How much does camping cost at Cal-Ida?

Camping fees at Cal-Ida range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cal-Ida first-come first-served or reservation?

Cal-Ida accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cal-Ida before I book?

Yes! Cal-Ida has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cal-Ida?

Cal-Ida is open April 17 to October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cal-Ida?

Cal-Ida does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Cal-Ida have?

Cal-Ida has 20 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cal-Ida?

Pets are not allowed at Cal-Ida. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Cal-Ida?

Cal-Ida offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cal-Ida?

Popular activities at Cal-Ida include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cal-Ida

Q: Can I have a campfire at Cal-Ida?

Fire policies at Cal-Ida: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Yuba River Ranger District (530) 288-3231(voice) or, (530) 288-3656 (TDD).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.52

60 reviews

Cal-Ida Campground, Highway 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,362 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open April 15 - Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,362 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Open April 15 - Octo...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Cal-Ida

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530)478-6253

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Cal-Ida

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Campground Map

Cal-Ida Campground, Highway 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

Cal-Ida

Cal-Ida Campground, Highway 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

Nearby places

Downieville (13 miles), Nevada City (31 miles)

Weather at Cal-Ida

Current alerts(7)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival).

Best Time to Camp at Cal-Ida

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, lower crowds, and peak scenery — daytime highs typically run in the 60s–70s°F with crisp nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Maple and locust color peaks in October, river flows drop to calmer levels ideal for fishing, easy boating, and mellow hikes, and wildlife is active as animals prepare for winter. Campsites thin out after Labor Day (reservations required through Oct 15; Oct 16–31 is first-come, first-served), giving a quieter riverside Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall noted as best: cooler temps, calmer flows, peak maple/locust color, thinner crowds.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 15 - October 15 for reservations, and October 16 - October 31 for first-come, first-served access.

About Cal-Ida

Cal-Ida sits along a stream in the Tahoe National Forest foothills near Downieville, operated by the Forest Service with budget-friendly tent, RV, and primitive options. The small campground offers vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and access to hiking, fishing, biking, and boating. Reviewers praise the secluded feel and spread-out sites, though mosquitos can be heavy and noise occasionally carries from neighboring campers.

CAL-IDA Campground offers single-family campsites suitable for tent camping and RVs, with some sites designated specifically for tent camping. It is suitable for individuals, families, and small group gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of comfortable weather, lower crowds, and peak scenery — daytime highs typically run in the 60s–70s°F with crisp nights in the mid-30s to mid-40s. Maple and locust color peaks in October, river flows drop to calmer levels ideal for fishing, easy boating, and mellow hikes, and wildlife is active as animals prepare for winter. Campsites thin out after Labor Day (reservations required through Oct 15; Oct 16–31 is first-come, first-served), giving a quieter riverside Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2362 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe North Yuba River runs directly through camp at 2,362 feet elevation, carving swimming holes and creating gentle flows ideal for fishing and easy boating by fall. Oak, maple, and locust trees create a mosaic of shade and sun. Campsites range from creekside spots under canopy to open grassy areas. The maple and locust foliage peaks in October. Wildlife appears frequently as animals prepare for winter.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodges within the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 nights per visit and 14 nights total within each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 6 people per site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

Site SizeCampsites vary from secluded creekside spots, grassy areas, to more exposed sunny spots. They are described as spacious by users.

PrivacyRight on the river with plenty of space between camp sites" (User review by Reuben Flores). However, some users noted noise from neighboring sites, particularly near private properties.

Total Campsites20 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites near the highway to minimize noise. Bring water shoes for slippery rocks in the river and bug spray due to mosquitos.

Best CampsitesSite 005 gets praise in reviews for being lush and secluded near the creek. Avoid sites closest to Highway 49 if road noise bothers you.

Need help booking Cal-Ida?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

CAL-IDA Campground offers basic amenities suitable for campers seeking a connection with nature. The campground features vault toilets, drinking water, trash collection bins, picnic tables, campfire rings, and food storage lockers. It is located close to a small cafe and general store, providing added convenience to visitors. However, some reviews have highlighted issues with maintenance, such as filled vault toilets and non-functional water spigots.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a wide range of recreational activities centered around its natural surroundings. The North Yuba River provides options for swimming, fishing, and seasonal kayaking and rafting. Hiking trails, including the nearby North Yuba River Trail, are popular among visitors. Wildlife viewing and enjoying the nearby waterfall and swimming hole are additional attractions.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground utilizes vault toilets. Some reviews highlighted issues with vault toilets being filled to capacity.

Food Storage RequiredMetal bear boxes are available at each campsite.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Yuba River Ranger District (530) 288-3231(voice) or, (530) 288-3656 (TDD).

Trash & RecyclingTrash bins are available, but some reviews noted insufficient trash facilities, leading to garbage being left near recycling bins.

Cell CoverageSeveral user reviews mention no internet service at this campground, with some indicating reliance on Wi-Fi at a nearby bar and grill.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

60 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Cal-Ida has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for CAL-IDA Campground reflect mixed sentiments. Positive comments focus on the natural beauty of the area, including its proximity to the North Yuba River, swimming holes, and trails. Negative reviews highlight maintenance issues, overcrowding, and disruptive behavior from some campers. Sentiments range from 1-star to 5-star ratings.

Review Summaries

Based on 60 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 60 reviews.

Site #18Loved
Site #18 is praised for its scenic beauty but criticized for issues following campground renovations.
Site #10Mentioned
Site #10 received multiple negative reviews due to crowding and disruptive neighboring campers.

What Campers Love

"Bathrooms are not flushable but surprisingly clean." "Great little secluded camping ground, perfect for friends or families." "Nice little campground off the stream." "Campsite was gorgeous and...

Based on 60 reviews

Common Concerns

Reports of filled vault toilets and non-functional water spigots. Overcrowding and loud groups breaking rules regarding vehicle and guest limits. Lack of maintenance with some facilities like fire...

Based on 60 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray to combat mosquitoes, especially near the creek. Wear water shoes when swimming to avoid slipping on rocks. Some users suggest avoiding sites near the highway due to noise.

Based on 60 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer appears to be popular but can get crowded, with some users reporting louder groups and mosquitoes. Spring offers lush scenery but also poison oak along trails. Reviews from fall highlight...

Based on 60 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Each camp site has a metal Bear box, picnic table and fire ring with grilling rack over it." "No active ranger station either, which made it much more chill." "My campsite near the creek felt lush...

Based on 60 reviews

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Go if

You want an affordable, secluded base for fall foliage, fishing, and foothill exploration near Downieville.

Skip if

You need flush toilets, guaranteed facility uptime, or a buffer from neighboring campers and nearby private land.

Nearby Campgrounds

YUBA RIVER RANGER DISTRICT, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

Carlton sits along the North Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, a short drive from Downieville in the Sierra foothills. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and river access for swimming, fishing, and boating. Fall brings lower crowds, brilliant foliage, and cooler water that improves trout fishing through the end of October.