Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park Campground
4.4941 reviews23579 North Bloomfield Road, Nevada City, CA 95959
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park Campground
$35.00 - $165.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$165.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fees include $35 per night for family campsites at Chute Hill Campground, $165 per night for group campsites accommodating up to 50 people, and $45 per night for Miner's Cabins. Additional vehicle fees are $8 per night, and self-payment via Iron Ranger envelopes is required when staff are unavailable.
About this campground
Step back in time at Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park Campground, where California's gold rush legacy meets pristine wilderness. Nestled among towering pines, this remarkable campground invites you to sleep under the same stars that once guided fortune-seekers to the largest hydraulic gold mine in the world. Each spacious campsite comes equipped with modern amenities including flush toilets and bear-resistant food lockers, while just a short walk away, the ghostly streets of North Bloomfield whisper tales of boom-town dreams and environmental awakening.
The campground offers a mix of camping options, including family campsites, group campsites, and cabin lodging.
Historical SignificanceWalk the same paths where hydraulic miners once carved fortunes from ancient riverbeds, forever changing both the landscape and American environmental law. The nearby ghost town of North Bloomfield stands frozen in time, its weathered buildings housing stories of the miners whose destructive practices sparked the landmark Sawyer Decision—America's first environmental protection legislation. Here, history isn't just remembered; it's tangible in every preserved structure and scarred cliff face.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the campground's dramatic seasonal transformations as nature paints the landscape in ever-changing hues. Winter brings a magical dusting of snow to higher elevations, with 40-60 inches of rainfall nurturing the forest from October through April. As spring emerges, temperatures climb from the refreshing high 50s to balmy mid-80s, creating perfect conditions for outdoor exploration through summer and into the golden days of fall.
ElevationPerched at 3,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada Foothills, the campground offers that perfect sweet spot where mountain air meets accessibility. This elevation provides cooler temperatures than the valley below while remaining comfortably below the snow line for most of the year, creating an ideal basecamp for year-round adventures.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living cathedral of second-growth ponderosa pines, where sunlight filters through aromatic incense cedars and majestic sugar pines. Spring transforms the forest floor into a painter's palette of wildflowers, while the dramatic cliffs—carved by powerful hydraulic monitors over a century ago—stand as both scenic wonders and sobering reminders of human impact on nature. This unique blend of natural recovery and historical scars creates a landscape unlike anywhere else in California.
Geological RegionDiscover a geological wonderland where the Sierra Nevada Foothills reveal millions of years of Earth's history in exposed layers of ancient river deposits. The campground sits atop a fascinating mixture of sedimentary and volcanic rocks, where iron-stained siltstones paint the earth in rusty hues, and prehistoric conglomerates tell tales of long-vanished rivers. Above this geological tapestry, a resilient second-growth forest of ponderosa pine, incense cedar, black oak, Douglas-fir, and sugar pine demonstrates nature's remarkable ability to heal and thrive.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features include accessible restroom facilities and the Overlook Trail, which is compacted aggregate, generally flat, and accessible, ending at a scenic overlook of the Diggins escarpment.
Sites SizeCampsites are spacious, with standard widths and lengths up to 24 feet. Cabins can accommodate up to 5 people and allow parking for 2 vehicles.
Sites PrivacySites offer a good level of privacy with ample spacing between them.
Total Campsites30 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites with spacious layouts and ample shade are recommended. Use the food lockers provided due to active bear activity.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM for campsites.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12:00 PM for campsites.
Stay Limit
The family campsites at Chute Hill Campground and group campsites are open seasonally from May 25th through Labor Day weekend, with first-come-first-served availability thereafter until September 30th.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Group campsites allow a maximum of 50 occupants, while family campsites and cabins vary.
Groups
Group campsites can accommodate 9 to 40 people, with a maximum of 10 vehicles allowed per reservation.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout includes individual sites with tables, fire rings, and bear-resistant food lockers. There is ample spacing between sites for privacy and comfort.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open seasonally from May 25th through Labor Day weekend, with limited availability thereafter.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling (800) 444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability begins after Labor Day weekend through September 30th for campsites, and until November 25th for Miner's Cabins.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are managed via ReserveCalifornia. Details of penalties and deadlines are not explicitly mentioned.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Malakoff Diggins SHP offers diverse activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, gold panning, guided tours, and wildlife viewing. The historic mining town of North Bloomfield provides opportunities for cultural and educational experiences.
