North Fork Yuba River
North Fork Yuba River
Yuba River
Campsite Carlton
Carlton Campground

Featured amenities

River Access River Access

Available sites

16 total sites

About Carlton

Carlton Campground is located along the North Yuba River, adjacent to Highway 49 and 13 mi from Downieville. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, hunting, fishing, canoeing and biking. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Canoeing

Canoeing

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Hunting

Hunting

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Oct 16 to Oct 31

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

River Access River Access
Water Access

Water Access

  • River Access
Missing information?

Rates, Sites & Availability

Select check-in and check-out dates to see real-time availability for each site.

16 Sites Available

Site
Price
🚐 002, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 003, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 004, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 006, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 007, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 008, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 009, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 010, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 011, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 012, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 013, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 014, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 015, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 016, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 017, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In
🚐 018, Loop: AREA CARLTON RV
Pet Friendly · Gravel · Driveway entry: Back-In

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.

Review Summary

4.1
63 reviews
5
61.9%
39
4
12.7%
8
3
7.9%
5
2
11.1%
7
1
6.3%
4

Tom L

Verified

October 3, 2024 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: AREA CARLTON

4

enjoyed are time at Carlton water at the campsite would of been more convenient

gary h

Verified

September 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

Camped here numerous times, one of our favorite campgrounds

Alexis P

Verified

August 22, 2024 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

Although this campground is next to Hwy 49, the road noise wasn't as obtrusive as I expected it to be. Many of the campsites here have river access directly from them. We had no issues during our stay. The other campers were quiet and respectful. The camp store, a short walk away, offers free Wi-Fi from their parking lot if you need to use your cell phone. Once the campground gets their water system up and running, it will be even more convenient!

Tracy L

Verified

August 8, 2024 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

Out of all the campgrounds around this area, this is my favorite bc of the easy access to the river, every camp site practically has its own direct entry to the lake. The compost toilets were well kept, better than I expected. We went in late July. Mosquitoes weren't too bad. In the high 80s, water felt cold in our year. Site 5 is a walk-in site. Every site is a different size, a bigger deal if you have a trailer. Camp rangers were always driving in and out, checking things out, felt safe.

Jose L. M

Verified

August 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

This place is perfect for a quick and light camping trip. Super easy to get to anyone can drive this. The drive is nice and being next to the water was relaxing. The camping spot we reserved had its own river access with no way of any others being able to access or take over. There was a nice little beach area where I spent most of my time at. The bathrooms were stocked. There was running water. Downieville is a short drive away. We had some great food and coffee there. I will definitely come back to this camping spot in the future.

Manolya A

Verified

June 28, 2024 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

We loved this place! Beautiful trees, enough sunlight coming through. Beautiful Tahoe National Forest.

Mary B

Verified

October 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

Very nice get away. I could hear Rivet and crickets all night. Stars were amazing

Diane R

Verified

October 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

The bathroom was clean. The presence of workers was reassuring. The overall experience did not disappoint and I plan on camping at Carlton next year.

Joel B

Verified

September 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: AREA CARLTON

4

Arrived right after a rain storm, and though things were a bit damp, the campsite was fine. Bathrooms were clean and there was plenty of to toilet paper. The river was wonderful as usual. The rangers were very helpful in answering some questions, and said it was o.k. to move to an unoccupied space...

wendy T

Verified

August 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

always my peaceful place to relax.

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.

Nearest town

Nevada City, CA - 30 mi

About 43 min to downtown

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 18, 2026

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Explore Nevada City, CA

Population: 3,172

Nearby larger city

Yuba City, CA

Approx. 42 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 2,513 ft

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service