Camping near Downieville

Downieville sets the standard for camping, with epic seasonal activities from swimming to skiing.

95% (4854 reviews)
95% (4854 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Downieville

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Under $50

12 top campgrounds near Downieville

97%
(139)

Flyte and Sparrow natural interlude

13 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents96 acres · Reno, CA
When you come to camp here you are on a working farm in transition. Girlfarm has been a local food go to for restaurants, farm family members, and regenerative agriculture interests. Today, the farm is looking forward to a new course in agri tourism as we begin planning walking gardens, art installations in the landscape, and interactive classes. If you would like a list of grass fed meats available, veggies, or herbs just text your host before arrival. We are looking for a seasonal self contained camper who we could offer trade for camp care - text host directly. Its been a huge water season so skeeters are around we also recommend tents have a rain fly and ground cloth. Welcome It was important to choose a partner like Hipcamp to invite like minded individuals who respect both the natural environment and the idea of less is more. At any time you may encounter farming activities, building out of tiny houses for future bookings, or gardens in the process of creation. As we move toward offering the land as a place to both find solitude or chosen participation our Flyte and Sparrow experience will hopefully be a place you will want to return to as your own tradition.
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$15
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Garden Goddess Farm

8 sites · Lodging, Tents7 acres · Grass Valley, CA
Garden Goddess Farm is located in the Sierra Foothills on 6+ acres of organic edible gardens, manzanita, pines and oaks. The gardens and land help to support guests to unplug from business, bond with nature, explore homesteading practices, herbs and get inspired to learn how to grow your own food! (We can host up to 20 guests for reunions, anniversaries, birthdays and special celebrations. Message us to inquire! 100% of proceeds go to our youth program run by Honey Bee Foundation) Individuals, Couples and Families love the farm because of the quiet surroundings, great food and opportunity to learn about sustainable living. Farm is conveniently located 20 minutes from Auburn, Nevada City and Grass Valley. You do drive through a residential neighborhood to get to this unique location that has views of the forest, valley and Sierras. We are 60-90 minutes from Lake Tahoe, Donner Lake, Truckee and ski resorts. We have an on-site Personal Chef that is available to create Farm-Fresh Gourmet Meals, Culinary Homesteading Classes, Private Garden and Foraging Tours. We love celebrations and many guests come here to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, family reunions, personal retreats and special occasions. Most guests opt in for farm-fresh meal samplers, but feel free to bring your own camp stove, ice chest and food to cook. Privacy and what to expect: Property is usually very quite and overlooks hundreds of acres of forest looking toward the Snow-capped Sierras in the Winter and Spring. We are located in a neighborhood (Alta Sierra- in between Auburn and Grass Valley). We ask that everyone uses soft voices since we are in a canyon and sound travels to a few neighboring houses. There are 5 Hipcamp sites on property, so we could have up to 20 guests in a weekend. There is a main farmhouse where the manager and culinary students reside. Chef Susan mentors teens at the local highschools and homeschools and loves to share her knowledge about the land. There is a Culinary Classroom, Upper Deck and Gardens to enjoy. If you have teenagers, they love it here! 1/2 Basketball court, cooking and foraging classes. Accommodations 1. The Enchanted Meadow Love Shack (sleeps 3) (190 square feet) 1 King Bed and 1 twin. It's about 200 feet from main farm house and traditional bathroom. The path to and from this unit is steep and a dirt path with many stairs. If you have a 4 wheel drive you can drive right up to the unit. Bring your own sleeping bag or sleeping gear. 2. The Love Shack Tree House and Tent site (sleeps 2) 1 queen bed and balcony that overlooks garden. There is a tree growing inside this unit. There are table and chairs so you can cook on the balcony or the bbq area about 30 feet from unit. So cool! Bathroom and cool shower are 50 feet down a dirt path. Additionally, there is an area to pitch a tent. For example if a family of 4 wanted to split up and 2 in treehouse, 2 in the tent area. There is an additional $18 per guest if you want to use the campsite in addition. Please bring your own sleeping bag or sleeping gear. 3. The