Cal Ida Campground was a mystery to me until our arrival. Part of the beauty of camping is this mystery, so, without giving away too much, I will list a few things and just let you know that this place has everything you would need for basic camping, and is a less-than-5-minute walk from a general store, and several entrances/swimming holes on the Yuba River and tributaries.
Firewood on-sale at site for 8 bucks a bag
Awesome, helpful camp attendant
Outhouses that are pretty decent, as far as outhouses go
2 water-spigots, no more than 50 yds away from each site
Some sites are located on a cold-water, but BEAUTIFUL tributary to the Yuba...with private beautiful (although ice-cold) swimming holes
General store/bar opened til 8pm just outside camp
5 min walk to Jackson Hole, Fiddle Creek
10 minute drive up 49 to Downieville
Sites range from water-side, to a small outcropping of trees in a dirt-patch, so it would be good to ask for a description of the location (without being annoying).
It's gorgeous. All of it. read more