Carlton
4.2244 reviewsYUBA RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA
Carlton
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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
Standard nonelectric sites cost $24 per night during both peak and non-peak seasons. Additional vehicle fees cost $5 per night for untowed vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled along the pristine waters of the North Yuba River, Carlton Campground offers an intimate riverside retreat in the heart of Tahoe National Forest. This charming small campground provides the perfect balance of accessibility and natural beauty, sitting just off Highway 49 while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're settling in with a tent or parking your trailer, you'll find modern conveniences including vault toilets, fresh drinking water, and shaded picnic areas. The true magic lies in each campsite's private pathway leading directly to the river's edge, where crystal-clear waters beckon and adventure awaits.
Carlton Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles with sites suitable for tent and trailer camping. "The campground offers single-family campsites suited for both tent and trailer camping."
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Sierra Nevada seasons at Carlton Campground. Summer transforms the area into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures climb to a toasty 90°F, making those refreshing river dips absolutely irresistible. As autumn arrives, the campground becomes a photographer's dream with moderate temperatures and crystal-clear skies painting perfect outdoor conditions. Winter brings a dramatic transformation as snow blankets the landscape, creating a serene wonderland though access becomes limited during seasonal closures. Spring awakens the forest with moderate temperatures and pristine weather, ideal for those seeking to escape the crowds and embrace nature's renewal.
ElevationElevation unspecified.
Natural Features and SceneryCarlton Campground immerses you in a living cathedral of towering cedars, majestic ponderosa pines, and graceful oaks that filter sunlight into dancing patterns across your campsite. The North Yuba River serves as the campground's centerpiece, its gentle currents creating a natural soundtrack while cool breezes drift through the forest canopy. This riverside haven invites endless exploration - cast a line for native trout, wade through shallow pools perfect for cooling off, capture stunning photographs of the interplay between water and light, or simply lose yourself in the mesmerizing flow of the river from your private riverside perch.
Geological RegionSituated within the diverse ecosystem of Tahoe National Forest, Carlton Campground showcases the region's remarkable natural tapestry. The North Yuba River has carved its path through this landscape over millennia, creating a lush corridor where towering cedars, aromatic ponderosa pines, and sturdy oaks thrive in the rich riverside soil. This unique convergence of water and forest represents the quintessential Sierra Nevada environment, where mountain streams nurture diverse plant communities and create microhabitats teeming with life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed in authoritative content or user reviews. Vault toilets may offer basic accessibility, but specific accommodations for campers with disabilities are unclear.
Sites SizeSites vary in size. User reviews describe some as spacious enough for tents and trailers but others as small: "Campsite 6 does not and is small."
Sites PrivacyPrivacy levels depend on the site. Some campsites are separated by brush, providing more privacy: "Most camp spots have a little brush separating each other." Others are closer in proximity and have less shade, reducing privacy.
Total Campsites25 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSite 14 has river access but lacks shade due to tree removal. Sites 2 and 3 are highly recommended.
Best CampsitesSites 2, 3, 14-16 are noted for their proximity and private access to the river.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in policies unspecified
- assumed to align with general norms.
Check-out
Check-out time is the day after scheduled arrival for no-show policies.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit and 14 total nights per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
One vehicle (or two motorcycles) included with reservation.