Sunrise Suite (sleeps 2) 1 loft twin bed (must climb a ladder ) and 1 couch futon. There an area in front of the unit for 2 people to eat and sit. Common bathroom and shower are 20 feet away. 4. Enchanted Meadow with 3 Serenity Tent sites (max capacity 6) This beautiful spot is great for groups, couples and families. To access this serene, private, nature-rich area, be prepared to walk down a steep path. It only takes 5 minutes to walk down which is the easier part. Walking back up the trail you may feel winded since we are at 2,250 elevation. Best to pack a backpack with your gear if you don't want to make too many trips back and forth to your car unless it's part of your workout :) . There is an activity Teepee / Tipi and we encourage you to participate in the writing, arts and crafts projects! We have wildlife and bears may visit if you have accessible food. So bear-proof your food if at campsite or best to leave in car or farmhouse kitchen. When available, farm-fresh meals can be ordered and delivered to campsites. Otherwise you can prepare cooked meals up near main farmhouse. Other guests may be passing through on the nature trail during your stay but you have the ability to reserve the area as "Private" so no other guests will be visiting. $150/night for the 3 sites or $200/night to block off the entire meadow area for privacy. 5. The Big Deck Experience! (sleeps 2-4 adults. No children due to the height of deck and hot/cold tub) Enjoy breathtaking views of the Sierras, valley and forest from the balcony. Couch turns into a comfortable bed for 2. For additional adults, you need to bring sleeping pads for on the deck. Enjoy meals at 1 or both of the large dining tables. Play the gong and do some sound healing! This space is part of the main farmhouse (owner's residence) and has a beautiful 75 x 15 foot redwood deck with views of the Sierras. This area can be blocked off for privacy from 7pm-10am. At 10 some other guests may come to the area for brunch. Manager and 2 other guests live in the main farmhouse, so this area is considered "semi-private" Other guests may access deck during the day (this is negotiable depending on situation) $ 225/night includes up to 4 adults and 1 Farm-fresh Happy Hour. Sample appetizers and beverages from the farm! Upper Deck/Balcony: If not reserved for a private party, you may enjoy the gongs, meals and play a game in the shaded sitting areas. There are 2 large tables for dining and a couch that seats 8 for relaxing. When not raining we have a rug out for yoga. Deck overlooks the organic demonstration gardens and fruit orchard. If available, you can book an educational or foraging tour with one of the farm volunteers. Fresh chicken eggs are usually available for purchase. Garden Goddess Farm is a great place for kids and adults to learn about nature, cooking, culinary arts, foraging, growing your own food, medicinal / culinary herbs and sustainable living. Manager, Chef Susan-Executive Director of the Honey Bee Foundation, is usually on-site is available to prepare meals. She graduated from UC Berkeley, is a Master Gardener and has additional certifications in Creating Sustainable Communities and Permaculture Design. She mentors teens in the culinary arts and entrepreneurship and is the author of 2 books available on Amazon. Nopales-No Problema - The Joy of Cooking with Cactus and Recipes from the Garden Goddesses for Cuisine, Health and Beauty. Nearby Attractions to research: Historic Empire Mine, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Truckee and Auburn. Wine-tasting and local wineries. The beautiful South Yuba River or Bear River is a must-experience with their granite rocks and emerald pools. Scott's Flat Lake and other Fishing Lakes off of Hwy 20 (30-60 minutes), Trails for Mountain Biking and Hiking. Lake Tahoe, Truckee and Donner Lake (1 hour 15 min drive). What to bring to all accommodations: *If you are interested in ordering farm-fresh meals prepared by Chef Susan or assistant chefs you can reserve or let us know when you arrive and we can bill your Hipcamp account. Gluten-free, Vegan and Plant-based options available! If you plan on eating in town or cooking your own food bring: *Camping Stove with pan and cooking utensils *Sleeping bags and/or bedding *Ice chest with ice and food Pet Policy: - If you'd like to bring along your pet, we are happy to accommodate. Please add on the "pets" extra when you are completing your booking. This covers our pet cleaning fee. This is a must in order to bring your pet. - Please keep your pet(s) on a leash at all times - we have chickens and don't want them harmed or bothered. - Please bring your own bedding for pets Let us know if you have any questions and we look forward to your stay!
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$55.20
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Lake Concow Campground

