Quick Facts
- State
- California
- County
- Yuba County
- Status
- Unknown Status
- Access
- Unknown Access
- Coordinates
- Not recorded
Timbuctoo isn't the ghost town on the postcards, which is exactly why it's worth knowing about. Timbuctoo is an unincorporated community in Yuba County, California, United States. It lies northwest of Smartsville, at an elevation of 397 feet (121 m).
Timbuctoo is the lone documented ghost town in Yuba County — for now.
The story of Timbuctoo
California wrote the book on ghost towns, from Gold Rush tent cities to Owens Valley farm towns the aqueduct dried up.
Timbuctoo is an unincorporated community in Yuba County, California, United States. It lies northwest of Smartsville, at an elevation of 397 feet (121 m).
What you'll find today
The on-the-ground condition of Timbuctoo is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.
Getting there
Here's the honest truth: access to Timbuctoo is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.
Good to know
Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.
Timbuctoo FAQs
Where is Timbuctoo located?
What county is Timbuctoo in?
What is the history of Timbuctoo?
What remains at Timbuctoo today?
Can you visit Timbuctoo?
Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Timbuctoo, California”), CC BY-SA.