Cal-Ida

Star3.66
60 reviews
Cal-Ida Campground, Highway 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

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

Opens Tahoe National Forest 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
Cal-Ida
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites and Tent Only Nonelectric sites are $24 per night during peak and first-come, first-served seasons. Additional vehicle fee...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
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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Provider
(530)478-6253
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What Campers Say

3.66

Mixed Reviews

Based on 60 reviews

20 Google reviews

Most mentioned

clean

Some mention

noise

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom Downieville, travel south on Highway 49 for about 13 miles. The campground is on the right side of the highway. From Nevada City, travel north on Highway 49 for about 31 miles. The campground is on the left side of the highway.
Accessible via Highway 49. Roads are paved and suitable for standard vehicles. Limited large trailer parking options.
Nearby places
Downieville (13 miles), Nevada City (31 miles)
Nearby supplies
Small cafe and general store near the campground
bar/grill next to the campsite
nearest Walmart and larger supply stores in Downieville or Nevada City.

Best Time to Camp at Cal-Ida

Summer at Cal-Ida brings reliably warm days and refreshingly cool evenings, with the dry California climate creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities. The nearby creek attracts its share of mosquitoes, particularly during dawn and dusk, so pack your repellent. As temperatures climb and the landscape grows golden, fire restrictions often come into effect to protect this precious forest environment—always check current conditions before planning your campfire stories.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season: warm days and swimming but often crowded, with reports of noisy groups.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall reviews note cooler temps and pleasant scenery; site open through October.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers lush scenery but reviewers warn of poison oak on trails.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Seasonal operation limits winter use; reservations run Apr 15–Oct 15.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15 - October 15.. 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.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be in effect during dry conditions; check with the Yuba River Ranger District.

About Cal-Ida

Nestled just across Highway 49, Cal-Ida Campground offers a perfect riverside retreat where the North Yuba River's gentle murmur sets the soundtrack for your outdoor adventure. Towering oaks mingle with vibrant maples and graceful locusts, creating a natural canopy that shelters campers from the California sun. Whether you're casting a line into the crystal-clear waters, navigating rapids on a kayak, or simply floating the afternoon away, this campground serves as your basecamp for endless river recreation. While you won't find modern amenities like showers or utility hookups, Cal-Ida provides all the essentials: vault toilets, sturdy picnic tables, campfire rings for evening gatherings, bear-proof storage boxes, fresh drinking water, and convenient trash disposal.
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.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
14 nights per visit and 14 nights total within each year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

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.
HikingHiking opportunities include trails in the surrounding area, such as the Fiddle Creek Trail which connects to the North Yuba River and the North Yuba River Trail. Reviews describe the trails as neat but sometimes steep.
FishingFishing in the North Yuba River is popular, offering rainbow trout. User reviews also mention catching and releasing Californian newts in nearby creeks.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the North Yuba River and nearby creek swimming holes. Reviews mention the rocks being slippery and recommend water shoes.
BikingBiking is available but specific trail details are not provided in the authoritative sources.
BoatingSeasonal rafting and kayaking are popular activities on the North Yuba River, but no specific details about equipment rentals or docking facilities are provided.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include sightings of Californian newts and water snakes in nearby creeks.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitos are abundant near the creek. Poison oak is present in some areas. Bears frequent the campground and food must be stored properly.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be in effect during dry conditions; check with the Yuba River Ranger District.
Food Storage RequiredMetal bear boxes are available at each campsite.

Weather at Cal-Ida

Reviews

3.7
60 reviews
Mixed 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

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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Based on 60 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #10 received multiple negative reviews due to crowding and disruptive neighboring campers. Site #18 is praised for its scenic beauty but criticized for issues following campground renovations.
Based on 60 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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