Groups
Group site details are absent from authoritative content and user reviews.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground is laid out along Highway 49 and stretches along the North Yuba River. Sites are well-separated with some offering privacy through natural brush.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 15 through October 31. Reservable season starts June 25 and ends October 31. Closed outside these dates.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or through their contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not specified; majority of sites are reservable online.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations permitted prior to arrival date with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (starting from midnight one day before check-in) will forfeit the first night's recreation fee and incur the cancellation fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Carlton Campground offers a plethora of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. "The North Yuba River offers swimming, wading and rainbow trout fishing. Seasonal rafting and kayaking are popular water activities. A network of trails through the surrounding area provides opportunities for hiking, biking and OHV use. The North Yuba River Trail can be accessed from the nearby Rocky Rest trailhead." User reviews also confirm access to the river and proximity to swimming holes.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with access to the North Yuba River Trail and other nearby trails: "A network of trails through the surrounding area providing opportunities for hiking, biking and OHV use."Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, particularly for rainbow trout. User reviews mention: "There is a couple of good spots to fish, only got little browns, catch and release."Swimming
Swimming is possible in shallow areas of the river. User feedback notes shallow, rocky areas and strong currents in certain sections: "The water was refreshingly cool when paired with 90 degree weather. Strong currents at certain points so children should be supervised."Biking
Biking trails are available, and users comment on the suitability for outdoor biking near the campground: "A network of trails through the surrounding area providing opportunities for hiking, biking, and OHV use."Boating
Boating activities like kayaking and rafting are seasonal and tied to water conditions: "Seasonal rafting and kayaking are popular water activities."Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is mentioned, particularly along the North Yuba River. User reviews do not explicitly name species but emphasize natural surroundings: "Beautiful site on the river."Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned. Camping season closes late October, limiting opportunities for snow-related recreation.Water Sports
Water sports such as kayaking and rafting are seasonal, dependent on river conditions: "Seasonal rafting and kayaking are popular water activities."Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are regulated based on weather conditions. Restrictions may apply during dry weather.
- Quiet hours not enforced; anecdotal issues reported about loud music and disturbances.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include strong water currents in the river, bear activity, and slippery algae-covered rocks. Rattlesnakes have been reported near campsites.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to weather conditions. Contact the Yuba River Ranger District for updates.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Yuba River Ranger District (phone: (530) 288-3231), nearest hospital or emergency service unspecified.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15 - October 15 (Peak Season), October 16 - October 31 (Non-Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling details are not explicitly mentioned. Users note that self-management applies, such as bringing one's own supplies: "Glad we brought our own." No centralized recycling or trash pickup schedules were described.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground stretches along North Yuba River, with private paths from each campsite leading to the river.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of enforcement of quiet hours, overcrowding of campsites, dusty roads due to speeding vehicles, and insufficient maintenance of facilities.
HostNo camp host present, leading to enforcement issues. Several reviews request the presence of an on-site host.
Campground Map
YUBA RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA
Driving directionsFrom Downieville, travel south on Highway 49 for just over 13 miles. The campground is on the left side of the highway. From Nevada City, travel north on Highway 49 for just under 30 miles. The campground is on the right side of the highway.
The campground is directly accessible from Highway 49, which is paved and well-maintained. There are no seasonal closures mentioned for Highway 49, and the campground is next to the highway allowing easy access.Nearby places
Downieville (13 miles, ~20 minutes), Nevada City (30 miles, ~40 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Unspecified
groceries, camping supplies, fuel details are null.
Camper Reviews
4.2
44 reviews
Carlton is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Carlton Campground are mixed, highlighting the scenic location by the North Yuba River and convenient access to water and trails. Complaints include noise from the highway, lack of camp host oversight, and cleanliness issues in some facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 44 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive feedback emphasizes beautiful river access, helpful rangers, and peaceful settings in certain seasons: "Most camp spots have a little brush separating each other." "Great swimming!" "Loved...
Based on 44 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common concerns involve noise from nearby highways, lack of camp host oversight, overcrowding, and inconsistent maintenance of vault toilets: "No camp host being present." "Outhouse ran out of toilet...
Based on 44 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include bringing toilet paper, water shoes, and canopies for shade. Supervising children near strong currents and avoiding busy periods are also recommended: "Bring canopies & a camp...
Based on 44 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Spring and fall are described as quieter and more peaceful periods for camping, while summer months tend to experience overcrowding and high noise levels from inconsiderate campers.
Based on 44 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bathrooms were clean bring toilet paper theirs is not worthy lol." "Each campsite has a trail from their own campsite to the water so everyone has a private entrance." "It begs for a little fly...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 2 & 3 are recommended for their excellent access to the river: "Sites 2 & 3 are best." Site 15 lacks shade due to tree removal: "Site 15 have no shade at camp at midday." Site 6 is described as...
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Accessibility Features
Accessibility reviews are sparse. Vault toilets are generally clean and easier to navigate: "The pit toilets are old but seem well taken care of."
Based on 44 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Some users mention concerns about proximity to the road and ensuring pets are supervised: "...luckily our dogs didn’t seem too interested in getting...
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Last updated August 10, 2025