HikingThe park features over 20 miles of scenic foothill trails ranging in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Trails such as the Rim Trail and Humbug Creek Trail offer varied terrain and views. Reviews highlight well-marked trails and enjoyable exploration.
FishingFishing is available in South Yuba River and Blair Lake reservoir, where rainbow trout, brown trout, black bass, and bluegill can be caught. California fishing licenses are required for anglers aged 16 and over.
SwimmingBlair Lake offers a small swimming section near a picnic area. Swimming is at your own risk as no lifeguard service is provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as black bears, mountain lions, bobcats, and black-tailed deer can be seen. Bird species include Steller’s jay, California quail, and mourning dove. User reviews note frequent bear sightings.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsPrograms include gold panning, town tours, Humbug Day celebrations, and Environmental Living Programs. Guided hiking tours and interpretive exhibits are available during museum hours.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings. Firewood is available for purchase at the visitor center.
- Quiet hours are not explicitly mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include active black bears and rattlesnakes. Poison oak and ticks may also be present.
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 19%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
The nearest emergency services, including hospitals and police stations, are located in Nevada City, approximately 26 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day to Labor Day weekend
Trash and recyclingMetal bear-resistant lockers are provided to store food and scented items, reducing waste exposure to wildlife.
Proximity to water featuresBlair Lake offers swimming and fishing opportunities, and South Yuba River supports trout fishing. Accessibility to water features is within walking or short driving distance.
Common complaintsSome visitors have mentioned the presence of active bears searching for food and mosquitoes during the evenings. Others noted the deteriorated condition of historical buildings due to insufficient maintenance funding.
HostPark rangers are available but in limited numbers. They assist with educational programs and general visitor support.
Campground Map
23579 North Bloomfield Road, Nevada City, CA 95959
Driving directionsTravel 11 miles north on highway-49 toward Downieville, then turn right onto Tyler Foote Road. Stay on the pavement and follow the yellow line to the park. The road changes names several times (Curzon Grade Road, Back Bone Road, Derbec Road, North Bloomfield Road). These roads are not high-speed roads, and the park is approximately 26 miles (50-minute drive) from Nevada City. Avoid following GPS directions, as they may lead you to unpaved, dicey dirt roads such as North Bloomfield Road, which is gravel and highly recommended only for high-clearance vehicles.
The park is accessible via paved roads for the entire route from Nevada City, but certain GPS directions may suggest unpaved roads such as North Bloomfield and Relief Hill Roads, requiring high-clearance 4-wheel drive vehicles. These unpaved roads are dicey and not recommended for standard vehicles.Nearby places
Nevada City: 26 miles, approximately 50 minutes
Nearby supplies
The closest store is approximately 20 minutes away from the campground, so visitors are advised to come prepared with essentials.
Camper Reviews
4.5
41 reviews
Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the historic charm, scenic views, clean facilities, and peaceful environment of the campground and park. Common themes include the well-maintained restrooms, spacious campsites, and enjoyable hiking trails.
Review Summaries
Positive aspects include clean restrooms, spacious campsites with fire pits and picnic tables, interesting historical sites like the ghost town of North Bloomfield, and scenic hiking trails.
Issues raised in reviews include limited cell phone service, active bears requiring caution, and seasonal closures of buildings in the historic town. Mosquitoes are noted as a nuisance in summer...
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Bring head nets and bug spray for mosquitoes. Avoid using Google Maps for directions; opt for Tyler Foote Road for a paved route. Be prepared for bear activity and store all scented items in...
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Reviews note that the park is less crowded during weekdays or off-season months like January. Snow can make trails picturesque but also requires warm clothing and preparation.
"Nice campground. Sites are spacious with table and fire pit. Restrooms were clean." - Kevin G.
"Bathrooms super clean. Campsites have picnic table, fire ring, and big ol' bear box. Lots of space...
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Site-specific details are limited, but cabins can accommodate up to 5 people with parking for 2 vehicles. Group sites offer space for up to 40 people and 10 vehicles.
Accessible restrooms and trails are noted positively in reviews, with features like compacted aggregate surfaces and minimal slopes.
Pets are allowed on leash. Blair Trail restricts dogs, according to user feedback.
Last updated July 31, 2025