How much does camping cost at Indian Valley?

Camping fees at Indian Valley range from $24-$48/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Indian Valley first-come first-served or reservation?

Indian Valley 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 Indian Valley before I book?

Yes! Indian Valley has 9 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 Indian Valley?

Indian Valley is open April 16 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 Indian Valley?

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

Can I have a campfire at Indian Valley?

Fire policies at Indian Valley: 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 or 478-6253 (voice), (530) 288-3656 (TDD). Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Indian Valley have?

Indian Valley 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 Indian Valley?

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

What amenities are available at Indian Valley?

Indian Valley offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Indian Valley?

Popular activities at Indian Valley include Fishing, Swimming, Biking. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Indian Valley

4.28

106 reviews

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

Top 16% in CASummer

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

2,320 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open from April 15th...

Cell

No Service

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

2,320 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

16 campsites

Season

Open from April 15th...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Indian Valley

$24.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC-148977: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in...

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 STATION, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA

Indian Valley

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

Nearby places

Downieville (11 miles, ~20 minutes), Nevada City (~30 miles, ~45 minutes)

Weather at Indian Valley

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.
Flatten the Curve Maintaining social distance of 6ft or more when walking, hiking, jogging or biking. • Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people. • Do not gather in groups. • Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.

Best Time to Camp at Indian Valley

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Indian Valley for reliably warm weather and full river access — expect daytime highs in the mid-80s to mid-90s°F and cool nights in the 50s. River swimming, floating, rafting, and trout fishing are at their peak once flows moderate in July and August, and all campground facilities are open (peak reservations begin June 25). Weekends can be busy, so midweek stays or advance reservations are recommended; be prepared for mosquitoes and possible fire restrictions on暑 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 16% in CA

Peak season: reliable warm weather, river moderates heat; swimming, floating and fishing are prime in summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 16 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open from April 15th through October 15th, with peak season reservations starting June 25th.

About Indian Valley

Indian Valley sits along the North Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, a small seasonal campground managed by the Forest Service near Downieville in the Sierra foothills. The setting offers direct river access for swimming and fishing during summer months, with spacious sites under mixed conifers and a quiet atmosphere that appeals to families and anglers. Reviewers praise the clean vault toilets and short walk to the water, though cell service is unavailable and the campground enforces alcohol prohibition.

Indian Valley Campground provides options for tent camping, RV camping (without hookups), and group camping. The facilities include food storage lockers and paved parking.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit Indian Valley for reliably warm weather and full river access — expect daytime highs in the mid-80s to mid-90s°F and cool nights in the 50s. River swimming, floating, rafting, and trout fishing are at their peak once flows moderate in July and August, and all campground facilities are open (peak reservations begin June 25). Weekends can be busy, so midweek stays or advance reservations are recommended; be prepared for mosquitoes and possible fire restrictions on暑 Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2320 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe North Yuba River cuts through ancient bedrock here, creating swimming holes and rapids bordered by oak, fir, pine, and madrone. Massive rock piles from hydraulic mining operations stand alongside the riverbanks, reminders of the gold dredging era now overtaken by forest. Sites sit under mixed tree cover, though some get full sun and reviewers recommend bringing shade setups. The river is close enough to walk to from most sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is mentioned in the provided sources.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are specifically mentioned in the source materials.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Number of guests per site is not specified.

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.

AccessibilityThe campground includes two handicap-accessible paved paths between campsites, allowing views of the river. Specific feedback from users highlights the paved facilities as accessible.

Site SizeThe sites are described as large and spacious by reviewers. "Spacious sites, clean," one camper noted.

PrivacySites are well-separated, offering plenty of privacy according to multiple user reviews. "Spaces nicely separated to provide plenty of privacy," one user highlighted.

Total Campsites16 campsites

Recommended SitesCampsites close to the bathrooms may experience odors. Campsite 012 receives full sun during summer days, so visitors may wish to bring shade setups.

Best CampsitesSites 012 and 005 get frequent mentions in reviews for river views, shade, and proximity to the water.

Need help booking Indian Valley?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Indian Valley Campground provides essential amenities for a comfortable camping experience. Vault toilets and drinking water are available. Each campsite has a picnic table and campfire ring. Other features include paved roads and parking, food storage lockers, and river access. While the campground does not have flush toilets, Wi-Fi, or a dump station, amenities such as drinking water and shaded sites enhance its usability. Vault toilets are noted to be clean by multiple reviewers, though occasional negative comments about odors and maintenance have been made.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Indian Valley Campground offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. These include swimming, tubing, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking. Seasonal rafting, kayaking, and gold panning are also popular. Local attractions such as historical sites and scenic drives add to the experience.

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

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 at Indian Valley Campground. Vault toilets are provided instead and receive mixed reviews regarding cleanliness and odors.

Food Storage RequiredLockers are available at no additional cost, crucial for managing food safety and avoiding bear encounters.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

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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

4.3

106 reviews

Satisfactory

Indian Valley is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is highly praised for its beautiful setting on the North Yuba River, clean vault toilets, and spacious sites. Some reviewers mentioned issues with odors, maintenance of campsites and tables, and difficulties with reservation policies.

Review Summaries

Based on 106 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 106 reviews.

Campsite 012Loved
Campsite 012 receives mixed reviews: praised for proximity to the river but noted for full sun exposure during summer.
Campsite 014Mentioned
Campsite 014 is criticized for its proximity to pit toilets causing odors.
Campsite 006Issues noted
Campsite 006 has complaints about mosquitoes and vault toilet odors.

What Campers Love

Clean vault toilets, spacious sites, proximity to the river, availability of firewood, and overall quiet and peaceful environment are frequent positives mentioned by reviewers. "Loved being able to...

Based on 106 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues with vault toilet odors, broken tables, poorly maintained campsites, and reservation policies are commonly mentioned complaints. "The bathrooms were disgusting," one user reported.

Based on 106 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring shade setups for sunny sites. Campers are advised to arrive early to avoid reservation disputes. "Beware of spontaneous Critter Game Nights," one user humorously remarked.

Based on 106 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are noted for their heat, but the river provides relief. Winter accessibility or activities are not discussed.

Based on 106 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Beautiful setting on the Yuba River... Hosts keep this campground quiet and spotless," said one reviewer. "River access was great and camp ground was very clean, good people and lots of fun were...

Based on 106 reviews

Accessibility Features

Two paved handicap-accessible paths between campsites offer views of the river, according to one user review.

Based on 106 reviews

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Nearby Campgrounds

Rocky Rest is a very small Tahoe National Forest campground in the Sierra foothills near Downieville, offering direct access to the Yuba River. The campground provides budget-friendly tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for riverside swimming holes, fishing, hiking from the on-site trailhead, and stargazing in a quiet forest setting.