Yuba Pass Campground
03 reviewsYuba Pass Campground, Highway 49
Yuba Pass Campground
$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 peak and first-come-first-served seasons. Other fees may apply, including $5 for additional vehicles.
About this campground
Perched high atop the scenic Yuba Pass along Highway 49, Yuba Pass Campground offers a serene mountain retreat where towering red firs whisper ancient stories and the North Yuba River sparkles below. This Tahoe National Forest gem invites outdoor enthusiasts to discover a world of adventure, from early morning birdwatching expeditions to afternoon fishing trips and sunset hikes through pristine wilderness trails.
Yuba Pass Campground offers single-family campsites that cater to tent and RV campers. The sites are standard and do not include utility hookups.
Historical SignificanceJourney back in time along the historic Yuba Donner Scenic Byway, where echoes of California's Gold Rush era still resonate through the mountains. This storied pass has witnessed centuries of travelers, from Native American traders to fortune-seeking forty-niners. Today's visitors can explore interpretive trails that weave tales of perseverance and discovery, connecting modern adventurers to the rich tapestry of Sierra Nevada history.
Weather and SeasonsSummer days at Yuba Pass are nothing short of perfect, with comfortable temperatures hovering around 70°F that invite endless outdoor exploration. As evening falls, temperatures dip to a refreshing 40°F, creating ideal conditions for campfire gatherings and stargazing. The camping season offers reliably dry weather, though winter transforms this mountain paradise into a snow-laden wonderland that blankets the landscape in pristine white.
ElevationHigh above the everyday world, Yuba Pass Campground crowns the summit of its namesake mountain pass, offering visitors a true alpine experience where the air is crisp, the views are endless, and the stars seem close enough to touch.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living cathedral of towering old-growth red firs, their ancient branches creating a natural canopy that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Graceful aspen groves shimmer in the breeze, their leaves creating nature's own symphony. This diverse ecosystem provides sanctuary for an abundance of wildlife, from curious chipmunks to majestic birds of prey, making every moment an opportunity for discovery.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of the North Yuba River watershed, this mountaintop sanctuary showcases the raw beauty of Sierra Nevada geology. Ancient red fir forests stand as sentinels over a landscape carved by millennia of natural forces, while delicate aspen groves add splashes of vibrant green and gold to the rugged terrain. Here, at the crossroads of forest and sky, the geological story of California's mountains unfolds in every vista.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities is provided.
Sites SizeThe campground offers standard nonelectric sites; specific site dimensions are not mentioned.
Sites PrivacySites are nestled among old-growth red fir trees, providing ample shade and natural privacy.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSelect shaded spots under remaining trees for privacy and cooler temperatures.
Best CampsitesInformation unavailable regarding the best individual campsites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time policy unspecified.
Check-out
Check-out policy unspecified.
Stay Limit
- 14 nights consecutive stay allowed per visit
- 14 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Information unavailable for exact guest limit per site.
Groups
Group sites are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle-family campsites nestled among red fir and aspen groves.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: May 22 to October 19 (reservable: May 22 - September 27; first-come-first-served: September 28 - October 19).
Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable from September 28 to October 19 during first-come-first-served season.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations before arrival incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations result in forfeiture of the first night's fee along with the cancellation fee. No-show incurs a $20 fee and forfeiture of the first night.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Camping at Yuba Pass Campground offers an array of outdoor activities, including birding, hiking, biking, hunting, and fishing. The area is particularly noted for its excellent bird-watching opportunities, with species such as sandhill cranes, bald eagles, and calliope hummingbirds often observed. The campground is also a good base for accessing the Pacific Crest Trail and other trails in the Lakes Basin area.
Hiking
"A large network of trails is available in the area, including the Pacific Crest Trail in the Lakes Basin area." Trails vary in difficulty and include over 30 miles of maintained paths for hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant nearby, with rainbow and brook trout present in the various lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin.Swimming
Swimming is available at Sardine Lakes, located about nine miles west of the campground.Biking
The area boasts over 30 miles of maintained trails accommodating mountain biking enthusiasts.Boating
Nearby Sardine Lakes offer boating opportunities and boat rentals are available at the Sardine Lakes Resort.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife is plentiful in the area with many bird species, including calliope hummingbirds and bald eagles, and animals such as mountain quail and northern pygmy-owls.Winter Activities
No information provided about winter-specific activities.Water Sports
Boating opportunities are available at nearby Sardine Lakes, which might support water sports like kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may apply during hot, dry conditions. Check local advisories.
- Quiet hours are Information unavailable regarding quiet hours.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity requires proper food storage. Potential for falling trees due to disease or aging, as noted in reviews.
Active alertsCampground closed for reconstruction due to clear-cutting of old-growth trees. Estimated reopening in approximately two years (as of 2023-08-14).
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 40%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 4.3 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
Yuba River Ranger Station (nearest managed contact point, phone: (530) 265-4531). Emergency services are likely based in Sierraville or Sierra City, 11–12 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 22 - September 27 (Peak Season).
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available. Recycling facilities are not mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresNearby Sardine Lakes (9 miles) offer fishing, swimming, and boating.
Common complaintsSome users described the campground as 'not really near anything.' Others expressed concern over the clear-cutting of trees.
HostInformation unavailable on campground host presence.
Campground Map
Yuba Pass Campground, Highway 49
Driving directionsFrom Sierraville, travel south (west) on Highway 49 for 11 miles. Turn left at the entrance to the snow park and continue about a quarter-mile to the campground entrance on the right side of the road. From Sierra City, travel north (east) on Highway 49 for about 12 miles. Turn right at the entrance to the snow park and continue about a quarter-mile to the campground entrance on the right side of the road.
Highway 49 provides paved access directly to Yuba Pass Campground. Seasonal closures or adverse weather conditions may affect accessibility.Nearby places
Sierraville - 11 miles (approximately 15 minutes)
Sierra City - 12 miles (approximately 18 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies, groceries, and other essentials available in Sierra City (12 miles) and Sierraville (11 miles). Sardine Lakes Resort also offers boat rentals, potentially serving as a limited supply area.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Yuba Pass Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The Yuba Pass Campground has received mixed reviews. While many appreciate the natural beauty, including old-growth red fir trees and general tranquility, some expressed dissatisfaction with the recent clear-cutting of trees due to disease. Proximity to attractions is viewed as limited.
Review Summaries
Based on 3 reviews
What Campers Love
"Great camp ground." Others praise the scenic beauty of the old-growth red fir trees and the shaded campsites.
Based on 3 reviewsCommon Concerns
"Campsites are ok but it's not really near anything." Another user mentioned the clear-cutting of diseased trees, which has significantly altered the campground's appearance.
Based on 3 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Future campers should inquire about the status of the campground's rebuilding efforts due to the recent clear-cutting.
Based on 3 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No specific seasonal trends in reviews noted.
Based on 3 reviewsCamper Quotes
"This campground was beautiful with amazing old-growth red fir trees and campsites nestled amongst the groves." "Campsites are ok but it's not really near anything." "Great camp ground."
Based on 3 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews mentioning the best or worst campsites were found.
Based on 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressed accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressed pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025