Golden Trout Crossing Camping Area

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Golden Trout Crossing in California offers dispersed camping with no established campsites, reservations, or fees, but a free wilderness permit is required for overnight stays.


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Summary

Located in the high alpine Sierra Nevada within the Golden Trout Wilderness, the area features rugged mountain scenery, meadows, and pine forests. Amenities are minimal—there are no toilets, water sources, fire rings, picnic tables, or hookups, and RVs are not recommended. Campers must practice Leave No Trace. Popular nearby trails include access to the Kern River and Cottonwood Pass. The best time to visit is July through early October, when snow has melted and trails are accessible. Expect a remote, serene backcountry experience.

       

Weather Forecast

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Nearby Streamflow Levels

Golden Trout CrossingN YUBA R BL GOODYEARS BAR CA Preview N Yuba R Bl Goodyears Bar Ca
166.0cfs
166cfs
Golden Trout CrossingSPANISH C A QUINCY CA Preview Spanish C A Quincy Ca
30.0cfs
30cfs
Golden Trout CrossingDEER C NR SMARTVILLE CA Preview Deer C Nr Smartville Ca
12.4cfs
12cfs
Golden Trout CrossingSPANISH C AB BLACKHAWK C AT KEDDIE CA Preview Spanish C Ab Blackhawk C At Keddie Ca
56.5cfs
57cfs
Golden Trout CrossingBUTTE C NR CHICO CA Preview Butte C Nr Chico Ca
130.0cfs
130cfs
Golden Trout CrossingYUBA R NR MARYSVILLE CA Preview Yuba R Nr Marysville Ca
643.0cfs
643cfs

Camping Essential Practices

Pack It In, Pack It Out
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 View more

GRASS VALLEY NO. 2
0"
0"
BLUE CANYON
21.0"
21"
BLUE CANYON ALERT
0"
0"
NOHRSC MEADOW LK SNOW COURSE
21.22"
21"
CSS LAB
1.0"
1"
SODA SPRINGS 1.5 SSW
0"
0"
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River Runs