Downieville, California, is a special place where history and nature collide. That makes it a popular destination for all kinds of travelers.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy room in one of the historic hotels Downieville, CA, has to offer, a campsite next to the river, or a vacation rental with all the amenities, you’ll find it here.
This guide explores the best places to stay in and around Downieville, so you can find the perfect home base for your adventure.
Hotels in Downieville
Downieville isn’t exactly teeming with hotels, so you can expect a more personal, intimate lodging experience. I’m only seeing six hotels listed in the area right now.
One thing to keep in mind is that hotel descriptions are often AI-generated based on user reviews. I’d keep that in mind as you evaluate your options. Tripadvisor, for example, has a disclaimer saying they’re not responsible for how accurate the AI descriptions are.
Featured hotels and their amenities
The Riverside Mountain Lodge offers riverfront access to the Yuba and Downie Rivers, which is a nice plus. Many of the hotels are right in the heart of town, so you’re close to hiking and biking trails.
You might also consider the Carriage House Inn or the Carriage House Lofts. The Carriage House Lofts are an easy walk to restaurants, bars, cafes, and the local bike shop.
Pricing and seasonality
Hotel prices in Downieville will vary depending on the season. You’ll probably see higher average nightly prices during the high season (June through August) compared to the low season (December through February).
Be sure to keep an eye out for potential extra charges, like resort fees and tourist taxes. You may see charges like a Transient Occupancy Tax or a California Tourism Tax added to your bill.
Unique lodging options beyond traditional hotels
If you’re looking for something other than a standard hotel room, there are vacation rentals, historic homes, retreat centers, and lodges in and around Downieville.
Vacation rentals and historic homes
For a more private lodging experience, check out vacation rentals like the Costa House or the Sierra Shangri-La Bridge House, a spacious 3,400-square-foot home right on the river.
If you’re interested in getting a feel for Downieville’s history, you might consider staying in one of the town’s historic homes.
Retreat centers and lodges
The Big Springs Retreat Center has cabins that can accommodate larger groups. The cabins can sleep between five and nine people, and the center has two ADA-compliant suites.
The Downieville Buddha House also provides lodging for those on retreat. Contact the center through the “Contact Us” section of their website.
Camping in and Around Downieville
If you’re more of an outdoorsy type, you might want to consider camping during your visit to Downieville. There are lots of campgrounds in the area, from bare-bones campsites to spots with RV hookups. You can find out about camping in the Tahoe National Forest online.
Campground Options
Sardine Campground, for example, has 29 campsites, and 15 of them can accommodate trailers. Some campgrounds give you easy access to hiking trails, swimming holes, and fishing spots.
Indian Valley Campground is another option. It’s about 11 miles to the west of Downieville. Or, you might try Sierra Streamside Resort, which is only four miles from downtown Downieville.
Camping Experience
You can choose a rustic campsite for a more traditional experience, or you can opt for a campground with more amenities. No matter which one you pick, you’ll be able to enjoy sleeping under the stars in the beautiful Downieville area.
In Conclusion
Downieville has a variety of lodging options, so every traveler can find accommodations that fit their needs and preferences. As you’re planning your trip, think about your budget, what amenities you want, and how close you want to be to the attractions you plan to visit.
Whether you prefer the convenience of a hotel, the privacy of a vacation rental, or the adventure of camping under the stars, Downieville has you covered. Just be sure to check traveler reviews and compare prices before you book.