How much does camping cost at Fiddle Creek?

Camping fees at Fiddle Creek 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 Fiddle Creek first-come first-served or reservation?

Fiddle Creek 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 Fiddle Creek before I book?

Yes! Fiddle Creek 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 Fiddle Creek?

Fiddle Creek 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 Fiddle Creek?

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

How many campsites does Fiddle Creek have?

Fiddle Creek has 16 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Fiddle Creek?

Yes, pets are allowed at Fiddle Creek. 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 Fiddle Creek?

Fiddle Creek 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 Fiddle Creek?

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

Fiddle Creek

Q: Can I have a campfire at Fiddle Creek?

Fire policies at Fiddle Creek: 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.

3.74

67 reviews

15924 Highway 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hidden Gem Campgrounds California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,333 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open from April 15 t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,333 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open from April 15 t...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Fiddle Creek

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

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)478-6253null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

15924 Highway 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

Fiddle Creek

15924 Highway 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

Nearby places

Downieville (12 miles, approximately 20 minutes), Nevada City (30 miles, approximately 45 minutes)

Weather at Fiddle Creek

Current alerts(6)

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.
Due to limited parking only one vehicle per site is allowed. Outside campground parking for extra vehicles is very limited; please carpool.

Best Time to Camp at Fiddle Creek

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and lazy riverside days — expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24–30°C) with cool evenings in the 45–60°F (7–15°C) range. River flows are gentler than spring, making paddle sports and swimming safer and fishing productive; trails and mountain-biking routes are fully accessible. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and evenings, so book early (reservations open June 25) or arrive on weekdays for a t Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer offers reliable weather, swimming and peak-season use; sites fill quickly.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 15 to October 15. Reservations can be made from June 25 onward, with first-come, first-served availability during late October.

About Fiddle Creek

Fiddle Creek sits along the North Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, a short drive from the historic gold-rush town of Downieville. This small, budget-friendly campground operated by the Forest Service offers primitive tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and river access. Campers fish, hike foothill trails, and swim or paddle the Yuba during the warmer months when flows mellow out.

Fiddle Creek Campground provides tent-only camping sites, suitable for single-family use. "Several single-family sites, all of which are designated for tent camping only."

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for swimming, boating, and lazy riverside days — expect daytime highs roughly in the mid-70s to mid-80s°F (24–30°C) with cool evenings in the 45–60°F (7–15°C) range. River flows are gentler than spring, making paddle sports and swimming safer and fishing productive; trails and mountain-biking routes are fully accessible. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and evenings, so book early (reservations open June 25) or arrive on weekdays for a t Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2333 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe North Yuba River carves through granite at 2,333 feet elevation, flanked by a rare blend of towering pines, maples, and oaks. This riparian corridor creates a biodiverse pocket where mountain and river ecosystems merge. The mixed forest provides generous shade, and the river sparkles through the trees with pools calm enough for swimming by midsummer. Deer visit the water's edge at dawn.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground is tent-only, without additional lodging accommodations such as cabins or hotel-style facilities.

Programs & ActivitiesNull

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit and 14 nights total per year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests per site is not explicitly mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov and its associated app or contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground features paths and ramps providing access to the water, making it suitable for individuals with physical limitations. "Favorite place to camp especially if you have physical limitations. There are paths and steps/ramp to water.

Site SizeThe campsites are described as spacious and equipped with large bear boxes. "Very nice, very open campsites. Large bear boxes.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary; campsites are close together, providing limited privacy. "Campsites are close together with no privacy.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose campsites closer to the river for better views and access to water activities.

Best CampsitesSites 009 and 004 get high marks for river proximity and shade. All sites have large bear boxes.

Need help booking Fiddle Creek?

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

Fiddle Creek campground offers facilities designed for tent camping only. Each site includes a picnic table, campfire ring, and bearproof food locker. Vault toilets and potable drinking water are available, and campsites are located close to parking areas but are not directly accessible by motor vehicles. "Each site is equipped with a picnic table, campfire ring and bearproof food locker."

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a diverse range of activities such as hiking, hunting, fishing, and swimming. The North Yuba River is the focal point for water-based recreation including swimming, wading, rafting, kayaking, and tubing. "The North Yuba River offers swimming, wading and rainbow trout fishing. Seasonal rafting, kayaking and tubing are popular water activities."

Hiking

Fishing

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided, though user experiences vary regarding cleanliness: "The vault toilets were not impeccably clean, but decent enough and never ran out of toilet paper."

Food Storage RequiredBearproof food lockers are available at all individual campsites and are included in the base fee.

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

Trash & RecyclingTrash removal and sanitation maintenance are concerns raised by reviewers: "Regular trash removal of the grounds dumpsters" is needed.

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

3.7

67 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

Users generally appreciate the location's natural beauty, access to the North Yuba River, and shaded campsites. However, complaints about vault toilet cleanliness, traffic noise, and closely spaced sites are recurrent themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 67 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 67 reviews.

Site 009Mentioned
Site 009: "Very nice, very open campsites.
Site 004Mentioned
Large bear boxes." Site 004: "The fire in site 4 was not level and very full, maybe fix that to mitigate wildfire risk." Site 008: "Have to carry gear from…

What Campers Love

"Perfect location and clean campgrounds!!" "Sweet spot for camping and swimming." "Quiet campsite near the river." "Access to water."

Based on 67 reviews

Common Concerns

Vault toilet cleanliness varies significantly: "Absolutely disgusting..." vs. "clean and well-kept." Campsites are close together: "Campsites are close together with no privacy." Noise issues:...

Based on 67 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Make reservations online as the site fills up quickly: "Make reservation online cause it fills up quick." Bring approved food containers due to bear presence. Avoid reliance on cell phone service:...

Based on 67 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the most frequently reviewed season, with mixed feedback on sanitation and shade. Fire risk in late summer noted in user reviews. "Because of the high fire risk we decided not to build a...

Based on 67 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The vault toilets were not impeccably clean, but decent enough and never ran out of toilet paper." "Make reservation online cause it fills up quick." "Favorite place to camp especially if you have...

Based on 67 reviews

Accessibility Features

"Favorite place to camp especially if you have physical limitations. There are paths and steps/ramp to water."

Based on 67 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but California regulations apply: "California rules on dogs."

Based on 67 reviews

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Go if

You want river access and foothill trails on a budget near a historic Sierra town.

Skip if

You need spacious, private sites or modern restroom facilities during peak summer weekends.

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.