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

Ryan M

Verified

July 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: AREA CARLTON

1

We ended up camping at Union Valley. Union Valley Campground had 8 sites reserved for multiple night over the entire weekend and not one had someone camping at the site. This has happened to me now 3+ times where I originally wanted to reserve a site at Union Valley but “on line” booking had none available. Then we get there and all are reserved, but none have people camping. I was unable to cancel my spot at Carlton because of lack of cel service in the area, so I guess that makes me a part of the problem. Regardless, it’s a real shame to see all these spots unavailable to book then empty when you go check. Gotta be a better way, maybe 1/2 booking on line and the rest show up and camp? I do t know the answer but overall it makes for a frustrating experience. On another note, Union valley camp ground was clean, safe and beautiful !! Can’t wait to go back, if I can book a f-ing site!!

Lori M

Verified

July 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

A very fun place to take the family

Max S

Verified

July 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: AREA CARLTON

2

It's a glorious campground, right on the river. When we visited there was no camp host, no rangers, basically no oversight; which was a problem when we found our site occupied by campers who refused to leave. That super sucked.

Charles R

Verified

July 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

This was such an epic place to camp. Right on the river. Most camp spots have a little brush separating each other. Will be staying here again. Thanks!

Clayton A

Verified

August 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

Great river spot! No room for large crowds

wendy T

Verified

August 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

love this site

wendy T

Verified

August 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

loved everything about our site.

Tanner T

Verified

September 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: AREA CARLTON

5

Grate spot

Mike O

Verified

October 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: AREA CARLTON

4

Great time very peaceful this time of year

Ellen M

Verified

June 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: AREA CARLTON

2

Nearby campers were playing loud music throughout the day and into the evening. Otherwise, nice enough. The pit toilets are old but seem well taken care of. They didn’t stink!

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