Indian Valley

Star4.36
106 reviews
YUBA RIVER RANGER STATION, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

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

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
Indian Valley
$24.00 - $48.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season rates range from $24 to $48 for standard nonelectric sites depending on size and capacity. Additional vehicle fee: $5 per night.
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

4.36

Recommended

Based on 106 reviews

46 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietpeacefulcleanspacious

Some mention

reservationcell service

"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."

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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

Driving directionsFrom Downieville, take Highway 49 south for about 11 miles. The campground is on the left side of the highway. From Nevada City, take Highway 49 north for just over 30 miles. The campground is on the right side of the highway.
The campground is easily accessible off Highway 49, located on the Yuba Donner Scenic Byway. The approach is paved and direct, but seasonal closures may occur.
Nearby places
Downieville (11 miles, ~20 minutes), Nevada City (~30 miles, ~45 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Indian Valley Outpost (~0.5 miles) offers firewood and other essentials. Larger supply options available in Downieville (~11 miles).

Best Time to Camp at Indian Valley

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformations of the Sierra foothills at Indian Valley. Spring arrives with a crisp bite in the air, gradually warming into sun-drenched summer days perfect for river adventures—though wise campers come prepared with insect repellent for peak mosquito season. As autumn approaches, cooler temperatures return, painting the mixed forest in golden hues and creating ideal conditions for hiking without the summer crowds.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open in summer with swimming, rafting and river relief from heat; many positive summer reviews.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal transformations of Sierra foothills and quieter conditions make fall appealing.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Spring offers crisp air and rising flows; campground opens mid-April so early spring limited.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr 15–Oct 15; winter visitation not applicable.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15th to October 15th.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from April 15th through October 15th, with peak season reservations starting June 25th.
  • Current Alerts: Active advisories may include fire restrictions or weather-related closures. Visitors should check with Yuba River Ranger District for updates.

About Indian Valley

Nestled along the rushing waters of the North Yuba River, Indian Valley Campground beckons adventurers to experience the raw beauty of Tahoe National Forest. This intimate woodland retreat serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—cast a line into crystal-clear pools teeming with trout, float downstream on lazy summer afternoons, navigate thrilling rapids, or explore miles of scenic trails on foot or mountain bike. Each campsite comes thoughtfully appointed with sturdy picnic tables and fire rings, perfect for evening gatherings under towering canopies. Modern vault toilets and fresh drinking water ensure comfort without compromising the authentic wilderness experience.
Indian Valley Campground provides options for tent camping, RV camping (without hookups), and group camping. The facilities include food storage lockers and paved parking.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in available starting from 11:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out required by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets

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.
HikingA network of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack crisscrosses the surrounding area. Popular trails include Yuba River, Halls Ranch, Butcher Ranch, and the Downieville Downhill.
FishingFishing opportunities are available in the North Yuba River, which is known for trout fishing. Several users have described the river as refreshing and ideal for fishing.
SwimmingSwimming is available in the North Yuba River. Reviewers mention "great swimming areas," though one noted the lack of easy river access during high water levels.
BikingMountain biking trails are available in the surrounding area. Trails like Butcher Ranch and Downieville Downhill cater to biking enthusiasts.
BoatingSeasonal rafting, kayaking, and tubing are available on the North Yuba River.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsReported hazards include frequent bear activity, snakes, and risks associated with swift river currents. Vault toilet odors and mosquitos in summer are common complaints.
Active AlertsActive advisories may include fire restrictions or weather-related closures. Visitors should check with Yuba River Ranger District for updates.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredLockers are available at no additional cost, crucial for managing food safety and avoiding bear encounters.

Weather at Indian Valley

Reviews

4.4
106 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Indian Valley is recommended, placing it in the top 40% 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

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...
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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...
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Based on 106 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite 012 receives mixed reviews: praised for proximity to the river but noted for full sun exposure during summer. Campsite 006 has complaints about mosquitoes and vault toilet odors. Campsite...
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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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Last updated January 13, 2026
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