Mother Lode Field Office

South Yuba Trail and Campground

Photo of South Yuba Trail signPhoto of waterfall along the South Yuba TrailPhoto of two hikers on the South Yuba Trail

General Information

The South Yuba Campground is currently OPEN

South Yuba Wild & Scenic River Recreation Area and National Trail Map (pdf 2.6 mb)

The Trail:

This fifteen (15) mile trail carries hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders through historic foothill river canyons. Expect to see evidence of California's rich goldrush history - you're in Gold Country now! The 19th century argonauts left plenty of evidence of hydraulic mining. You can check it out at neighboring Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park.

  • You will cross private land along some trails.  Please respect the right of private landowners.

  • River conditions vary, during spring runoff (April thru June). Some swimming areas maybe unsafe and not suitable for swimming. Please use caution.

  • Gold panning is allowed in the South Yuba Wild & Scenic River “HANDS AND PANS” only.

  • DAY USE ONLY - The area between a ¼ mile downstream and a ½ mile upstream from Edwards Crossing is a high-density recreation area.  No overnight camping.

  • DAY USE ONLY - Approximately 1 mile from Purdon Crossing to China Dam is a high-density recreation area.  No overnight camping.

  • Pack it In – Pack it Out  and pack a little extra if you can.  Help us keep your Public Lands clean and safe.  Leave No Trace.

The Campground: 

When to go:  April through October 15th

Getting there:

From Nevada City, follow Highway 49 to North Bloomfield Road and travel ten (10) miles to South Yuba Recreation Lands. From the one lane bridge at Edwards Crossing it is approximately 1 1/2 miles on a dirt/gravel road to the campground.

Alternate route for trailers follows Highway 49 to Tyler Foote Crossing Road then right on Grizzly Hill Road to the intersection with North Bloomfield Road, make a left turn then proceed through a small residential area and make a right hand turn into campground.

Facilities:

16 campsites for tents or RV's
Piped water
Pit toilets (wheelchair bound person will require assistance)
Picnic tables
Fire grills
Garbage collection

Fee: $5.00 per night, fourteen (14) day camp limit within a 90 day period.

Reservations: none required, first come first serve basis

Book cover: South Yuba River Comprehensive Management PlanSouth Yuba River
Comprehensive Management Plan

 

Please Note: Until further notice, dredging permits will NOT be issued this season due to a mercury study by the BLM on the South Yuba River.  For further information, please contact the BLM Mother Lode Field Office @ 916-941-3101.