South Yuba Recreation Area
RV Guide
Introduction
For an RV adventure that'll leave you longing to return, consider a visit to California's South Yuba Recreation Area.
South Yuba Recreation Area, a BLM-managed property, spans the distance from the popular Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park to the unique landmark known as the Bridgeport covered bridge. This public park and campground is located near the town of El Dorado Hills, California. One of the most interesting attractions is the covered bridge which provides passage across the Yuba River.
South Yuba Recreation Area is quite picturesque, making it the ideal spot for doing some photography. The landscape is rich with canyons, brilliantly-hued wildflowers (in season), and many bodies of water that are ideal for doing some swimming when temperatures start to soar.
An area renowned for its plentiful recreational opportunities, some of the most beloved outdoor activities here include bird watching, gold panning, photography, and hiking. The trails found on the grounds range from easy to extremely challenging, providing a wide variety of terrain for families to choose from for their hiking adventure. One of the most highly trafficked routes is the South Yuba National Trail.
Both RV and tent camping are permitted on the grounds year-round for families to enjoy. Each site is available on a first-come, first-served basis only. A permit is required to build and maintain campfires.
If you've got an RV adventure on your mind, why not plan a stay at South Yuba Recreation Area? You'll have a fantastic time!
RV Rentals in South Yuba Recreation Area
Transportation
Driving
There are several different access points for South Yuba Recreation Area. Bridgeport covered bridge provides immediate access to the grounds and can be found by traveling Highway 20 through Grass Valley or from the highway past Nevada City. Certain areas of this popular park and campground can also be accessed from Edwards Crossing and Purdon Crossing; however, these do not connect to the facility and offer restricted visitation only.
To reach South Yuba Recreation Area from Edwards Crossing, travelers will need to cross a bridge that consists of one lane only. Once across the bridge, it is a 1.5-mile trek on a country lane comprised of dirt and gravel to reach this camping facility. It is important for travelers to note that Edwards Crossing has a weight restriction of four tons. Larger vehicles should access the park via Tyler Foote Crossing. To reach this access point, motorists should make a right hand turn onto Grizzly Hill Road at the juncture for North Bloomfield Road, making a left at the next intersection. This route leads through a small community. Once passed the neighborhood, turn right to connect with the campground.
Parking
Parking is plentiful at South Yuba Recreation Area via an on-site lot comprised of dirt and gravel as well as spots found throughout the campground.
Public Transportation
There is currently no public transportation available to South Yuba Recreation Area due to its remote location.
Campgrounds and parking in South Yuba Recreation Area
Campsites in South Yuba Recreation Area
Reservations camping
Placerville KOA Campground
Placerville KOA Campground is a popular camping facility with much to offer RV and tent campers. Open year-round for RV and tent stays, this campground requires families to make advanced reservations to procure a campsite.
Placerville KOA Campground offers full power hookups and can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 110 feet in total length. The on-site amenities include Wifi, cable TV hookups, a pool (in season), a hot tub, a sauna, a concession stand, and a public kitchen.
Firewood and propane are available for sale on the grounds.
Dogs may join their families here but must remain leashed at all times.
Located near several lakes, fishing is one of the most popular activities at Placerville KOA Campground. Bait can be purchased at the concession stand. Be sure to pick up a fishing license before heading out for a day of angling.
Peninsula Bar Campground
Peninsula Bar Campground sits on the same premises as the popular Folsom Lake. There are 100 campsites in total. 34 of the sites are suited for tent camping only. Reservations are typically required; however, there are a few sites that may be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Peninsula Bar Campground is open for RV stays from April through September each year.
The amenities found at this campground include picnic tables, fire pits, flush toilets, showers, and tap water. There are no power hookups provided at this campground.
Among the most popular activities at Peninsula Bar Campground are hiking, fishing, boating, water skiing, and photography.
Dogs are permitted on the grounds but must remain leashed. Generator use is allowed but only between the hours of 10 AM and 8 PM daily.
First-come first-served
South Yuba Campground
South Yuba Campground is open for RV and tent camping on a year-round basis. There are 16 campsites in total. Each is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
South Yuba Campground prioritizes a primitive-style camping experience, and thus, very few on-site amenities are provided. Campers can expect to find drinking water, pit toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and barbecues on the grounds for public use.
