Featured amenities
River Access
Available sites
16 total sites
RV Sites
About Carlton
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Fishing
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Year-round
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Summer
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Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
River Access
Water Access
- River Access
Rates, Sites & Availability
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16 Sites Available
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Reviews (63)
What Guests Are Saying
Overall, Carlton campground is praised for its beautiful setting, quiet atmosphere, and direct access to the river, making it a favorite destination for many campers. Although some concerns were raised about full dumpsters, restroom cleanliness, and noise from the nearby highway, most guests found their experiences enjoyable and relaxing. Many expressed a desire to return, highlighting specific campsites for their privacy and river access.
What Guests Are Saying
Overall, Carlton campground is praised for its beautiful setting, quiet atmosphere, and direct access to the river, making it a favorite destination for many campers. Although some concerns were raised about full dumpsters, restroom cleanliness, and noise from the nearby highway, most guests found their experiences enjoyable and relaxing. Many expressed a desire to return, highlighting specific campsites for their privacy and river access.
Review Summary
Rhiannon A
VerifiedJuly 31, 2020 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: AREA CARLTON
All the trees were cut down in this spot and the one next to it so there is NO shade whatsoever but the trip was overall really enjoyable! Bring canopies & a camp shower!
Christopher W
VerifiedAugust 21, 2020 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Nice location along the North Fork of the Yuba River. The campground is also right next to Hwy 49, and at night the noise from vehicles/trucks is noticeable. Most sites have direct, easy access to the river. Site 14 recently had a tall tree cut down, and much of the tree debris was just left there.
forrest c
VerifiedJune 17, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: AREA CARLTON
It was a middle of the week trip so the park was about empty. There is a couple of good spots to fish , only got little browns , catch and release. Restrooms were serviced daily.
Mario B
VerifiedJune 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Perfect place in June and July
Ali S
VerifiedJuly 7, 2021 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Campsites 14-16 (definitely those, but maybe others, not all) have beautiful river inlets/access. Campsite 6 does not and is small. But the campground overall is gorgeous because the river is beautiful! Bring water shoes because the river is shallow and rocky. Beautiful swimming holes a bit further up the river past the campsite. It is very close to the road, so we had to keep a close eye on the dogs—we brought long leashes and other campsites had pens, but luckily our dogs didn’t seem too interested in getting close to the road. No sinks in bathroom, just a pit toilet but well-stocked with TP. Overall a lovely experience; will definitely be back!
Edgar C
VerifiedJuly 29, 2021 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Great, smaller campground. First time here and will be coming back.
Seemed like every campsite had a path down to the river which is great! We went Monday - Wednesday and al sites were filled but everyone was courteous. No loud music. Everyone was quiet into the evening. Also everyone had a piece of the river to themselves which might be due to us going on a weekday.
Lots of yellow jackets and mosquitos so be prepared.
Highly recommend this campground.
Kenneth M
VerifiedAugust 15, 2021 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: AREA CARLTON
There was no camp host. The campsite next to us had maybe 12 - 15 people in it and they overcrowded into our site with no host to keep them in line. The fire ring had been pulled out of the ground. With extreme fire conditions we weren't going to use it... but it should have been repaired. Next site over used theirs. Outhouse ran out of toilet paper...glad we brought our own. There needs to be a campground host to enforce the rules.
Helen R
VerifiedOctober 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: AREA CARLTON
It was great, no complaints, can’t wait to go back!!
Kaitlyn W
VerifiedOctober 26, 2021 • Stayed at: 016, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Great campsite that is right next to the river! The facilities were clean and convenient to my site.
Randy H
VerifiedOctober 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Storm prevented us from getting there.
Location & Directions for Carlton
Yuba River Ranger District, Nevada City, CA 95959 United States
Elevation: 690 ft
Getting There
From Downieville, travel south on Highway 49 for just over 13 mi. The campground is on the left side of the highway.
From Nevada City, travel north on Highway 49 for just under 30 mi. The campground is on the right side of the highway.
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Last updated: October 18, 2026
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