Union Flat sits on the North Yuba River along Highway 49, where gold dredging remnants create stone barriers between campsites and the water. The forest mix of pine, fir, maple, and oak provides decent shade, while the river offers swimming holes and rainbow trout fishing when flows cooperate.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 💵Fee per Night
- $24
- 📍GPS
- 39.56811, -120.74504
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- (530)478-6253
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground stretches along the north bank of the North Yuba River, with a tumbled rock wall from old gold dredging operations separating most sites from the water. You'll find several single-family sites plus one double site, with some designated tent-only spots. Each comes with the standard picnic table and fire ring setup. The forest canopy of pine, fir, maple, and oak keeps many sites shaded — useful during summer heat.
Vault toilets handle facilities, and this is an unstaffed location, so don't expect a camp host or on-site services.
The Water
The North Yuba River is the main draw here. Swimming and wading work when water levels allow, and rainbow trout fishing can be productive. During the right seasons, you might see rafters, tubers, and kayakers working downstream stretches. Gold panning remains popular along the river — a nod to the area's mining heritage that's still visible in those dredged rock walls.
Nearby
Highway 49 puts you on the Yuba Donner Scenic Byway, surrounded by gold rush history. Goodyears Bar, Sierra City, and Downieville are all nearby, with interpretive signs marking points along the 49 miles of Highway 49 driving tour route. For lake access, Sardine Lakes sit about 14 miles east, offering boating, fishing, and a resort with boat rentals.
The Gold Lakes Basin opens up more serious recreation — over 30 miles of maintained trails for hiking, mountain biking, and motorcycle use. The Pacific Crest Trail crosses through east of Sierra City and again in the Gold Lakes area. Rainbow and brook trout populate many of the basin's lakes and streams.