Sierra
02 reviews.
Sierra
$5.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Fee structure includes $5 for additional vehicles at single-family campsites. No-show fee is $20 along with forfeiting the first night's use fee.
About this campground
Nestled in the heart of a towering fir forest, Sierra Campground beckons tent campers seeking an authentic wilderness experience along the rushing waters of the North Yuba River. This peaceful retreat, tucked between Highway 49 and the river's melodic flow, invites adventurers to explore its network of hiking trails, cast a line for native trout, or try their luck panning for gold in the same waters that drew fortune seekers over a century ago. With single-family tent sites scattered throughout the mature forest, visitors can paddle the gentle river currents, track wildlife through the surrounding wilderness, or simply lose themselves in the tranquil rhythm of forest life.
Sierra Campground is designed exclusively for tent camping. RVs are not recommended due to limited turnaround space, and there are no utility hookups.
Historical SignificanceJust a short drive from camp, the Gold Rush-era towns of Sierra City and Downieville stand as living museums to California's pioneering past. These charming mountain communities welcome visitors with authentic restaurants serving hearty mountain fare, unique shops filled with local crafts and mining memorabilia, and historic churches that have anchored these communities for generations. Local visitor centers share stories of the region's colorful history, from tales of forty-niners striking it rich to the evolution of these resilient mountain settlements that continue to captivate travelers today.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Sierra Campground into a crisp wonderland, with temperatures hovering between a brisk 27.3°F at night and 42.9°F during the day. While brief snowfalls dust the fir boughs and moderate winds whisper through the trees, the predominantly dry winter conditions create a serene atmosphere for cold-weather camping enthusiasts. As spring melts into summer, the campground truly comes alive under brilliant blue skies, offering perfect conditions for outdoor adventures. Early fall extends the camping season with golden days and cool nights, making it an ideal time to experience the forest's autumn transformation.
ElevationNo information provided about elevation.
Natural Features and SceneryTowering firs create a natural cathedral above Sierra Campground, their ancient branches filtering sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. Many campsites offer front-row seats to the North Yuba River's endless performance, where crystal-clear waters tumble over smooth granite boulders in an eternal mountain symphony. Beyond the campground, the spectacular Lakes Basin unfolds like a wilderness jewel box, its pristine alpine lakes teeming with rainbow and brook trout. Well-maintained trails wind through this stunning landscape, leading hikers to hidden waterfalls, panoramic vistas, and secret swimming holes that have delighted generations of outdoor enthusiasts.
Geological RegionSierra Campground claims its place within the vast Tahoe National Forest, perched on the north bank of the North Yuba River where ancient geological forces have carved a dramatic landscape. Here, mature firs sink their roots into soil enriched by centuries of forest succession, creating a thriving ecosystem that showcases the Sierra Nevada's remarkable biodiversity. This corner of the national forest represents millions of years of geological history, from volcanic activity to glacial carving, resulting in the spectacular mountain terrain that defines this remarkable region.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThere is no information provided about accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe campground is designed for single-family tent sites. The exact dimensions of campsites are not provided.
Sites PrivacySome campsites overlook the North Yuba River, providing a certain level of scenic privacy. However, no detailed information is given about site spacing or overall privacy levels.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites overlooking the river are recommended for scenic views.
Best Campsites.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
.
Check-out
11:00 AM local time.
Stay Limit
Maximum Consecutive Stay: 14 nights. Maximum total annual stay: 14 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
.
Groups
No information about group camping sites is available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layout.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability is not explicitly stated.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime prior to the check-in date. A $10 cancellation fee applies, and late cancellations will incur additional penalties like forfeiting the first night's use fee.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Sierra Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities both on-site and in the surrounding areas. Campers can enjoy hiking, gold panning, fishing, hunting, and canoeing. Nearby, Sardine Lakes (5 miles away) provide boating, fishing, and swimming activities. The Pacific Crest Trail and other maintained trails are accessible, adding to the outdoor adventure options.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are abundant, with access to the Pacific Crest Trail and over 30 miles of maintained trails in the nearby Lakes Basin area. Trails vary in difficulty and are suitable for hiking, mountain biking, or even motorcycle singletrack.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available in the North Yuba River and nearby lakes, including Sardine Lakes. Anglers can expect to catch rainbow and brook trout.Swimming
Although there is no designated swimming area at the campground, swimming is available at Sardine Lakes, about 5 miles away.Biking
The nearby Lakes Basin offers biking trails with diverse terrain, connecting to over 30 miles of maintained trails.Boating
Boating opportunities are provided at Sardine Lakes, located about 5 miles from the campground. Boat rentals are available at Sardine Lakes Resort, and a developed boat ramp is located at Gold Lake for larger boats.Winter Activities
There is no information provided about winter activities at this campground.Water Sports
Canoeing is listed as one of the activities available on the North Yuba River, but further details about other water sports are not provided.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood must be purchased locally and burned on-site. Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry conditions.
- Quiet hours are .
Hazards
General hazards"Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers." Fire restrictions and hot, dry conditions may pose wildfire risks.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be imposed due to hot, dry weather conditions.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 46%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 3.5 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Yuba River Ranger Station.
Good to know
Peak season datesNo specific peak season dates provided.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about trash and recycling facilities are provided in the authoritative source or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresNorth Yuba River runs adjacent to the campground. Sardine Lakes are 5 miles nearby.
Common complaintsNo significant complaints mentioned in reviews.
HostThis location is unstaffed for general information.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFrom Sierra City, travel north on Highway 49, for about 7 miles, the campground is on the right side of the road. From Sierraville, travel south on Highway 49 for 15 miles; the campground is on the left side of the road.
The campground is accessible via Highway 49. RVs are not recommended due to limited turnaround space.Nearby places
Sierra City (7 miles), Sierraville (15 miles), Downieville (distance not provided)
Nearby supplies
Historic towns of Sierra City and Downieville provide shops, restaurants, and visitor information. Specific distances to supply points are not provided.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Sierra has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the peacefulness and maintenance of the campground. Some reviewers appreciated the tranquil ambiance and proximity to the creek.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground's peaceful environment, proximity to the creek, and good maintenance are emphasized by users. "A quiet campground right off the highway with a creek as background noise. This site was...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
No complaints are mentioned in the user reviews provided.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
No specific user tips or recommendations are documented.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
There is no specific information about seasonal trends in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"A quiet campground right off the highway with a creek as background noise. This site was well maintained and peaceful." - Ashley Shurtliff. "Fun place to camp." - Sandra R Freeman.
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No information about specific campsites within Sierra Campground is provided in the user reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
User reviews do not address accessibility features or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
There is no information available from reviews about pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025