Made reservation for campsite 16 for 5/26-5/28. Was a little bummed that the weather was going to be shoddy (raining the whole time), but I was still stoked to be able to spend a couple nights solo camping. Night one went fine, lots of rain but kept a nice fire in the provided fire pit where I was able to stay warm and mostly dry. However, a Ranger showed up on 5/27 around 2pm and told me there was a fire ban in effect and I needed to extinguish my fire. In the rain. In the provided fire pit. I went to the Mineral Bar website- nothing but instructions to use provided pits. Went to Reserve California- ditto. Decided I couldn't make a mid 40 degree night with no fire in the pouring rain so I quickly packed up and left- but not before being absolutely drenched in the DOWNPOUR. I called Reserve California and she said "there's a ban every year 6/16-10/15" to which I said "great! It's May" Finally googled "fire ban mineral bar campground" when I got home and they posted a ban 5/26 (the day I got there). No notices displayed at campsite. No information given but ruining a camp trip I so desperately needed for my mental health. Will never return, even for day camping. This was a favorite spot before that. read more

Mineral Bar Campground - Mineral Bar campground rules allowing fire pit usage. - Campgrounds Near Me - Colfax, California

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We love it here! Such a lovely spot. We come several times in the summer. Pay for parking read more

Mineral Bar Campground - Campgrounds Near Me - Colfax, California

Campground doesn't have running tap water . Toilet is vault toilet . Doesn't have sink in the toilet . The campground is full of mosquitoes . We were bitten all over . The only reason I gave 2 star is for the river next to the campground . We had fund at river and it was convienent that we walked to the river . read more

Mineral Bar Campground - Mosquito bite. - Campgrounds Near Me - Colfax, California

As much as I loved jumping in and cooling off in the pristine American River right next to our campsite, I would not camp here again on a big holiday weekend, or summer weekends for that matter. This part of the Auburn State Recreation Area gets so much day users, it takes some of the enjoyment out of camping here. The day users and some of the campers do not respect camp rules and etiquette. They have no compunction in walking through people's campsite to get to and from the river. They are too f*ing lazy to walk 30 feet to avoid going though someone's site. We complained to the ranger and he said that we were not the only campers dealing with this problem. They told us they would tell day users to not go through people's sites. We camped in Site 13 which was huge, flat and right next to the river. It was shaded all day and you only need to climb down the rocks to get down to the river. It was probably the best site in the campground. Site 14 is the worst so don't book that sithe. It in full sun from like 11 am to 6 pm during the hottest part of the day. Sites 11 and 12 are shady all day, but they're small sites and right next to the road just like 14 and you'll get all that dust from cars passing by. Sites 15 and 16 are double sites at the end next to the beach area but it's also in full sun during the hottest part of the day. It looks like a lot of people invade these sites too, mostly by day users going to the river, as there were signs telling people this area is not for river access. The sad thing too is that some of the day users were leaving beer bottles and cans by the rocks next to the river. They have no respect for the American River. This is a problem we've been encountering more and more since the pandemic started and you have all of these people camping. These people leave trash everywhere. They have no respect for nature. It's really sad. LEAVE NO TRACE!!! I am seriously thinking about going back to Backpacking again. It seems like the only way to get away from people nowadays. Campgrounds are just inundated with campers and day users. We camped 8 times last year and on weekdays too and the number of people in parks was just unbelievable. Mineral Bar gets crazy on weekends and it looks like it's all booked on weekdays too, so avoid at all costs if you want to avoid crowds. It only has 18 campsites but the day users make it seem like Disneyland. Bring water with you. There is no running water in the campground. Only pit toilets too which is fine with us. There is a guy who lives nearby who sells great seasoned hardwood for campfires. You can call him and arrange to buy bundles of wood ($8 per bundle). Colfax is only a 10 minute drive up the hill so you can buy everything that you need there. read more

Right on the American River, well kept, clean toilets, great rangers, I was solo, and felt safe.

We stayed there for a weekend in late March and it was gorgeous! The only thing is most of the good spots were closed off. There was only one really good spot with shade that was more secluded than the others so I would suggest getting there early read more

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We stayed on campsite #6 which was pretty close to the front and right near the rangers station. Our site was a good size but the larger numbers looked tiny and super close together. It was extremely hot and shade is hard to come by on our campsite. VERY IMPORTANT: if you are going here only for the water, be warned that there is barely any shade on the river and there was no place comfortable to sit outside the river. There's only really sharp rocks leading up to the water. Even bringing chairs was tough. Our dog was miserable this trip. We even brought her a jacket that was made to keep her cool and dog shoes but she still was over heating. If I went here again it would probably be in a cooler month. Not summer. Other than the awful rocks, the water was probably the prettiest that I have seen in California. I can see why people want to go here for that. Top suggestion: bring water shoes read more

