Cal-Ida sits 13 miles from Downieville on Highway 49, offering straightforward camping across from the North Yuba River. The setup is basic but functional — picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets under scattered oak and maple trees.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $20
- 📍GPS
- 39.52000, -120.99667
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- (530)478-6253
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The campground spreads across Highway 49 from the North Yuba River, with single-family sites dotting the terrain under oak, maple, and locust trees. Some sites restrict tent camping only, while others accommodate various setups. Each comes with the essentials: picnic table and fire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water handle the basics, though this is an unstaffed facility.
The tree cover provides some relief from Sierra sun, but don't expect dense forest canopy. The scattered nature of the shade means site selection matters if you're camping during warmer months.
The River
The North Yuba River runs the show here. Swimming and wading offer relief from summer heat, while rainbow trout fishing keeps anglers busy. Seasonal rafting and kayaking bring water sports into the mix, though conditions depend on snowpack and release schedules upstream.
The river access sits right across Highway 49 — close enough to hear the water, far enough that you're not dealing with road noise all night.
Trail Access
The North Yuba River Trail connects to the area's trail network, giving hikers options beyond the immediate campground. The surrounding Tahoe National Forest terrain offers additional hiking and biking opportunities, though you'll want to check current conditions and access points with the main office at (530) 265-4531.
At 13 miles from Downieville, you're positioned for exploring the broader North Yuba drainage while maintaining easy access to town supplies and services.