99 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Oroville, CA
Ancestors of Maidu people lived here long ago. European settlers arrived and took control of the area. In recent history, a multi-cultural group of community members formed the Konkow Partnership to attempt to hold, steward, and preserve the wilderness that survives here. We look forward to your post fire visit. Learn more about this land: Congratulations Campers!  The campground is reopened after the last couple of years of wild fires and tough winters. We are reopened even as repairs and upgrades are being made. Thank you to all visitors who love this place for your patience as we continue to improve the features of the Campground. Stay tuned for progress reports. We hope to see you real soon. Visit, fish, or camp in a rare jewel forest, hidden in the Sierra/Cascade foothills, less than an hour's drive to Chico, Oroville, or Paradise. Surviving forests of mature cedars, pines, oaks, and madrones provide shady camping, fishing along the lake shore, or picnicing along the banks of the creek that runs through a recovering creekside area. Stargaze or fly kites in our Great Meadow or admire copious wildflowers and other native plants on over 80 acres of wilderness. We provide a variety of recovering wilderness areas near water faucets, pit toilets and an RV dump station. Our site features mature forests, grassy meadows, a year-round creek in a fire recovery zone. The site also features lakefront shoreline access for bank fishing, a central fire pit and lots of space for group camping. Fires are permitted in the central pit when weather allows. The Lake Concow/Konkow Campground is a wilderness sanctuary and houses many variety of rare and endangered plants, animals, and insects. Please be aware of and give respectful space to all of the residents of the park. The list of year round residents may include poison oak, thorny berry vines, mosquitoes, ticks, spiders, deer, eagles, osprey, owls, squirrels, skunks, foxes, bears, mountain lions, snakes, bats, and more. Please be responsible for personal camp supplies and trash. The Campground is a Pack In/Pack Out location and garbage cans are supplied near the office house near the entrance. Good hiking shoes, protective clothing, and hats are recommended. All Campground faucets supply delicious, potable water tested regularly. The modern listings spell the name Concow, Ancestors spelled it Konkow. Both are correct, though may give different search results. There is plenty of room for parking large vehicles and for turning around. TOW VEHICLES MUST STAY THE DURATION OF THE CAMPING VISIT. Sorry, we DO NOT allow towed-in-and-dropped-off campers or 5th wheel trailers at this time. This may change as clean up work progresses through the year. Stay tuned for updates. Thank you.
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$20
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(61)

Village Camp Truckee

134 sites · Lodging, RVs50 acres · Truckee, CA
Coachland RV Park is situated in the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountains in Northern California and is within close proximity to all the outdoor activities, shopping, and dining that Truckee, CA has to offer. Located at an elevation of 5,996 ft., Coachland RV Park welcomes visitors year-round and is a short distance from Northstar Ski Resort and Squaw Valley. During the summer, visitors can enjoy fishing and watersports on the nearby Truckee River. All the beauty that Lake Tahoe offers is just a short drive away from Coachland RV Park.
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$70
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Jones Bar Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Nevada City, CA
Jones Bar Farm is a quiet little seven acre hobby farm at the end of the paved section of Jones Bar Rd in Nevada City, CA. We have 4 alpacas and about a dozen chickens, who free-range all over the farm. The farm is perched near the edge of the South Yuba River canyon at about 2100 ft elevation. We are "above the fog, and below the snow (usually)." Summers are hot and dry here. Daytime temps in July and August are typically in the 90s, and night time temps are in the 70s. Spring and Fall are our favorite seasons. Here is a link to our personal weather station: https://ambientweather.net/dashboard/8b84c175d5842a7d91fe2ba6190ed314 Camping here is a semi-primitive experience, since there is no bathroom, and no garbage service. There is, however, potable water, and the campsites are easy to access and relatively flat. Past our property, the unpaved, and very rough, section of Jones Bar Rd continues down into the South Yuba River canyon for about 2 miles, to a lovely swimming hole. Bicycling and hiking are very popular activities in this area. The farm is about 6 miles from both Nevada City and Grass Valley. Both towns have lively and interesting down-towns with good shopping and restaurants.
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$40
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93%
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Camp Shady Meadow

