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Malakoff Diggins State Park RV & Campground Guide

California

Relive the excitement and hard work of the California Gold Rush at Malakoff Diggins State Park. Set high in the rugged foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, this park is 75 miles from Sacramento, California, and 90 miles from Reno, Nevada. At the visitors center, discover how the historic hydraulic gold mine shaped the orange and white cliffs; then, head out into the hills to explore the chaparral forest on the park's 20-mile network of hiking trails. With its high elevation, this area offers pleasant, hiker-friendly temperatures year-round. Be sure to dress in layers as the weather can change throughout the day.

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Weather
Spring 42-72 F
Summer 60-88 F
Fall 45-72 F
Winter 40-56 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Malakoff Diggins State Park

Whether you're visiting Malakoff Diggins State Park for the history or the hiking, an RV is a comfortable way to travel. It offers a cozy escape from the summer sun and the cool winter winds. If you don't own an RV, an RV rental is a great way to find out how a motorhome upgrades the camping experience. Choose the perfect size for your crew, and elevate your trip by finding a model with luxury amenities.

Chute Hill Campground

Located inside Malakoff Diggins State Park, Chute Hill enables you to get on the trail early. Clean and quiet, this spot is perfect for relaxing. Spend your days hiking around the park, and wake up to spectacular views of the towering cliffs. With its shaded sites, Chute Hill is particularly comfortable in the summer. This spot is best suited for smaller RVs; sites accommodate models up to 24 feet long. Each site comes with a bear locker to keep food, beverages, and toiletries safe. This is a primitive campground that offers drinking water and fire rings but no hookups. Sites start at $35 per night.

South Yuba Campground

If you're looking for a budget-friendly camping option near Malakoff Diggins State Park, check out the South Yuba Campground. This BLM-run spot offers six RV-friendly sites, each starting at just $5 per night. You won't find hookups or a dump station, but the campground makes up for it with unparalleled wilderness access. The South Yuba Trail takes you through the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, offering gorgeous canyon and river views. Explore the trail on foot, by bike or on horseback. Bring your fishing gear and license or simply enjoy the wild scenery on the South Yuba River. Each site comes with a picnic table and a fire ring; within the campground, you'll find pit toilets and drinking water. This campground is first-come, first-served, so it's a good idea to arrive early in the day. If you're driving an RV, be sure to check the website for driving directions.

River Rest Resort

For full hookups and other RV amenities near Malakoff Diggins State Park, the River Rest Resort is the closest option. This friendly resort offers both tent and RV camping sites. It's a great option for families; nearby, you can go tubing on the river and rent ATVs in the foothills. Within the park, you'll find a playground, tetherball courts, and horseshoe pits. Enjoy a hot shower in the beautifully kept bathroom or go for a swim at the campground's riverside beach. All RV sites offer full hookups, so you can enjoy a comfortable home away from home. Wake up to views of the Yuba River in one of the waterfront areas, or choose from pull-through and back-in spots to fit your big rig. RV sites start at $53 per night.

Scotts Flat Lake Campground

Sleep next to a sparkling mountain lake at Scotts Flat Lake Campground. Bring your boat and your tackle box because this calm lake is a popular spot for swimming, fishing, and water sports. Although the campground doesn't offer hookups, it does offer a dump station, a filling station, and bathrooms with flush toilets. Reserve early to get one of the premium RV sites along the water. RV spots start at $40 per night. Be sure to reserve well in advance, particularly during the summer months. From October through December, campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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What to Do at
Malakoff Diggins State Park

Inside Malakoff Diggins State Park

Inside Malakoff Diggins State Park, be sure to check out the visitor center and museum to learn about the area's Gold Rush history. Be aware that the hours change frequently, so it's a good idea to call in advance. Then, head into the hills on the park's hiking trails; keep an eye out for sluice channels and other artifacts left over from the gold miners.

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How to Get to
Malakoff Diggins State Park

When you're in an RV, the easiest way to get to Malakoff Diggins State Park is from Nevada City. The park staff members do not recommend using your GPS, which might bring you down dirt roads that can be tough to navigate in an RV. Instead, take Highway 49 north; after 11 miles, turn right on Tyler Foote Road. Turn right on Derbec Road and then right on North Bloomfield. This route is paved.

By Car

Entering Malakoff Diggins State Park

Malakoff Diggins State Park is open every day of the year. There are no set hours; the park opens at sunrise and closes at sunset.

Malakoff Diggins State Park Per Vehicle : $5.0

Off-season

Malakoff Diggins State Park Per vehicle : $10.0

Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day

If your vacation schedule includes a trip to Malakoff Diggins State Park, our team at RVshare would love to hear about the experience. Tag us when you're posting pictures on social media, or send them to us at [email protected]. We may even feature your trip on our blog or social media profiles to offer inspiration for other RVers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Malakoff Diggins State Park

Are pets allowed at Malakoff Diggins State Park?

Although pets are allowed at Malakoff Diggins State Park, they are restricted from several of the area's trails. You'll also need to keep your pets leashed while visiting the park.

What is the climate of Malakoff Diggins State Park?

Malakoff Diggins State Park experiences warm, dry summers and very wet winters. The summer temperatures can reach 87 degrees, while the winters range from 39 to 55 degrees with lots of rain and snow.

What is the best time of year to visit Malakoff Diggins State Park?

You can visit the park's museum and visitor center any time of year. However, if you want to enjoy outdoor activities, your best bet will definitely be to visit during the summer months.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Malakoff Diggins State Park?

The campground within Malakoff Diggins State Park has 30 available single-family campsites, all of which are suited for RV camping. There is drinking water available, but none of the campsites feature RV hookups.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Malakoff Diggins State Park?

You may spot many unique wildlife species while exploring the park. Visitors should keep their eyes open for bobcats, coyotes, gray foxes, mountain lions, black bears, ringtail cats, black-tailed deer, mule deer, and jackrabbits.