I go gold panning here and always find gold. Beautiful spot! The river at times is like bath water! Nice walking trails and an old time bridge that crosses the American river. Nice shady camp spots. there is a fee for day use of $10.00 but well worth it! There use to be a gold mine here back in the 1800s. The mine is covered in now but relics can be found from that era. This is a wild life area so pay attention to your surroundings. While panning we encountered a large brown bear with cubs drop out in the river not more than 30 yards. Mountain lions have been seen although not by me. There are times during the year where a water fall flows from the top of the mountains and a train runs through the top time to time. reminds you of a Christmas scean. It is very beautiful! Put the cell phones down and get out there and enjoy the outdoors! read more

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The water is next to the campgrou d. We had #4 camp site. The bathrooms are next to it too which we didn't like because you can smell it! It was very dusty..a bear came to the site at 1am which was scary. Also snakes in the water. read more

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There are several areas before and after the river where you can park for free or else it is $10 to park for day use and they do enforce it. Theres a few trails close by, Windy Point Trail is close but challenging, bring a lot of water and be careful bringing dogs during the summer because it's not shaded. Mineral Bar is very beautiful & clean. There is a picnic area & pretty clean bathrooms. Its definitely a spot worth checkin out. Be careful accessing the river this summer read more

Mineral Bar Campground - Campgrounds Near Me - Colfax, California

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8/25 - 8 /28 Much needed decompression time. Solo camping trip with just my dog. Beautiful as always. Very hot. River was amazing. I love this spot. I found some gold too :) read more

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Little Bit looked up Sugar Pine Reservoir on line it was gorgeous and she knows how much I prefer lakes, ponds etc. to the Ocean. So we start out on our 1 and 1/2 hour tour with plans to see this reservoir... We got as far as Mineral Bar campground. LMAO Ok here is what you need to know this particular spot is BEAUTIFUL. HOT but peaceful. River was cold yesterday and because we had plans to make it to the lake (still about 25 minutes of a VERY windy road that hugged the ravines) we didn't come prepared. Read the reviews be aware of their rules. Children must have life jackets, take what you brought with you (although I am pretty sure this is a 'known' camping courtesy) the shore is rocky so yes water shoes would come in handy. I read later that you could walk to more leveled out ground to actually enjoy... we didn't see this area. It would be nice to camp here if even for the day and enjoy the pristine clear North Fork American River. Respectfully Reviewed read more

So... I'm an idiot. I'm leaving my rating the same because this was due to MY lack of awareness and in no way relates to the beauty and tranquility of the campground. We took two dogs with us and did a little hike that starts right along Iowa Hill Road about a quarter mile before you hit the river. The hike was spectacular and resulted in many gorgeous photographs. It was a nature lover's dream. HOWEVER, the dogs came home with 15 ticks on them. 15. Soooooooo yeah, it's been a mild winter and has been a long spring. The ticks are rampant. If you do bring your dogs, because dogs are allowed at this site, then make sure they're protected. And if not, check them immediately when you get home. Hopefully you're a little less of an idiot than I am. *facepalm* read more

It's a great spot, make sure you pack in your shade and water for day use. At the far end of campsite area you come down to some small beaches. Life jacket for kids. All drinks need to be alumni cans. Pack in and Pack our! I would take a Boy Scout troop here. read more

Mineral Bar Campground - Clear and clean fresh water! - Campgrounds Near Me - Colfax, California

Great place to relax. Listen to water if people don't play music. Very clean clear water. Restroom on all over. read more

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I loved camping here. My boyfriend and I were the only ones so it was super quiet. Clean bathrooms is a plus! The water was super clear and nice. We walked around a bit but there are not many trails. It's more of a place for those who just want to stay in the same spot and of course fish but if you like to hike then you will have to drive to near by sites for hiking. It's perfect to just pull a chair and sit with a book to relax. read more

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was super excited to go camping here and the pictures of the river look beautiful. unfortunately we got there and our campsite was barely big enough to put a tent and next to a bunch of other people. no privacy. so many bugs as well. we ended up leaving and going to another campground. not worth the money. read more

All the great destinations are difficult to get to. Stressful driving 3miles of hairpins, winding NARROW road 5 miles an hour dodging a couple of unmindful speedy drivers not willing to move aside. We had no issues treading through the rocks and boulders to get down to the river but what was SOOO upsetting was that we came across empty water plastic bottles, poops, baby diaper, beer cans all over the place. We paid $10 to enter which is no big deal but shouldn't the staff manage the property by doing a few laps throughout the day? We had a blast swimming in the river but dreaded heading out to the road. read more

Went here to go hiking but a raging stream blocked the trail. We were the only ones but one person camping. Didn't know about the other tail up Iowa Road. The camping spots are close to each other and not much privacy. Good amount of parking if it's not busy. Would recommend like a week after it rains. read more

