Summary
A free wilderness permit is required for overnight stays; no reservations or fees for dispersed camping. Pit toilets are available at trailheads; no water is provided—bring a filter. No fire rings; fires may be restricted—check current rules. No RV hookups or amenities. Expect a serene, high-alpine experience with meadows, creeks, and sweeping Sierra views. Popular trails include Cottonwood Lakes and Golden Trout Creek. Best visited July–September for snow-free access. Ideal for solitude-seekers and backpackers looking for rugged beauty and pristine wilderness.
Nearby Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations |
|---|---|
Golden Trout
|
|
Golden Trout Crossing
|
|
Sly Creek
|
|
Sly Creek Campground
|
|
Sly Creek Recreation Area
|
|
Feather Falls
|
Weather Forecast
Nearby Streamflow Levels
N Yuba R Bl Goodyears Bar Ca
|
166cfs |
Spanish C A Quincy Ca
|
30cfs |
Deer C Nr Smartville Ca
|
12cfs |
Spanish C Ab Blackhawk C At Keddie Ca
|
57cfs |
Butte C Nr Chico Ca
|
130cfs |
Yuba R Nr Marysville Ca
|
643cfs |
Camping Essential Practices
Take all trash, food scraps, and gear back with you to keep campsites clean and protect wildlife.
Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance, store food securely, and never feed wildlife to maintain natural behavior and safety.
Know Before You Go
Check weather, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and permit requirements to ensure a safe and well-planned trip.
Minimize Campfire Impact
Use established fire rings, keep fires small, fully extinguish them, or opt for a camp stove when fires are restricted.
Leave What You Find
Preserve natural and cultural features by avoiding removal of plants, rocks, artifacts, or other elements of the environment.
Related Links
Nearby Snowpack Depths
|
GRASS VALLEY NO. 2
|
0" |
|
BLUE CANYON
|
21" |
|
BLUE CANYON ALERT
|
0" |
|
NOHRSC MEADOW LK SNOW COURSE
|
21" |
|
CSS LAB
|
1" |
|
SODA SPRINGS 1.5 SSW
|
0" |
River Runs
-
Slate Reservoir To North Yuba River
-
Headwaters To Slate Reservoir
-
One-Quarter Mile Upstream From Confluence With Slate Creek To Bullards Bar Reservoir Spillway (Elevation 1902 Feet)
-
One-Eighth Mile Downstream From Confluence With Cherokee Creek To One-Quarter Mile Upstream From Confluence With Slate Creek
-
Confluence With South Fork Canyon Creek To Confluence With North Yuba River
-
Nelsons Crossing To Confluence With Middle Fork Feather Wsr