About YUBA PASS CAMPGROUND
Overview Yuba Pass Campground is located in the North Yuba River area, atop Yuba Pass on Highway 49. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including birding, hiking, biking, hunting, and fishing. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National ForestRecreation Bird watching is a favorite activity on Yuba Pass. The peaceful and scenic surroundings attract a wide variety of birds, including sandhill cranes, hermit warblers, black-backed woodpeckers, sapsuckers, calliope hummingbirds, sooty grouse, northern pygmy-owls, mountain quail, bald eagles, osprey, hawks and geese. A large network of trails is available in the area, including the Pacific Crest Trail in the Lakes Basin area.Facilities The campground offers several single-family campsites. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.Natural Features A forest of old-growth red fir and abundant aspens provides ample shade for campsites. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (530) 265-4531. Nearby Attractions Yuba Pass Campground is located on the Yuba Donner Scenic Byway (Highway 49) near many gold rush era historical sites and scenic mountain vistas. Many points of interest lie along Highway 49 and are part of the 49 miles of Highway 49 driving tour; look for interpretive signs and other historical sites along this tour route. Gold Lakes Basin offers boating, fishing, biking, and hiking. Boating, fishing and swimming are available at nearby Sardine Lakes, about nine miles west of the campground. Sardine Lakes Resort offers boat rentals. Anglers will find rainbow and brook trout in many of the lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin. Over 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle singletrack branch out across the area and the Pacific Crest Trail can b
How to Get There
From Sierraville, travel south (west) on Highway 49 for 11 miles. Turn left at the entrance to the snow park and continue about a quarter-mile to the campground entrance on the right side of the road. From Sierra City, travel north (east) on Highway 49 for about 12 miles. Turn right at the entrance to the snow park and continue about a quarter-mile to the campground entrance on the right side of the road.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to YUBA PASS CAMPGROUND
Heading to YUBA PASS CAMPGROUND? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for YUBA PASS CAMPGROUND?
No central reservation system listed for YUBA PASS CAMPGROUND. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232371) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to YUBA PASS CAMPGROUND?
From Sierraville, travel south (west) on Highway 49 for 11 miles. Turn left at the entrance to the snow park and continue about a quarter-mile to the campground entrance on the right side of the road. From Sierra City, travel north (east) on Highway 49 for about 12 miles. Turn right at the entrance to the snow park and continue about a quarter-mile to the campground entrance on the right side of t…
How do I contact YUBA PASS CAMPGROUND?
You can reach the park at phone: (530)478-6253.
References & Official Resources
