Mineral Bar Campground
4.5032 reviewsNull
Mineral Bar Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Camping fees are $28 per night year-round per campsite. Additional vehicles are charged $10 per night.
About this campground
Discover a hidden gem where history meets wilderness at Mineral Bar Campground. This secluded primitive camping destination offers an authentic outdoor experience, with the first seven coveted campsites nestled along the scenic off-loop trail. Perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and a genuine connection with nature, this back-to-basics campground provides the ultimate escape from modern distractions.
Mineral Bar Campground offers primitive camping and is accessible for tents and small trailers. RV camping is limited due to challenging road conditions and small site sizes.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time to California's legendary Gold Rush era at this historically rich location. These very grounds once echoed with the hopes and dreams of prospectors seeking their fortunes, and remnants of this fascinating period still whisper stories of adventure and determination throughout the surrounding landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience refreshing mountain air and crisp mornings that give way to perfectly temperate afternoons. While the area can be cool and humid during certain times of the year, savvy campers know that several weeks throughout the season offer absolutely ideal conditions for outdoor exploration and comfortable tent camping under star-filled skies.
Natural Features and SceneryWake up to the mirror-like surface of a pristine clear water lake, where morning mist dances across crystal waters and wildlife comes to drink at dawn. This stunning natural centerpiece creates a photographer's paradise and offers refreshing swimming opportunities on warm summer days.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of California's famed Gold Country within the spectacular Auburn State Recreation Area, this campground showcases dramatic canyon vistas carved by the mighty North Fork American River. The rugged terrain tells a geological story millions of years in the making, where rushing waters have sculpted breathtaking gorges and revealed the mineral-rich deposits that once drew fortune seekers from around the world.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible parking and restrooms are available at the Mineral Bar picnic and rafting areas. However, no detailed descriptions of accessibility for campsites are available.
Sites SizeCampsites vary in size but are generally small and better suited for tents or small trailers. "The campsites that were open (1-7) aren’t very flat, so it was tricky with our small (10’) camp trailer," noted by user Nella Parks.
Sites PrivacySites are moderately private, separated by bushes and trees. However, the campground layout does not offer extensive seclusion.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 nights camping limit
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 people per site
Groups
No specific group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Open and Closed SeasonMay 15 till September
Reservation PlatformsReserveCalifornia.com
Walk-in AvailabilityNoted during offseason. Campgrounds first-come first-served
Cancellation PolicyNot mentioned; reservations disabled during off-season
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Mineral Bar offers a variety of activities, notably swimming, gold panning, and fishing. Hiking trails are accessible, and the scenic river provides abundant opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
Hiking
Trails near the campground provide opportunities for moderate hiking. Users shared mixed experiences about trail accessibility, with some citing difficulties finding trailheads. Cheryl Palange highlighted that the trails were narrow and unsafe for dogs.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include small bass and chub or pike minnow. Swan Swanson described seeing fish and enjoying the fishing experience.Swimming
Swimming in the river is refreshing and praised for its moderately warm temperature. Aelita Matosova advised bringing water shoes due to rocks in the river.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as squirrels, wasps, and occasional sightings of leeches are noted in user reviews. Guy Cooper mentioned friendly squirrels and emphasized the narrow road leading to the campground.Winter Activities
During winter, campers enjoy the serene atmosphere and sounds of freezing water rushing through the river rocks, as noted by user Janine Marie.Water Sports
Gold panning is popular, with users reporting finding color in almost every pan. Loretta Hidalgo highlighted her enjoyment of panning in the river.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
Hazards
General hazardsLeeches minimal bathroom maintenance user reviews active
Weather forecast
98
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 22%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Emergency services are accessible in Auburn, CA, approximately 13 miles from the campground.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 till September
Trash and recyclingBear-resistant trash and recycling containers are located near the toilets. Campers are advised to dispose of garbage before bedtime to avoid animal contact.
Campground Map
Null
Driving directionsFrom Hwy 80 in Colfax exit at Canyon Way, head north on Canyon Way, turn right onto Iowa Hill Rd. 3 mile paved road to sites and river.
A narrow paved road serves the campground, described as steep and winding, with limited room for two cars traveling in opposite directions in some spots.Nearby places
Colfax (Approximately 3 miles), Auburn (Approximately 13 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Colfax, CA, approximately 3 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
4.5
32 reviews
Mineral Bar Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the scenic beauty, cleanliness of the campground facilities, and the intimate camping experience. However, negative comments include the cramped campsite layout and safety concerns regarding narrow roads and trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 32 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive remarks include the clean vault toilets, bear-resistant trash containers, peaceful winter camping atmosphere, and refreshing river water.
Based on 32 reviewsCommon Concerns
Complaints focus on the absence of potable water, cramped and uneven campsites, presence of wasps and leeches, and unruly wildlife such as squirrels. Additionally, trailheads are difficult to locate...
Based on 32 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Several users recommend bringing ample drinking water, firewood (as gathering wood is prohibited), and water shoes for comfort in the rocky river. Early arrival is advised to secure a campsite.
Based on 32 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter camping is praised for its tranquility and minimal crowding, while summer reviews frequently mention wasps, crowded campsites, and noise disturbances.
Based on 32 reviewsCamper Quotes
"BRING WATER. There is no running water anywhere except for the river so bring clean drinking and washing water." - Janine Marie. "The restrooms are exceptionally clean for having no-flush toilets."...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 1-7 are frequently mentioned for being open during the off-season but are described as uneven and cramped, making them challenging for larger trailers.
Based on 32 reviewsAccessibility Features
Mineral Bar picnic and rafting areas offer accessible restrooms and parking, but no detailed accessibility reviews for campsites were found.
Based on 32 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed and must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Some users expressed concerns about ticks and narrow trails being unsafe for dogs.
Based on 32 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025