34 sites · RVs, Tents33 acres · Blairsden, CA
There are so many fun activities available in the nearby Blairsden/Graeagle area (golfing, biking, hiking, fishing, autumn foliage...just to name a few). We have added two beautiful glamping tents to our already unique RV, travel trailer, and tent sites. The glamping tents are complete with carpet, a comfortable queen size mattress, luxurious linens, two homemade benches, and two camping chairs to enjoy a cool evening campfire with a view of the mountains. Please note: these glamping tents are for adults only; no children or pets. Thank you for understanding!
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$45
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Starry Hot Tub/Cold Plunge Glamping

4 sites · Lodging7 acres · Nevada City, CA
Soak in a cedar hot tub and Renu cold plunge nestled in an oak grove, then sleep in our A Frame or one of our two luxurious yurt-like tents. Venture into the clearing with open skies for truly amazing starry views at night. It's a peaceful retreat surrounded by pines and oaks, yet is still less than 15 minutes from the historic Gold Mining towns of Nevada City and Grass Valley. A composting toilet is housed in a beautiful, well maintained outhouse and a heated outdoor shower is located next to the hot tub and cold plunge. These as well as the hot tub/cold plunge area are shared between our two sites. PLEASE NOTE: While many guests have found each spot to feel private, it's important to mention that these are located in a large clearing behind our house. You'll have ample space and privacy, with the added convenience of having someone nearby if you need anything. Distance to local attractions: Nevada City (11 minutes) Grass Valley (14 minutes) Yuba River (25 minutes) Scott’s Flat Lake (10 minutes) Cascade Canal Hiking (3 minutes) Hoot’s Trail epic mountain biking (17 minutes)
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$76.50
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Victoria Forest

3 sites · Lodging15 acres · Nevada City, CA
This area is part of a rich history showcasing the westward expansion, gold mining and simple pursuits. Just step outside the cabin to access miles of single track through the Tahoe national forest, or jump in your car to access lakes, rivers and streams within a 10 minute drive. Snowboarding and; skiing is a 25 minute drive away and snowshoeing and; cross country skiing can start right off the front deck! Come relax in your own private off grid cabin with a cozy loft and a view of Tahoe National Forest. At just over 5,000 feet in elevation and a dirt road drive Muir's Muse is the perfect place to disconnect. A three minute walk will get you to the Pioneer Trail which is a 25 mile non-motorized trail meandering through Tahoe National Forest, Bear Valley, and mountain lakes at its terminus. Open to hikers, bicyclists, equestrians and all lovers of the outdoors, the adventures are endless! Although there is cell service, there is no electricity or running water. There is an outdoor fire ring, a pit toilet on site and a portable heater and small camp stove for you to use... Just bring your own small propane canisters. You will be sent an informational e-mail (not the one generated from Hipcamp) prior to arriving. This email outlines directions and local hiking/swimming holes etc., PLEASE check the email you provided to Hipcamp (and myself) PRIOR to leaving for your trip so you are best prepared! :) Happy outdoorsing! ***Please note that in winter months Muir's Muse is accessible only by snowshoe as our road is not maintained with snow removal. Contact host for more info before booking please*** Refunds will not be granted to poorly prepared snow guests, or guests upset about nature: I.e., wasps, bears, flies, snakes etc.,
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200-acre developing eco-preserv

37 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents200 acres · Nevada City, CA
This extraordinary 200 acres is magical and host a wildness which feels peaceful and secure. It is also the home of the developing Wisdom Retreat Center eco-preserve noted for quality of beauty and silence. Many Indian arrow heads have been found here indicating former residences of indigenous tribes. There are many open meadows and old growth forest to hike and explore.
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Bright Bear Camp in Tahoe NF

