Purdon Crossing
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Allowed
Entry fee: No parking fee at Purdon Crossing. Purdon Crossing is a river on the South Yuba River in Nevada County, California. See every spot on the South Yuba River.
Closures and warnings
Moving water can turn dangerous quickly. No fires, alcohol, glass, or barbecues. Canyon vegetation is very dry in summer. As of September 28, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | Yes |
|---|---|
| Water type | River |
| Entry | Walk in |
| Current | Strong |
| Water clarity | Park lists refreshing swimming holes along the South Yuba in late summer; water stays cold. |
Access
| Parking | Limited lot immediately before the bridge on Purdon Road / Lake Vera-Purdon Road, about 6 mi north of Nevada City. Daytime shoulder parking only where posted legal. |
|---|---|
| When it fills | No parking 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Illegal parking is ticketed and towed. Do not park on the bridge. |
| Fee | No parking fee at Purdon Crossing |
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | California State Parks (South Yuba River State Park) |
Rules
| Dogs | Allowed |
|---|---|
| Fires | Not allowed |
| Glass | Not allowed |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Purdon Crossing open?
Moving water can turn dangerous quickly. No fires, alcohol, glass, or barbecues. Canyon vegetation is very dry in summer. As of September 28, 2026. Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
Can you swim at Purdon Crossing?
Yes, swimming is allowed at Purdon Crossing. A strong current is reported here, use caution.
How do you get to Purdon Crossing?
Parking: Limited lot immediately before the bridge on Purdon Road / Lake Vera-Purdon Road, about 6 mi north of Nevada City. Daytime shoulder parking only where posted legal. No parking 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Illegal parking is ticketed and towed. Do not park on the bridge.
Do you need a reservation for Purdon Crossing?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Purdon Crossing?
The fee is No parking fee at Purdon Crossing.
What are the rules at Purdon Crossing?
Dogs are allowed, fires are not allowed, and glass containers are not allowed.
Nearby
Camping nearby
Fishing nearby
Public land
Just outside: South Yuba River State Park (under 0.1 mi) .
Sources
3
- https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=496 (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager, waterbodyName, access.hours, rules.dogs, rules.fires / rules.glass, swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed, swimmerNotes.waterType, hazardNote)
- https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=27898 (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.fee, access.parking)
- https://www.southyubariverstatepark.org/RespWebPages/ParkHours.html (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.parkingPattern)