A maximum stay of 14 days is mandated by the campground officials.
There are trash receptacles on the grounds for the public to use to dispose of their waste materials.
None of the campsites offer power hookups.
Seasonal activities in South Yuba Recreation Area
Off-Season
Photography
The scenery is so breathtakingly beautiful at South Yuba Recreation Area that families will definitely want to bring a camera along to capture some incredible shots. From the crystal clear waters of the Yuba River to the gently rolling hills and lush vegetation, families will not want for worthy subject matter to train their camera lens on.
Many different varieties of wildlife make this region their home, including such animals as foxes, deer, rabbits, and coyotes. Bird watching is also a popular activity. Bring along a naturalist's guide to identify the various species to be photographed.
To ensure comfort, wear comfortable clothing and shoes suited to hiking as a lot of walking may be necessary to capture the perfect photo op.
Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad and Transportation Museum
Found in Nevada City, the Nevada County Narrow Gauge Railroad and Transportation Museum is well worth a visit during an RV stay at South Yuba Recreation Area. The main building's primary role is to provide valuable insights into the railroad's role in the area's culture and history.
Tours are provided of the museum and rail yard whose primary purpose was the repair and restoration of old railway cars. The main exhibits in the museum include memorabilia from transportation systems , including aviation and rail. Also found on the grounds are such artifacts as the NCNCRR Engine 5 and a prototype of a steam-powered car.
There is a gift shop where families can purchase souvenirs as a memento of their visit.
For more information about hours of operation, consult the museum's website.
Bridgeport Covered Bridge
Bridgeport covered bridge is an interesting spot to visit during a trip to South Yuba Recreation Area. The bridge was built during the gold rush to help facilitate travel across the Yuba River. The bridge is considered the longest, single-wide covered bridge of wooden construction in the entire country. The bridge is a total length of 233 feet and was constructed by the Virginia City Turnpike Company. It was originally was a portion of a larger toll road that connected Virginia City, Nevada to other areas of California for important trade transactions.
One of the most distinguishing features of Bridgeport covered bridge is its innovative design, the brainchild of local architect, Mr. Theodore Burr. The bridge is covered by over 27,000 wooden shingles.
Today, only ten covered bridges are still found in the entire state.
In-Season
Grass Valley Museum
The building that now houses the Grass Valley Museum was operated as an orphanage during the California Gold Rush of the late 19th century. The facility was founded by Father William Dalton, the lead priest responsible for the congregation at St. Patrick's church.
The orphanage was opened to the public in 1865. Its primary purpose was to take in children whose parents were killed in mining-related incidents. Over time, the orphanage also housed a school.
Grass Valley Museum houses many different artifacts and pieces of memorabilia from the area's days as a gold mining town.
Part of the permanent exhibits housed in the main building are a doctor's office and bedroom. There is also an interactive presentation of lace-making practices common in the Victorian era.
For more information about hours of operation and scheduled tours, contact the museum or check their website.
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is a great place for families looking to enjoy the best of California sand and surf during their RV vacation at South Yuba Recreation Area. This popular public park rests at the mouth of the Sierra mountain range and is home to a crystal clear lake that is ideally suited to many water sports including swimming, water skiing, canoeing, and boating.
Fishing is also a popular activity at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. The waters here teem with such fish species as trout, catfish, perch, and bigmouth bass.
The land still bears the remains of the former Folsom Powerhouse which formerly operated from 1885 to 1952 and provided power for the residents of nearby Sacramento.
Other attractions at this popular park and campground including a 32-mile bike path and many different hiking trails.
RV and tent camping are both permitted here year-round.
South Yuba National Trail
For families looking to do some hiking during their RV stay, a trip to South Yuba National Trail will not disappoint. A point to point hiking path, this popular trail consists of nearly 20 miles in total. It sees a fair number of visitors each year and is open to the public on a year-round basis.
Both dogs and horses are permitted to access this trail route.
South Yuba National Trail covers diverse terrain and can be very challenging. En route families will also be treated to many interesting sights from wildlife to natural topographical features that are quite awe-inspiring.
A portion of the trail travels through private property. Hikers are asked to show respect for the land and the people that own it when traveling through these sections.
During certain times of year, the South Yuba River is unfriendly to swimmers..
