How much does camping cost at Union Flat?

Camping fees at Union Flat 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 Union Flat first-come first-served or reservation?

Union Flat 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 Union Flat before I book?

Yes! Union Flat has 5 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 Union Flat?

Union Flat is open April 16 to October 15. 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 Union Flat?

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

How many campsites does Union Flat have?

Union Flat 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 Union Flat?

Yes, pets are allowed at Union Flat. 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 Union Flat?

Union Flat 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 Union Flat?

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

Union Flat

Q: Can I have a campfire at Union Flat?

Fire policies at Union Flat: 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.

3.84

76 reviews

Union Flat Campground, near Highway 49 (general location)

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,422 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Yuba River Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

3,422 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

25 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Yuba River Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Union Flat

$24.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC-DOUBLE: $48.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $24.00; WALK TO: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$24.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530)478-6253

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Union Flat Campground, near Highway 49 (general location)

Union Flat

Union Flat Campground, near Highway 49 (general location)

Nearby places

Downieville - 6 miles, Sierra City - 6 miles

Weather at Union Flat

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.
In accordance with standard industry practices, we will be assessing a $5 additional vehicle fee on the 'second vehicle' in each single family campsite, and on the 'third and fourth vehicle' in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined to the first…

Best Time to Camp at Union Flat

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for riverside activities — expect daytime highs around 75–90°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. The North Yuba is at its most inviting for swimming, wading, boating, and afternoon fishing, and most campground facilities are fully available (reservations begin June 25). Weekends can be moderately busy, but Union Flat's walk-to and riverside sites still feel peaceful compared with larger parks. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer (75–90°F) is peak season; river levels support swimming and boating and reviews are positive.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 16 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open April 15 to October 15 annually. Reservations start from June 25.

About Union Flat

Union Flat sits along the North Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, a short drive from Downieville in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Managed by the Yuba River Ranger Station, this small riverside campground offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Guests fish, swim, wade, and boat in the North Yuba during the summer season, when the river is warmest and most inviting.

Union Flat Campground accommodates tent and RV campers, with single-family and double sites available. Some sites are tent-only.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most reliable weather for riverside activities — expect daytime highs around 75–90°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to mid-50s. The North Yuba is at its most inviting for swimming, wading, boating, and afternoon fishing, and most campground facilities are fully available (reservations begin June 25). Weekends can be moderately busy, but Union Flat's walk-to and riverside sites still feel peaceful compared with larger parks. Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation3422 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe North Yuba River runs clear and fast here at 3,422 feet elevation. Sites sit pinned between the river and a rock wall left over from early mining dredges. Weathered stones stacked in a rough barrier that adds texture to the landscape. The forest mixes pines, firs, maples, and oaks in uneven stands. Views open to the water in some spots, close in under canopy in others. The sound of the river is constant.

Lodging & AccommodationsThis campground does not provide any hotel-style lodging or accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum of 14 consecutive nights allowed per stay.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Not explicitly stated
implied maximum capacity varies between single-family and double sites.

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 on Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not specifically mentioned.

Site SizeCampground sites are described as mostly small, with some larger group sites available. "There are a few 2-4 larger sites where you might fit an RV," one review stated.

PrivacySites are along the river, offering scenic views and the sound of the water, but privacy is limited due to proximity to a single dirt road.

Total Campsites25 campsites

Recommended SitesFor tent campers seeking quieter experiences, sites farthest from the road are recommended. Proximity to the river is a highlight for many visitors.

Best CampsitesSite #11 gets consistent praise for direct river access. Other sites along the water offer similar views and sound, but spacing is tight and all sites face the same dirt road. A few larger spots can fit small RVs, though most sites run small.

Need help booking Union Flat?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Utility hookups and showers are not available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Union Flat Campground offers a variety of recreational activities focused on its proximity to the North Yuba River. Popular activities include fishing, swimming, hiking, and gold panning. Seasonal opportunities for rafting, tubing, and kayaking enhance the experience.

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available. Vault toilets are provided instead.

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 collection is provided on-site. Recycling details are not specified.

Cell Coverage"No cell service," according to user reviews.

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

3.8

76 reviews

Mixed Reviews

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

User reviews for Union Flat Campground are mixed, praising its natural beauty and proximity to the river, but critiquing issues such as road dust, noisy neighbors, and limited amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 76 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 76 reviews.

Site #11Loved
Site #11 is highlighted for its proximity to the river.
Site #10Mentioned
"Site #10 is also good for gold panning opportunities."

What Campers Love

Guests appreciated the scenic location by the North Yuba River and the peaceful sound of rushing water. "Beautiful little campground right next to the Yuba River," summarized a reviewer.

Based on 76 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include noise from the highway, disruptive campers, and dust stirred up by vehicles on the single dirt road through the campground. "Plenty of partying going on in many of the...

Based on 76 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Several recommendations were provided by past visitors: "#11 is by far the best site to be next to the river," shared one guest. "Be aware there’s no gas station at Downieville or Sierra City,"...

Based on 76 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews often highlight the elevated camping experience during summer months due to favorable weather conditions and river access. Negative trends are associated with busy weekends and party...

Based on 76 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Lovely little campground right next to the Yuba river. Beautiful." "Vault toilets are pretty well maintained." "Easy access to highway, the river, you name it." "Campground was full of rude,...

Based on 76 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want riverside access for swimming and fishing in a small, seasonal campground near Downieville.

Skip if

You need quiet guaranteed after dark or want to avoid road dust and occasional highway noise.

Nearby Campgrounds

15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA

Loganville sits in a steep valley along the North Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, managed by the Yuba River Ranger District. This small, budget-friendly campground offers tent and primitive sites with vault toilets, potable water, and a dump station. Summer visitors use it as a base for swimming holes on the river, fishing, hiking to Gold Lakes Basin, and accessing nearby Pacific Crest Trail sections.