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
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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
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.
Lori M
VerifiedJuly 3, 2022 • Stayed at: 009, Loop: AREA CARLTON
A very fun place to take the family
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!!
Randy H
VerifiedOctober 27, 2021 • Stayed at: 017, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Storm prevented us from getting there.
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.
Helen R
VerifiedOctober 3, 2021 • Stayed at: 011, Loop: AREA CARLTON
It was great, no complaints, can’t wait to go back!!
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.
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.
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!
Mario B
VerifiedJune 19, 2021 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Perfect place in June and July
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