How much does camping cost at Carlton?

Camping fees at Carlton 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 Carlton first-come first-served or reservation?

Carlton 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 Carlton before I book?

Yes! Carlton 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 Carlton?

Carlton is open April 15 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 Carlton?

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

How many campsites does Carlton have?

Carlton has 25 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Carlton?

Yes, pets are allowed at Carlton. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Carlton?

Carlton offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Carlton?

Popular activities at Carlton include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Carlton

Q: Can I have a campfire at Carlton?

Fire policies at Carlton: 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), (530) 288-3656 (TDD).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.97

89 reviews

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

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,382 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open April 15 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,382 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open April 15 throug...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Carlton

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD 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

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Campground Map

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

Carlton

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

Nearby places

Downieville (13 miles, ~20 minutes), Nevada City (30 miles, ~40 minutes)

Weather at Carlton

Current alerts(5)

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 Carlton

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best mix of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 50–75°F), brilliant late-season foliage along the North Yuba River, and much lower visitor numbers after Labor Day. Water temperatures cool, which improves trout fishing and makes riverside hikes and biking especially pleasant; campsites are open through October 31 so you get milder weather and great photographic light without high summer crowds. Expect crisp nights (often 30s–40s°F) so bring warm layers for evenings. Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall described as best: cooler days, excellent trout fishing and quieter camping.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 15 through October 31. Reservable season starts June 25 and ends October 31. Closed outside these dates.

About Carlton

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.

Carlton Campground accommodates a variety of camping styles with sites suitable for tent and trailer camping. "The campground offers single-family campsites suited for both tent and trailer camping."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best mix of comfortable daytime temperatures (typically 50–75°F), brilliant late-season foliage along the North Yuba River, and much lower visitor numbers after Labor Day. Water temperatures cool, which improves trout fishing and makes riverside hikes and biking especially pleasant; campsites are open through October 31 so you get milder weather and great photographic light without high summer crowds. Expect crisp nights (often 30s–40s°F) so bring warm layers for evenings. Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2382 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe North Yuba River runs directly through the campground at 2,382 feet elevation. Cedars, ponderosa pines, and oaks provide canopy cover over most sites, though shade varies by location. The river offers swimming holes and fishing access, with strong currents in some sections that require supervision for kids. Fall brings notable foliage color along the water. Some sites have brush separation, while others sit more exposed with less vegetation between them.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo evidence of hotel-style lodging or additional accommodations was mentioned in either authoritative content or user reviews.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs in authoritative sources or user reviews.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 nights during a visit and 14 total nights per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

One vehicle (or two motorcycles) included with reservation.

Groups

Group site details are absent from authoritative content and user reviews.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via Recreation.gov or through their contact center.

Site SizeSites vary in size. User reviews describe some as spacious enough for tents and trailers but others as small: "Campsite 6 does not and is small.

PrivacyPrivacy levels depend on the site. Some campsites are separated by brush, providing more privacy: "Most camp spots have a little brush separating each other." Others are closer in proximity and have less shade, reducing privacy.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 14 has river access but lacks shade due to tree removal. Sites 2 and 3 are highly recommended.

Best CampsitesSites 2, 3, and 14–16 sit closest to the river with direct access. Site 6 runs small with limited space for gear. Privacy depends on location: some spots have brush screening, others don't.

Need help booking Carlton?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Carlton Campground provides essential amenities such as picnic tables, campfire rings, vault toilets, and access to potable water. "The campground offers single-family campsites suited for both tent and trailer camping. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided." (source: authoritative content). User reviews highlight that the bathrooms are generally clean but may lack adequate toilet paper: "Bathrooms were clean bring toilet paper theirs is not worthy lol."

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Carlton Campground offers a plethora of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife viewing. "The North Yuba River offers swimming, wading and rainbow trout fishing. Seasonal rafting and kayaking are popular water activities. A network of trails through the surrounding area provides opportunities for hiking, biking and OHV use. The North Yuba River Trail can be accessed from the nearby Rocky Rest trailhead." User reviews also confirm access to the river and proximity to swimming holes.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are provided at each campsite to mitigate bear risks.

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), (530) 288-3656 (TDD).

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling details are not explicitly mentioned. Users note that self-management applies, such as bringing one's own supplies: "Glad we brought our own." No centralized recycling or trash pickup schedules were described.

Cell CoverageCell service is uncertain. One reviewer stated, "I was unable to cancel my spot at Carlton because of lack of cel service in the area."

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

4.0

89 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Carlton has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Carlton Campground are mixed, highlighting the scenic location by the North Yuba River and convenient access to water and trails. Complaints include noise from the highway, lack of camp host oversight, and cleanliness issues in some facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 89 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback emphasizes beautiful river access, helpful rangers, and peaceful settings in certain seasons: "Most camp spots have a little brush separating each other." "Great swimming!" "Loved...

Based on 89 reviews

Common Concerns

Common concerns involve noise from nearby highways, lack of camp host oversight, overcrowding, and inconsistent maintenance of vault toilets: "No camp host being present." "Outhouse ran out of toilet...

Based on 89 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 2 & 3 are recommended for their excellent access to the river: "Sites 2 & 3 are best." Site 15 lacks shade due to tree removal: "Site 15 have no shade at camp at midday." Site 6 is described as...

Based on 89 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include bringing toilet paper, water shoes, and canopies for shade. Supervising children near strong currents and avoiding busy periods are also recommended: "Bring canopies & a camp...

Based on 89 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are described as quieter and more peaceful periods for camping, while summer months tend to experience overcrowding and high noise levels from inconsiderate campers.

Based on 89 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Bathrooms were clean bring toilet paper theirs is not worthy lol." "Each campsite has a trail from their own campsite to the water so everyone has a private entrance." "It begs for a little fly...

Based on 89 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are sparse. Vault toilets are generally clean and easier to navigate: "The pit toilets are old but seem well taken care of."

Based on 89 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Some users mention concerns about proximity to the road and ensuring pets are supervised: "...luckily our dogs didn’t seem too interested in getting...

Based on 89 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want river access in the Sierra foothills and plan to visit after Labor Day for fewer crowds.

Skip if

You need guaranteed quiet hours enforcement or want to avoid dusty roads from vehicle traffic.

Nearby Campgrounds

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

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.

Carlton

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Carlton

Campground Map

Weather at Carlton

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Carlton

Planning Tips

About Carlton

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Carlton?

Amenities available

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

RV information

Directions

Plan a trip to Carlton

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Carlton

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Carlton?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews