Little Town Campground Introduce
Little Town Campground, located at 31041 Relief Hill Rd, Washington, CA 95986, USA, is a privately owned and operated campground nestled along the scenic South Yuba River in California's historic Gold Country. For those actively searching "Camping Near Me" in this beautiful region, Little Town Campground offers a unique blend of riverside access, well-maintained facilities, and a long-standing community of returning campers. It is a destination that evokes strong feelings among its visitors, both positive regarding its physical improvements and natural setting, and concerning regarding its social atmosphere.
You can contact Little Town Campground at (530) 265-2832 or +1 530-265-2832. Being a private campground, it typically has specific operating seasons, reservation policies, and rules that differ from public (state or national forest) campgrounds. Reservations are generally recommended, especially during peak summer months, due to its popularity as a riverside destination.
Little Town Campground boasts a truly beautiful natural setting along the South Yuba River. Reviewers consistently praise the "beautiful view of the river" from their campsites, indicating direct or very close proximity to the water. The environment is characterized by typical Sierra Foothills vegetation, offering a mix of sun and shade. The river itself is a major draw, with campers enjoying "floating," swimming, and other water activities. The location in Washington, CA, a small, historic town, provides a sense of rustic charm and a retreat from busier urban areas.
The layout of the campground appears to allow for "plenty of space for two vehicles and tents" per site, suggesting reasonably sized camping spots. The sound of the river is likely a constant, soothing backdrop for most campers. The general vibe is one of being immersed in nature, allowing for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment. The journey to get to the campground is described as a "trek," suggesting it's a bit off the beaten path, which often contributes to a more secluded feel.
Little Town Campground, under the ownership of Dennis and Sandi for over 25 years, has seen consistent efforts to improve its facilities and services, enhancing the camping experience for its guests:
- P Campsites: The campground offers sites that are clean and provide ample space for tents and vehicles. While specific details on RV hookups are not provided in the given reviews, the mention of "upgrades to the water and power" suggests that some sites may offer hookups, or that these utilities are generally improved across the campground. Many sites offer direct river views.
- P Restrooms: A significant positive aspect consistently highlighted by campers is the cleanliness of the facilities. Reviewers note that "bathrooms were spotless" and "garbage was always clean and picked up every night." This high standard of maintenance for shared facilities is a strong selling point for the campground.
- P Water and Power Upgrades: The owners have made continuous "upgrades to the water and power," indicating a commitment to improving camper convenience and comfort over the years.
- P River Access: Direct access to the South Yuba River for floating, swimming, and fishing is a primary feature, providing ample recreational opportunities.
- P Management and Community: The owners, Dennis and Sandi, are described as "very nice people" who have "tightened up the riff raff that used to come and party all night long." This suggests a commitment to maintaining a family-friendly and peaceful atmosphere, which is appreciated by long-term and returning campers who consider it a "true gem."
- P Booking: The process for "Booking sites has never been easier," indicating streamlined reservation procedures for guests.
The dedication to cleanliness and ongoing improvements to fundamental amenities like water and power make Little Town Campground a more comfortable and well-maintained option for those searching "Camping Near Me" than some more rustic, undeveloped sites.
While many aspects of Little Town Campground receive high praise, a recent review brings to light a serious and sensitive concern regarding the social atmosphere within the campground. While the reviewer explicitly states that their comments are "not a statement on the owners," and they are "unsure where the owners feelings are on this," they recount a distressing experience as a "mixed race family." They "definitely experienced comments towards my grandchildren and family" that made them "did not feel welcome there." This included experiencing "crappy comments" and a general "good to be 'white' kind of feeling" amongst "quite a few of the campers."
This feedback raises critical questions about inclusivity and the social environment at Little Town Campground. While the natural setting and physical amenities are appealing, potential visitors, especially those from diverse backgrounds, should be aware of this reported social dynamic. It suggests that while the physical improvements to the property are significant, there may be an underlying cultural issue among some of the long-term or repeat campers that creates an unwelcome atmosphere for certain groups. The reviewer's brave decision to "speak up" underscores the importance of this feedback.
In contrast, long-time campers emphasize the family-friendly nature and the owners' efforts to curb disruptive behavior, contributing to a sense of security and belonging for their returning guests. This creates a dichotomy between the perceived positive community by some and the experienced unwelcoming atmosphere by others. Prospective campers should weigh these different perspectives and consider if the reported social climate aligns with their expectations for a welcoming and inclusive camping experience. It highlights the importance of not just the physical environment, but also the human element, in defining a campground's true "vibe."
Little Town Campground is promoted by its loyal base as a "true gem" and a beloved "spot that we consider ours" for families who "travel 5 hours to get there, multiple times every summer." The lifestyle here appears to be one of returning to a familiar, comfortable place to enjoy the river and connect with nature, with the benefit of well-maintained facilities and a sense of order. The focus is on relaxation ("chilled") and enjoyment of "the beauty of nature and the serenity."
The emphasis on river activities, like "loved floating," points to a relaxed, water-centric outdoor experience. The campground provides the backdrop for classic camping memories: spending time with family, enjoying the outdoors, and appreciating the improvements made by the owners. For those seeking "Camping Near Me" with a long-term, established community feel and direct river access, Little Town Campground offers a unique proposition.
However, the significant concern raised about inclusivity and the potential for unwelcoming comments based on race is a vital piece of information for any potential visitor. While the physical attributes and management's efforts to maintain peace are positive, the social aspect of any community, including a campground, profoundly impacts the overall experience. Potential campers should consider this feedback carefully in their decision-making process, alongside the many positive attributes of the beautiful riverside location and its amenities.
Little Town Campground Photos










Little Town Campground Location
Little Town Campground
31041 Relief Hill Rd, Washington, CA 95986, USA
Little Town Campground31041 Relief Hill Rd
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Little Town Campground Reviews
I wanted to say that our site was clean and had a beautiful view of the river .My daughter and family stayed in one tent and I had my own tent . Plenty of space for two vehicles and tents. Bathrooms were spotless and garbage was always clean and picked up every night. I am unsure where the owners feelings are on this but diversity is a good thing and my experience as a mixed race family did not feel welcome there. This is not a statement on the owners . But definitely experienced comments towards my grandchildren and family . Who are beautiful inside and out . We should have left the first night after experiencing crappy comments but it was a trek to get there and was hoping it was an isolated comment from one person. It’s a welcomed vibe amongst quite a few of the campers it’s good to be “white “ kind of feeling. I’m sure my comments will attract more of the same vibe. I guess it’s a good thing for the campground.I couldn’t sleep unless I spoke up. Glad the river knows no color or creed and we loved floating …it’s what’s in your heart .
Aug 19, 2024 · CathyAnn FisherI've been camping in Washington for over 30 years, specifically at Little Town Campground for 25+ years, Ever since Dennis and Sandi purchased the property they have continued to make great improvements year after year, From upgrades to the water and power to cleaning up and making all of the sites nicer. Booking sites has never been easier, they are very nice people and have tightened up the riff raff that used to come and party all night long. We travel 5 hours to get there, multiple times every summer.It has been a true gem for my family to have a spot that we consider ours.
Jul 22, 2024 · IAN CLARKI’ve been coming here every summer for about 15 yrs and my wife’s family for 25+ yrs. We love it and look forward to every trip. Truly a hidden gem of a campground. You can hear the river flowing from your campsite. Tucked away in the Tahoe National Forest on a calm spot on the Yuba River, it’s great for swimming, floating on tubes, or you can lounge on the little beach area. There’s off-road trails, hiking and lakes nearby also. You can tent-camp or bring an RV. There’s a small park in the campground for young kids with swings, slide, tether-ball and basketball hoop. There’s also various items for sale including bags of ice at the office.A few years ago the beloved old owner Gene passed away and his family sold to new owners, a nice couple who were also long-time visitors/campers who really love and care about the campground. They’ve really cleaned up the whole campground which is still ongoing, while keeping the same old vibe. They have removed numerous old trailers and various items left behind from trailer sites. They remodeled the bathrooms which was much needed and now look really nice. One owner who I believe he was a contractor is very handy and is always willing to lend a helping hand.If you’re looking for a nice, quaint, riverfront family-owned, family-oriented classic campsite with dirt and gravel roads with an old historic small town feel, then this campground is for you.If you’re looking for a boojy resort with paved roads, EV charging stations, free WiFi, a Starbucks across the street, enclosed dog park, and giant private dirt-free camp sites with no neighboring campers in sight, perhaps you should look elsewhere.
Jul 09, 2024 · CWI've been going to little town campground for almost 20 years now, since Dennis and sandy took over the place it is so much cleaner, if you go there and act like an idiot you will be asked to leave so don't act like an idiot. the bathrooms have been remodeled, the campground got a face lift and it is sooooo much cleaner, so go there and enjoy the yuba the little town of Washington and the campground, I highly suggest it to anyone, but don't ruin it by being an idiot enjoy yourself..p.s. Dennis and Sandy are awesome...Dan Butler
Jul 22, 2024 · Dan ButlerThis place is a dump. There are regular residents living right alongside campsites in trailers with trash everywhere. This is not the quaint campsite the photos portray on the website. Even the "park" is just an old junkie metal swingset and a basketball hoop with plywood as a backboard. The only upsides were the bathrooms were recently remodeled (although there's only one and it's a hike to get to and the other is a portapotty) and the river is amazingly refreshing. Everything else was trashy. Campsites are so close together there is absolutely no privacy. The entire thing has a major hillbilly vibe that we weren't into and we camp a lot but have never been this disappointed.
Jul 08, 2024 · Katie
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