Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.
Overview
The South Yuba Recreation Area and National Trail is located approximately 10 miles northeast of Nevada City, California. The Recreation Area is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM); U.S. Forest Service (USFS); and California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks/DPR). This 15 mile trail is open to hiking, horseback riding, trail running and mountain biking. The trail is closed to motorized vehicles. The South Yuba Recreation Area and Trail is open year-round.
The South Yuba Campground will close for the season on October 15th, 2026.
Facilities at South Yuba Campground
Includes sixteen (16) campsites for tents.
Six (6) sites will accommodate small trailers/RV's.
Fifteen (15) sites are ADA Accessible.
RV maximum length is 22 feet. Trailer maximum length is 16 feet.
All sites with tables, fire rings, pit toilets and trashcans.
Bear proof lockers for food storage ONLY at each campsite.
The South Yuba River is approximately one mile from the campground.
Campground Fees and Limitations
Campsites are first come first serve!
There is no reservation system available.
Must pay within 30 minutes of occupying site. Self-pay stations are available. More information below.
Campsite Fee: $15.00 per night, per site Interagency Senior or Access Pass Campsite Fee: $7.50 per night, per site
Accepted Forms of Payment: U.S. Currency or Check
Check-out: 12 PM
Eight people maximum per site. Two cars maximum per site.
Fourteen (14) day camp limit within a 90 day period.
Season of Use - April thru October 15th (depending on weather & maintenance)
Additional Camping Information
Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system. Please use the BLM provided envelopes with the pay-stub properly completed and attached to your campsite post. A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full w/pay-stub posted and the site is occupied by campers.
Dispersed Camping is allowed along the South Yuba Trail outside of "high use" areas. You may park in the Day-Use parking area near the South Yuba Campground for a 72 hour period. Campfires are NOT allowed in dispersed camping areas year-round. Cook stoves are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit . Bear proof lockers or trashcans are NOT available in dispersed camping areas. Please BE BEAR AWARE.
Dogs are allowed at the South Yuba Recreation Area. Please keep your dog on a leash when in the South Yuba Campground. And for you and the dog's safety, we advise using a leash while hiking the South Yuba Trail. Please pick up after your dog. Thank you.
Return To: BLM, Mother Lode Field Office
The description, directions and fees are the Bureau of Land Management’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
US Forest Service (USFS)
National Park Service (NPS)
US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
Department Of Defense (DOD)
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
Other Federal
State
Local
Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
Alaska Native Allotment
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area