protective clothing are recommended for steep, rocky trails and poison oak. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also a good idea.
Gold panning is permitted using pans and hands only.
Dogs on leashes are allowed everywhere except the Family Beach next to the Bridgeport Covered Bridge.