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
Maria H
VerifiedSeptember 29, 2026 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Camped at Carlton in mid September. Fire restrictions were at a level 2 so we obtained a permit for propane camp stove and fire. Know your restrictions before you go! The fire service comes by regularly to keep the toilets stocked and clean. The sites are large. My family shared sites 7 and 8 and it was perfect. Easy access to the river. Hiking is about half a mile away or you can drive to several locations nearby. A bear and two cubs had been spotted in the area but we never actually saw them. The place is great for star gazing too! It is adjacent to the road but there isn’t too much traffic at night so it didn’t really bother us. The campground has water. Bring bug spray or citronella. Overall it was a great little spot for dry camping.
Diego A
VerifiedSeptember 24, 2026 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Exelent
Denise L
VerifiedSeptember 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 003, Loop: AREA CARLTON
We stayed in Site #3, which was where we've stayed in the past (last time was 8 yrs ago, but had been yearly for the 8 or so years prior to that). We arrived to find burned wood in the fire pit, left by a prior camper (during a period of fire restrictions). We also found the bear box door completely broken off the box, due to rusted hinges. Rangers came through Sunday (the day we arrived) and Thursday (the day we left). Bathrooms had almost run out of toilet paper in the meantime. We didn't know until we arrived, that the vault toilet (single, wood frame building) near our site had been removed at some point since we camped last, so it was a bit of a walk to the 2-toilet brick building at the far end of the campground.
The site has easy access to the river, down a small embankment. Is big enough for two 8-person tents, and a 10x10 pop-up. Fairly level and mostly rock free, it's easy to walk around.
Luis G
VerifiedSeptember 6, 2026 • Stayed at: 007, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Really nice campground very quiet
Joanna W
VerifiedAugust 23, 2026 • Stayed at: 008, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Nice campground, well maintained, close to the river though also close to the road, with cars going by loudly. The particular campsite we stayed at was a bit too close to the one next to it
Thomas C
VerifiedAugust 17, 2026 • Stayed at: 004, Loop: AREA CARLTON
A great trip! I look forward to next year!
Only one concern. We arrived Aug 9.
We left Aug 14. Dumpsters were mostly full when we arrived. Topped off by Friday and smell was beginning to annoy.
The recycling bins were completely full and we had to place plastic next to bins.
No biggie but a concern.
Thx
Lisa H
VerifiedAugust 6, 2026 • Stayed at: 002, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Beautiful small campground. Access to the river/creek. And very quiet.
Irene J
VerifiedJuly 22, 2026 • Stayed at: 015, Loop: AREA CARLTON
River access, close to road but not bad at night
Koorosh G
VerifiedJuly 15, 2026 • Stayed at: 013, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Great experience.
maya s
VerifiedJuly 13, 2026 • Stayed at: 010, Loop: AREA CARLTON
Right next to the highway. Trucks like to honk their horns randomly. Site 10 & 11 are a bit cramped. Bathrooms are nasty
Loved that it was right in the water.
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