About South Yuba Recreation Area
Remember your OUTDOOR ETHICS when enjoying your public lands. Please RECREATE RESPONSIBLY.OverviewThe South Yuba Recreation Area and National Trail is located approximately 10 miles northeast of Nevada City, California. The Recreation Area is administered by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM); U.S. Forest Service (USFS); and California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks/DPR). This 15 mile trail is open to hiking, horseback riding, trail running and mountain biking. The trail is closed to motorized vehicles. The South Yuba Recreation Area and Trail is open year-round. The South Yuba Campground will close for the season on October 15th, 2026.Facilities at South Yuba Campground:Includes sixteen (16) campsites for tents.Six (6) sites will accommodate small trailers/RV's.Fifteen (15) sites are ADA Accessible.RV maximum length is 22 feet. Trailer maximum length is 16 feet.All sites with tables, fire rings, pit toilets and trashcans.Bear proof lockers for food storage ONLY at each campsite.The South Yuba River is approximately one mile from the campground.Campground Fees and Limitations:Campsites are first come first serve!There is no reservation system available.Must pay within 30 minutes of occupying site. Self-pay stations are available. More information below.Campsite Fee: $15.00 per night, per siteInteragency Senior or Access Pass Campsite Fee: $7.50 per night, per siteAccepted Forms of Payment: U.S. Currency or CheckCheck-out: 12 PMEight people maximum per site. Two cars maximum per site.Fourteen (14) day camp limit within a 90 day period.Season of Use - April thru October 15th (depending on weather & maintenance)Additional Camping Information:Self-pay Iron Ranger fee system. Please use the BLM provided envelopes with the pay-stub properly completed and attached to your campsite post. A campsite is rented ONLY once it has been paid in full w/pay-stub posted and the site is occupied by campers.Dispersed Camping is allowed along the South Yuba Trail outsi
How to Get 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.PLEASE NOTE: the bridge at Edward Crossing has a 4 ton limit. RV's, trailers and vehicles over 4 tons not recommended.For RV's/Trailers/Vehicles over 4 tons: Recommended Route - Follow Highway 49 to Tyler Foote Crossing. Turn right onto Grizzly Hill Road to the intersection with North Bloomfield Road and make a left turn. Proceed through a small residential area and make a right hand turn into the campground.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →Plan Your Visit to South Yuba Recreation Area
Heading to South Yuba Recreation Area? 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 South Yuba Recreation Area?
No central reservation system listed for South Yuba Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/recarea/612) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to South Yuba Recreation Area?
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.PLEASE NOTE: the bridge at Edward Crossing has a 4 ton limit. RV's, trailers and vehicles over 4 tons not recommended.For RV's/Trailers/Vehicles over 4 tons: Recomm…
How do I contact South Yuba Recreation Area?
You can reach the park at phone: (916) 941-3101 or email: BLM_CA_Web_ML@blm.gov.
References & Official Resources
