Featured amenities
Available sites
16 total sitesAbout Carlton
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Canoeing
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Year-round
Fishing
Hiking
Hunting
Spring
Canoeing
Summer
Canoeing
Fall
Canoeing
Seasonal information
2026 Season availability
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Water Access
- River Access
Rates, Sites & Availability
16 Sites Available
No sites found matching your criteria.
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
Site Details
Select a site to view details
16 Sites Available
No available sites
All sites are booked for your selected dates. Try showing all sites to see booked options, create an alert to be notified when something opens up, or adjust your dates.
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
Tom L
VerifiedOctober 3, 2024 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: AREA CARLTON
enjoyed are time at Carlton water at the campsite would of been more convenient
gary h
VerifiedSeptember 12, 2024 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Camped here numerous times, one of our favorite campgrounds
Alexis P
VerifiedAugust 22, 2024 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: AREA CARLTON
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
VerifiedAugust 8, 2024 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: AREA CARLTON
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
VerifiedAugust 1, 2024 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: AREA CARLTON
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
VerifiedJune 28, 2024 • Stayed at: 014, Loop: AREA CARLTON
We loved this place! Beautiful trees, enough sunlight coming through. Beautiful Tahoe National Forest.
Mary B
VerifiedOctober 13, 2023 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Very nice get away. I could hear Rivet and crickets all night. Stars were amazing
Diane R
VerifiedOctober 9, 2023 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: AREA CARLTON
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
VerifiedSeptember 1, 2023 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: AREA CARLTON
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
VerifiedAugust 25, 2023 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: AREA CARLTON
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 18, 2026