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
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Site Details
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16 Sites Available
No available sites
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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
Ryan M
VerifiedJuly 2, 2022 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: AREA CARLTON
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
VerifiedJuly 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: AREA CARLTON
A very fun place to take the family
Max S
VerifiedJuly 6, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: AREA CARLTON
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
VerifiedJuly 13, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: AREA CARLTON
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
VerifiedAugust 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 006, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Great river spot! No room for large crowds
wendy T
VerifiedAugust 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA CARLTON
love this site
wendy T
VerifiedAugust 15, 2022 • Stayed at: 018, Loop: AREA CARLTON
loved everything about our site.
Tanner T
VerifiedSeptember 7, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Grate spot
Mike O
VerifiedOctober 21, 2022 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Great time very peaceful this time of year
Ellen M
VerifiedJune 23, 2023 • Stayed at: 012, Loop: AREA CARLTON
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.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: October 18, 2026