This is a nice place to camp and hike. Dog friendly as well, but must be kept on leash less than 6 feet at all times. No running water or electricity. $28 per night to camp with one vehicle. Overall a nice place with beautiful scenery and privacy. read more

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Good amount of campsites with great proximity to the river. Be warned it is very dusty and every time a car drives past your site you'll have a mouth full of sand. We had a great time chilling by the camp fire and playing in the river with the pup. This is a very local spot, not a lot of out-of-towners seem to know about it. Be sure to grab a spot Friday night for the weekend or max out the 2 week limit! Also the rangers were awesome, super friendly and helpful. Fun spot! Took one star off for the how dry and dusty the campsite was and the fact that there was no access to water other than the river. Be sure to bring your own bottles read more

This is a decent car camping spot, no reservations. You don't come for the privacy, just be prepared for that. The river is the main attraction. It's great for those who want to try out panning for gold, but I personally love the river just for wading and swimming. I've also seen kayakers and floats going down the river. The water is great on a hot day and the skies are clear at night for star gazing. read more

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Only came here for the day to introduce my boys to goldpanning, so I can't review it as a campground. We paid $10 to park and used the vault bathrooms before starting our hike up the river. We didn't follow any trail. Just hiked along the river until we found a nice spot to call our own. We went through the motions of showing the kids what goldpanning is all about but ultimately ended up just frolicking around in the cool, clear water. Be sure you & your companions know what poison oak looks like. A friend of a friend went to take a pee behind some rocks, came back itchy as all get out in a rather embarrassing area. read more

Mineral Bar Campground - Campgrounds Near Me - Colfax, California

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Love this campground and area. It is very beautiful in April with wildflowers blooming, tons of ladybugs and butterflies. You have to be very careful and never walk off the path because of poison oak and there is no running water or showers so bring plenty. The river is beautiful with many good swim spots along the river but in April the current is very fast in some spots so be careful or you may get swept down river. Great place and they allow dogs. Camp, fish, swim, hike or just relax by the campfire. read more

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Been going here for years but the last few years my car has been broken into about 4 times , things were stolen from my tent while I'm in the river, and there's a lot of scary drunk people I don't trust to be around. I don't feel safe here anymore. read more

I had reservations by phone for a particular spot and they switched me so wen I got there the site they switched me with was so small and no tree that I couldn't make it work and then I asked please give me the site I reserved for 1week I already paid 147.00 and the camp ranger told me to go f*$''-myself ..I got on the the phone with the reservationist and they said they'd talk to her about getting my money back but she wouldn't talk to them so we had to leave and go all the way back home at 2:00pm in the Heat of the day! read more

This may still be a local spot at low season but don't expect that in the summer, it's unlikely you will get a spot even if you arrive on Sunday or Monday, people wait in the day lot for others to leave and it becomes overcrowded, limited amount of campsites and the ones without shade become the 7th circle of hell once the sun comes up over the mountain, rangers are strict so don't break the rules, one even yelled at my 15 year old daughter for accidentally shining a light in his eye while walking back to camp at night. Be careful with small children as there are many big rocks and in many places the river is fast moving, my friends daughter lost a water shoe because the river was moving so fast and none of us could catch it. read more

One of the best places around to swim and hang out! Beautiful spot, I go every year! Definitely recommend

Didn't know a yelp existed for this place but glad there is so I can provide some insight for anyone looking to visit. It is beautiful but maybe for a day visit. I would not advise staying overnight. I used to to come with my family and other families every summer for about ten years, and the quality of our experience has declined drastically. Last visited two years ago with a couple families, which you would imagine strength in numbers, but that didn't stop someone from stealing out of my tent (maybe my fault for leaving personal belongings but instilled a sense of unease for the remainder of the trip). And the last straw was when a family in our group's car had been broken into in the middle of the night. At the very least I would not bring children overnight. Always big groups partying and being vulgar regardless of quiet hours. People bring untrained dogs off leash that run around knocking small children over at the river that is all large rocks. Thank god there were not serious accidents but keep in mind that you are far from town without immediate access to help. It saddens me to write this about a place I once loved but I suppose not all good things last forever. read more

I drove up here today in search of the Iowa Hill suspension bridge which happens to be right at the campground. The grounds were clean, very pretty, the sites were just steps from the river which was flowing cold and fast. Park maintenance was there cleaning the bathrooms. There were a lot of people in rafts and kayaks. We still had cell service. I am definitely adding Mineral Bar to the list of places to camp this year. read more

