Chapman

Star3.33
20 reviews
Chapman Creek Campground, near North Yuba River, accessible via Highway 49 south from Sierraville.
Great Hiking

Quick Facts

5,873 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open June 7, 2025, t...

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
Chapman
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Nightly rates are fixed at $24.00 for standard and walk-in site types during the reservable season (June 7 - October 15). Additional fees include $5...
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Standard Site Fee$24.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00
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

3.33

Mixed Reviews

Based on 20 reviews

9 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lake

"Overall sentiment towards Chapman Creek Campground has been mixed, with many reviews criticizing the post-logging conditions. Users describe slash piles, exposed layouts, and broken amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Chapman Creek Campground, near North Yuba River, accessible via Highway 49 south from Sierraville.

Chapman

Chapman Creek Campground, near North Yuba River, accessible via Highway 49 south from Sierraville.

Driving directionsFrom Sierraville, take Highway 49 south 14.8 miles. The campground is on the right side of the highway.
The campground can be accessed via Highway 49. Roads are paved and suitable for regular vehicles. There are no indications of seasonal closures or terrain challenges.
Nearby places
Sierraville: 14.8 miles / Approximately 25-minute drive. Camptonville: Closest town
distance negligible.
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies may be available at nearby Sardine Lakes Resort (about 5 miles away). Full supply runs likely require travel to larger towns like Nevada City or Downieville.

Best Time to Camp at Chapman

Summer transforms this mountain sanctuary into a sun-drenched paradise, where warm days invite endless exploration and cool evenings are perfect for stargazing around the campfire. The dry season brings reliably clear skies, making it ideal for outdoor pursuits. As autumn gives way to winter, temperatures plummet and the landscape enters its quiet season, with freezing conditions reminding visitors of the raw beauty of mountain life. Rain and snow rarely interrupt summer camping plans, creating a dependable window for warm-weather adventures.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Open in summer; warm days, cool nights and stargazing. Bugs and maintenance issues noted by visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into October; likely pleasant but limited seasonal data and logging impacts remain.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site closed until June 7; spring camping not available.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-Oct–early June; winter season not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: June 7, 2025 - October 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open June 7, 2025, to October 15, 2025.
  • Current Alerts: Logging activities have disrupted site conditions. Fire bans may be imposed during hot, dry weather.

About Chapman

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, Chapman Creek Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness retreat. The gentle murmur of Chapman Creek provides a natural soundtrack as towering fir and lodgepole pines cast cooling shadows across your campsite. This rustic haven combines essential comforts—vault toilets, fresh drinking water, sturdy picnic tables, secure food storage lockers, and classic campfire rings—with easy access to outdoor adventures. Cast a line in the pristine Sardine Lakes, launch your kayak into crystal-clear waters, or set foot on the legendary Pacific Crest Trail, all just moments from your tent flap.
Chapman Creek Campground offers single-family campsites with options for tent camping and RV stays. Several sites have been affected by recent logging operations, reducing their usability.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM.
Check-out
12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
14 nights consecutively per visit or annually.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Chapman Creek Campground offers access to a variety of activities, including hiking on nearby trails such as the Pacific Crest Trail and Chapman Creek Trail. Visitors can engage in hunting, fishing, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing. Recreational opportunities extend to Sardine Lakes nearby.
HikingA large network of hiking trails is available, including the Pacific Crest Trail and Chapman Creek Trail, which starts within the campground.
FishingFishing is available at the nearby North Yuba River and Sardine Lakes, where anglers can catch rainbow and brook trout.
SwimmingSwimming opportunities are available at Sardine Lakes, approximately five miles away.
BikingMountain biking trails are accessible within the area, including more than 30 miles of maintained trails in the Lakes Basin area.
BoatingSardine Lakes Resort, located five miles away, offers boat rentals for visitors interested in boating activities.
Wildlife viewingThe campground is surrounded by mature fir and lodgepole pine trees, providing opportunities for wildlife viewing.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLarge slash piles, uneven ground, and hazardous tree removal debris. Bears frequent the area.
Active AlertsLogging activities have disrupted site conditions. Fire bans may be imposed during hot, dry weather.
Food Storage RequiredFood lockers are provided at each campsite to protect against bear activity.

Weather at Chapman

Reviews

3.3
20 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Chapman has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall sentiment towards Chapman Creek Campground has been mixed, with many reviews criticizing the post-logging conditions. Users describe slash piles, exposed layouts, and broken amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include proximity to Sardine Lakes and the trail network, as well as natural features such as the creek and meadow.
Based on 20 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include poor maintenance, broken amenities, uneven ground, lack of privacy due to tree removal, and excessive bugs.
Based on 20 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tip: Choose campsites on the northwest side or the back loop for better conditions and usability.
Based on 20 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Issues related to logging and tree removal have dominated recent reviews. Historically, the campground was appreciated for its shaded sites and scenic beauty.
Based on 20 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Dirty haphazard and confusing camping zones. Old bathroom vault. Bugs. So many bugs.' - Katie Brouner 2. 'Site numbers were all mixed up. Major wood work has made the sites pretty ugly.' - Alicia...
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Based on 20 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 003, 004, 011, 014, 020 have been negatively reviewed due to poor conditions. Site 11 is highlighted as one of the worst due to a giant slash pile.
Based on 20 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are provided.
Based on 20 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 20 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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