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From Arnold, CA, take State Route 4 east 4.3 miles to Boards Crossing Road sign. Turn right at sign and go 5 miles to campground on left.
I car camped since I was just here for the river. The water is nice to get into to swim or In my case float in the river. My only complaint was ppl being loud at night but i was in my car so it annoyed me ppl kept going back and forth to there car. Take your stuff to your site sheesh
You can't reserve a spot, which I don't love when it's hours away, but the sites are a nice size and campground is quiet. Don't be fooled by other reviewers that give you the impression the campsites are at the water. A couple have a very steep hill down to the river (which is beautiful). This is NOT a place where you can wade in the water or kayak, as there are warning signs. So we made the best of it as it was beautiful, but our camping trips always involve water so we can be in it.
Great campsites. I visited *after* the 4th of July and it wasn't crowded at all, maybe 20% of the spaces were occupied? There are "walk in" and "drive up" spaces. Both were nice, but more mosquitos in the walk in sites though by far (bring a mosquito coil and DEET, leave the citronella at home). There are accessible versions of both sites and group sites (up to six people and two cars per site), all for $20. Quiet time is 10pm to 6am. No campfires but stoves are OK.
Between every 10ish sites is a vault toilet and a potable water spigot (no soap in the bathrooms). There's a single flush toilet at the entrance, there's a shower too but I wasn't brave enough to try it.
Nearest store was in Camp Connell, 5 mi down from the Bear Road/Hwy 4 turn off, they had everything you could need (🧊, meds, ⛽), including WiFi (no service or pay phones at camp).
Don't go swimming near the bridge - it's insanely dangerous. Follow the path past the rapids, past the lookout point and go through the underbrush into the ATV/ORV area and the path will lead you to an area you can wade or relax on some rocks. You *cannot* see the bottom of the river, it's very cold and very fast. Do not let a kid swim in this river and be careful not to slip on any rocks yourself.
This is the greatest campground I have ever stayed at. Very friendly host. Gorgeous river, and scenery. There are showers and bathrooms, the grounds are always well kept and clean. everyone is always respectful and friendly. There is plenty to explore and it's great for the kids. Love it here.
Beautiful campground! Right next to the North Fork and fishing was still going strong this late in the season. Water was flowing strong also for being this late.