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I just returned with my family from camping at this location. The scenery is beautiful and the water was perfect! The campsites are in close quarters so don't expect any privacy. FYI, no running water. I have decided to share my experience as a parent in my mid 40's who took my family here to camp. I arrived late, after 10pm, to the campground and set up my tent for my family. There were 3 other families in our party so they already paid for the site. Everything should be good right? Anyways, around 11pm I was approached by two rangers as I finished unloading my vehicle. One of them said, "thought you could get away without paying huh?" I replied and said, "this is my first time here and I figured I could pay in the morning when I could read all of the signs." Little did I know, this was the beginning of a long weekend with the rangers. The rangers proceeded to make fun of my friend for not knowing his license plate number and after that they turned to me and asked if I knew mine. I said no. At that point it was clear that the ranger was harassing because I didn't know my license plate. I was surprised with his unprofessionalism. Saturday morning we were greeted by another ranger just checking in on us to see if we paid. This particular ranger was very nice and friendly and struck up friendly conversation with all of the fathers. Later on on Saturday, ranger Freeman, made contact with us on the river and had one of the fathers take his glass bottle back to camp to properly dispose of it. No bottles on the river so it was poor judgement on his part. I completely understand. On Sunday, once again, ranger Freeman made contact with us while we were taking our kids for one last swim and asked the fathers, "what time is check out was?" We responded with, "2:00?" He said, "no, it's 12 and I show that its 12:04pm right now." I couldn't believe that after everything else, we are now being approached again by the ranger while we are taking our kids for one last swim. The ranger told us to come back with him and move our cars so other people can use the site. Again, I understand, but then he proceeded with, "I suppose your kids are going to pick up all of the water bottles that they left along the river?" At that point I couldn't believe the ranger said that. Are you kidding me? One thing after another at this place. My kids have been raised to respect the outdoors and now this ranger is accusing them of littering. The frustration I felt at the time is why I have decided to post this review. I hate to post a negative review but no family should be treated the way I was treated at this campsite. The rangers were far from being professional. The river was great but I will not be returning to this particular campground. read more

Want some good fishin? Pack light and travel about 4 hours up the river. Fish-camp and drink. If your stupid don't play with fire this year the forest already smells good to go. You can take out fire and camping permits for the wilderness if you'd like but I really don't need them to know where I am. The O is for over reaching Gov. read more

We visited for gold panning. The scenery is beautiful here. We didn't have any luck finding gold but did not go far from the campground area or the bridge entrance. read more

Visited Mineral Bar Campground one sunday to hike. Nice beautiful river with crystal clear water puts you in a ambient atmosphere! One problem though! Watch out for crazy people as soon as it's dark they will harass you! even when your sitting in your car! I was sitting in my car when a crazed man with thick bottlecap glasses who was talking to another guy just before he walks up to my car..I heard his friend telling him "NO! NO! come back here!" as he walked up to my car and Yelled!! "I HAVE SOMETHING FOR YOU!" acting all crazy and trying to be intimidating! He never touched me or my car as I turned on the car and drove away. He was talking to a friend all crazy like, using alot of swear words and talking loud! I thought he was on drugs or drunk! I should have called the rangers but let it go! I know people are going through hard times and I been there too! I forgive the gentleman and may God Bless Him! read more

We came here in late October on a Thursday and it was nearly deserted. We had the place to ourselves. It was very nice, though we stayed in spot 10 and realized that when the breeze was blowing we could tell the pit toilets were near. Spot 9 would have the same issue. We didn't see the spots on the river near the bridge (1 through 8) until we had already pitched our tent. But, as the place was nearly vacant, it didn't really matter. We had it to ourselves. It was a windy road to get there, but well paved and not too far out of town. There were freight trains occasionally coming through at the top of the canyon, but not too bad in the wee hours. The constant sound of the stream was very relaxing. Bring your own water. read more

beautiful camping, shallow wading, and walk up stream to fish. Awesome spot.

The Ranger Freeman who enjoys harassing campers is in desperate need to take a customer service class, and a drug test. He came to our campsite at 1am while we were all sleeping. He literally went on a tyrant at 1 in the morning with his flashlight asking if we had a compound going on. We had three tents, so come on now. He was so mad that our tent went over some imaginary line. Mind you we were right next to the bridge where no other campers are., I still can't believe he pulled this stunt at 1 am while every single one of us were in a dead sleep. I have camped throughout Northern Ca. and we are avid campers.He is by far the rudest prick of a ranger we have ever encountered. We all felt like he was on a meth or alcohol. I am not kidding he is on something illegal, and he needs to be looked at. He is pompous, rude, arrogant, and he has a sense that he is better than the campers. Drug test him please, and possibly fire him, or educate him on proper costumer service,. The campsite is a beauty; however, this particular ranger will ruin your trip. Also, he came back the next afternoon and talked about the extra car which was paid for in cash, and what happened the night before for over an hour. He wouldn't go away. He was so tweeked out and needed his ego boosted. What a creep. read more