What are the hours and season for Wild Plum?

Wild Plum is open May through October. Check-in: 2:00 PM. Check-out: 12:00 PM.

What are the fire rules at Wild Plum?

Fire rules at Wild Plum: Campfires allowed in provided fire rings only. Tahoe National Forest fire restrictions apply — check fs.usda.gov/tahoe before arrival. Restrictions common July–September.

What is the best time to visit Wild Plum?

Jun–Jul: Creek is high and fast from snowmelt. Wildflowers. Cool nights. Best swimming. Sep–Oct: Crowd drops off after Labor Day. Fall color starts. Creek is lower but warm enough to swim.

What are the best things to do near Wild Plum?

Near Wild Plum: Haypress Creek swimming hole — 10 min walk downstream, locals’ favorite, bring water shoes. Sierra City (5 miles) — Gold Rush town, good lunch at the Sierra Country Store. North Yuba Trail — trailhead 2 miles from camp, gorgeous ridge hike with creek views. Gold panning — the North Yuba was a major Gold Rush river, still yields color. Sierra Buttes Fire Lookout — 30-min drive, 360° view of Lake Tahoe and beyond.

Is there wildlife at Wild Plum?

Wildlife alert for Wild Plum: Black bears are active in the North Yuba corridor. Use bear boxes at every site (provided). Do not leave food in vehicles — bears have learned to break windows. Dogs attract bears — keep food inside and never leave dog food out overnight.

What are the common problems at Wild Plum?

At Wild Plum: No hookups of any kind. Solution: Bring a generator if you need power. Solar works well in the open sites.

What are the insider tips for Wild Plum?

Insider tips for Wild Plum: Sites 1–12 are closest to the creek — request them when booking on recreation.gov Sierra City General Store (5 mi) has ice, firewood, and basic groceries — stock up there Arrive Friday before noon in summer or you’ll lose the creek-side sites to weekenders

What makes Wild Plum unique?

The swimming hole just downstream from the campground where Haypress Creek widens into a pool about 4 feet deep. Locals know it — most camp guests never find it. Walk the creek trail 10 minutes south of the last campsite.

What amenities does Wild Plum have?

Wild Plum amenities: Fire Rings, Picnic Tables, Vault Toilets, Drinking Water, Fishing. Hookups: No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs..

How do I book a campsite at Wild Plum?

Wild Plum is a federal campground — book at Recreation.gov (search "Wild Plum"). Sites are released 6 months in advance and sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert at camperwatch.org/campground/wild-plum to be notified the moment a site opens up.

Wild Plum

Tahoe National Forest — lakeside, fishing, hiking

Nevada City, CA4.2 (158)

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Wild Plum Campground is located on Haypress Creek in the North Yuba River area. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of recreational activities in the area, including hiking, biking, hunting, fishing, and gold panning. this facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.This location is unstaffed.

Things to do nearby

Tahoe National ForestCreek in the North Yuba RiverGold LakeHaypress Creek swimming hole

Best For

AnglersHikersFamiliesBackpackers

Site Types

TentRV

Amenities

Fire Rings

Picnic Tables

Vault Toilets

Drinking Water

Fishing

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Season

May through October

Max/site

6 people

Known Issues

Federal campground — book early. No hookups at most sites. Seasonal operations.

Cancellation Policy

Recreation.gov: full refund if cancelled 7+ days before arrival. $10 cancellation fee applies.

Why campers love Wild Plum

Wild Plum sits directly on Haypress Creek in a dense Sierra Nevada forest of pines and cedars. The creek runs through the campground — you fall asleep to the sound of water. Only 47 sites so it never feels overcrowded. Primitive enough to feel like real camping, close enough to Sierra City for resupply.

What's new in 2026

Wild Plum is operated by the Tahoe National Forest and reservations are managed through recreation.gov. No recent facility changes reported as of 2025.

What campers say about Wild Plum

"Creek runs right through camp. We slept with the windows open just to hear the water."

— Recreation.gov reviewer

"Dogs loved the creek. Shallow enough for them to wade, deep enough to swim."

— Recreation.gov reviewer

"Vault toilets only — bring your own hand sanitizer and don’t expect a shower."

— Recreation.gov reviewer

Not the right fit if…

✕You need hookups — no electric, water, or sewer at any site
✕You need cell service — essentially zero at the campground
✕You’re in a large RV — access road is narrow with tight turns

Frequently asked questions

How much does Wild Plum cost per night?+

Wild Plum costs $24–$50 per night depending on site type and season. Hookup options: No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs.

What season is Wild Plum open?+

Wild Plum is open May through October. Check-in is 2:00 PM, check-out is 12:00 PM.

Does Wild Plum have hookups?+

No hookups. Suitable for self-contained RVs.

What is the maximum RV length at Wild Plum?+

Wild Plum can accommodate RVs up to 43 feet long.

How do I make reservations at Wild Plum?+

Wild Plum is a federal campground — reservations open 6 months in advance at Recreation.gov. Sites sell out quickly. Set a free CamperWatch cancellation alert to be notified the moment a site opens.

What is the cell service like at Wild Plum?+

Essentially no cell service at the campground. Verizon picks up weak signal on the ridge 1 mile east. Download offline maps before arrival. Nearest reliable signal is Sierra City (5 mi).

How far is Wild Plum from the nearest town?+

Wild Plum is located in Nevada City, CA. Check the map above for distance to nearby services.

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