Wild Plum sits on Haypress Creek in the North Yuba River country, where the forest floor tells stories of old gold dredging operations through scattered rocks and tailings. The campground puts you within walking distance of the Pacific Crest Trail and two miles from Sierra City's historic main street. It's a solid base camp for exploring Gold Lakes Basin or just lingering by the creek.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 47
- 💵Fee per Night
- $24
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 📍GPS
- 39.56675, -120.60257
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- (530)478-6253
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
Forty-seven sites spread across three loops along Haypress Creek, with many designated tent-only. The two smaller loops offer paved roads and parking spurs — easier for larger rigs — while the upper loop keeps things more rustic with gravel surfaces. Creek-side sites provide the soundtrack of running water, and the mixed hardwood and pine canopy offers decent shade during warmer months.
Each site includes the standard picnic table and fire ring setup. Vault toilets and drinking water handle the basics, but this is an unstaffed facility, so plan accordingly.
What to Know
Reservations are required, and at $24 per night, Wild Plum sits in the middle range for developed Forest Service campgrounds. The scattered rocks from historical mining activity give the place character but make tent site selection worth some attention.
Sierra City sits just two miles away when you need supplies, a meal, or a break from camp cooking. The town offers lodging and dining options if you're using Wild Plum as part of a longer Sierra Nevada tour.
Nearby
The Wild Plum Loop Trail starts right from the campground — a 2.5-mile route open to hikers and horseback riders that connects to both the Pacific Crest Trail and Haypress Trail. Gold Lakes Basin, about seven miles north, provides more extensive hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities across its 30-plus miles of maintained trails.
Sardine Lakes, also seven miles north, adds boating and swimming to the mix, with a resort offering boat rentals. The fishing spans rainbow and brook trout in the various lakes, streams, and rivers throughout the basin. For those chasing gold rush history, Highway 49's Yuba Donner Scenic Byway connects multiple historical sites and Sierra City's own collection of 1800s-era attractions.