Mineral Bar Campground

Star4.47
248 reviews
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SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

416.8 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

15 campsites

Season

May 15 till Septembe...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens ReserveCalifornia.com site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mineral Bar Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees are $28 per night year-round per campsite. Additional vehicles are charged $10 per night.
Standard Site Fee$28.00
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

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Reserve California
Provider
530-885-4527
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What Campers Say

4.47

Recommended

Based on 248 reviews

221 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanwater

"User reviews emphasize the scenic beauty, cleanliness of the campground facilities, and the intimate camping experience. However, negative comments include the cramped campsite layout and safety concerns regarding narrow roads and trails."

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Campground Map

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Mineral Bar Campground

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Driving directionsFrom Hwy 80 in Colfax exit at Canyon Way, head north on Canyon Way, turn right onto Iowa Hill Rd. 3 mile paved road to sites and river.
A narrow paved road serves the campground, described as steep and winding, with limited room for two cars traveling in opposite directions in some spots.
Nearby places
Colfax (Approximately 3 miles), Auburn (Approximately 13 miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be found in Colfax, CA, approximately 3 miles from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Mineral Bar Campground

Experience refreshing mountain air and crisp mornings that give way to perfectly temperate afternoons. While the area can be cool and humid during certain times of the year, savvy campers know that several weeks throughout the season offer absolutely ideal conditions for outdoor exploration and comfortable tent camping under star-filled skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season: swimming popular but summer reviews note wasps, crowding and noise issues.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Early fall likely quieter and pleasant; seasonal notes cite temperate afternoons and tranquility.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Open from May 15; spring offers crisp mornings, temperate afternoons and good natural beauty.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground listed open May 15–September; winter season officially closed.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 15 till September. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: May 15 till September

About Mineral Bar Campground

Discover a hidden gem where history meets wilderness at Mineral Bar Campground. This secluded primitive camping destination offers an authentic outdoor experience, with the first seven coveted campsites nestled along the scenic off-loop trail. Perfect for adventurers seeking solitude and a genuine connection with nature, this back-to-basics campground provides the ultimate escape from modern distractions.
Mineral Bar Campground offers primitive camping and is accessible for tents and small trailers. RV camping is limited due to challenging road conditions and small site sizes.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mineral Bar offers a variety of activities, notably swimming, gold panning, and fishing. Hiking trails are accessible, and the scenic river provides abundant opportunities for relaxation and exploration.
HikingTrails near the campground provide opportunities for moderate hiking. Users shared mixed experiences about trail accessibility, with some citing difficulties finding trailheads. Cheryl Palange highlighted that the trails were narrow and unsafe for dogs.
FishingFishing opportunities include small bass and chub or pike minnow. Swan Swanson described seeing fish and enjoying the fishing experience.
SwimmingSwimming in the river is refreshing and praised for its moderately warm temperature. Aelita Matosova advised bringing water shoes due to rocks in the river.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as squirrels, wasps, and occasional sightings of leeches are noted in user reviews. Guy Cooper mentioned friendly squirrels and emphasized the narrow road leading to the campground.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLeeches minimal bathroom maintenance user reviews active
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided and required for all food and scented items. This area has active wildlife that may be attracted to improperly stored food.

Weather at Mineral Bar Campground

Reviews

4.5
248 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Mineral Bar Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews emphasize the scenic beauty, cleanliness of the campground facilities, and the intimate camping experience. However, negative comments include the cramped campsite layout and safety concerns regarding narrow roads and trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 248 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive remarks include the clean vault toilets, bear-resistant trash containers, peaceful winter camping atmosphere, and refreshing river water.
Based on 248 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on the absence of potable water, cramped and uneven campsites, presence of wasps and leeches, and unruly wildlife such as squirrels. Additionally, trailheads are difficult to locate...
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Based on 248 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several users recommend bringing ample drinking water, firewood (as gathering wood is prohibited), and water shoes for comfort in the rocky river. Early arrival is advised to secure a campsite.
Based on 248 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter camping is praised for its tranquility and minimal crowding, while summer reviews frequently mention wasps, crowded campsites, and noise disturbances.
Based on 248 reviews

Camper Quotes

"BRING WATER. There is no running water anywhere except for the river so bring clean drinking and washing water." - Janine Marie. "The restrooms are exceptionally clean for having no-flush toilets."...
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Based on 248 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1-7 are frequently mentioned for being open during the off-season but are described as uneven and cramped, making them challenging for larger trailers.
Based on 248 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mineral Bar picnic and rafting areas offer accessible restrooms and parking, but no detailed accessibility reviews for campsites were found.
Based on 248 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed and must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. Some users expressed concerns about ticks and narrow trails being unsafe for dogs.
Based on 248 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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