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Nevada City, CA
Bright Bear Camp is a private two-acre property bordering Tahoe National Forest. We are located at 4300' elevation down a mostly dirt road along the beautiful Bear River and Bear Valley. This is a very peaceful spot among the trees with a small meadow and creek on the property. As our name suggests, bears are occasionally in the area so keep an eye out. You may also see the spotted owls that live nearby - listen closely for their calls (https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Spotted_Owl/overview). There is much to explore in the area and more with only a short drive to the South Yuba River, Emerald Pools, Lake Spaulding, Donner Pass, Donner Lake, and Truckee.
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$40
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Kingvale Campground and Disc Golf

12 sites · RVs, Tents300 acres · Norden, CA
300 acres at 6200’ elevation. Located on donner summits west slope. Great views and easy access. The sites are spaced very well from each other to give great privacy. Nestled among large pines and granite boulders. Union Pacific tracks at the southern edge of the property. Developed camp sites with no hookups. 36 holes of Disc golf on property. Seasonal creeks and South Yuba river very close. 20 mins to Kidd lake, cascade lake and donner lake. 5 mins from Donner Summit and miles of hiking. 20 minutes from Truckee. 45 mins from lake Tahoe. Great on site pizzeria. Please no check-ins after 10pm.
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$50
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Pleasant Valley Creekside Ranch

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents5 acres · Penn Valley, CA
Welcome to Pleasant Valley Creekside Ranch! Nestled within five beautifully fenced and gated acres. Secluded and surrounded by a serene year-round running creek with swimming holes and mature oak trees. Our camp sites offer ample shade and tranquility. Near to the lovely, quaint and historical mining towns of Grass Valley and Nevada City. These cute little downtowns boast several unique boutique shops, local wine tasting, theaters, festivals and more. We are also near to the Yuba River, Lake Englebright, Scotts Flat Lake, several hiking trails, rafting, fishing, museums and the famous Nevada County Fair. Plus so many other sites and activities! Another bonus, just 1.5 hour scenic drive to North Lake Tahoe! Our amenities for the Bell Tent and RV sites include an indoor restroom (showers not available), a seasonal hot tub (Nov-Apr), seasonal pool (May-Oct) and an optional propane fire pit at extra fee (wood burning fires not permitted). You'll also find an cooking area with prep table and a Ninja electric pellet BBQ, bluetooth speakers, solar lighting all around property, various seating options, a beach area equipped with seasonal paddle boards and water floats, as well as a cooler for drinks and food. Additional conveniences include cold/hot drinking water dispenser, ice machine, water shoes, natural bug sprays, sunscreen, and a hose area for rinsing off. For guests camping with furry companions, we offer doggie life jackets in various sizes, doggie shampoo, treats, and water toys. Rest assured, all amenities are clearly marked for easy access! We also have an option to book a dispersed camping site. This allows you to set up your own tent camping at the back of the property creekside near the other swimming hole area. Note, no added amenities are provided for this site option. We kindly ask guests who choose this option to be self-contained, carry out waste, and leave no trace. Please note that while we strive to maintain your privacy, the property owners and their five furry companions reside on-site and may occasionally be visible to guests. Therefore, we cannot accommodate campers with reactive or aggressive dogs. Our furry friends are friendly to all, but we prioritize safety and cannot permit any aggression issues from reactive dogs. However, we operate a Sniffspot, providing a private dog park experience specifically designed for reactive dogs and/or those in need of short-term day trip bookings (minimum 1 hour, maximum 4 hours). *We do not book Sniffspot guests at the same time as Hipcampers nor do we book more than one Hipcamp site simultaineously* Please when considering booking one of our lovely unique sites; keep in mind we ask you to show respect for the environment and our property. We do not allow large groups or parties of any kind on our sites. We're excited to welcome you to our campsite!
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$45
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Star Hosts in Downieville

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Camping near Downieville guide

Overview

Downieville is nestled in northern California, just west of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. Close to several national forests and a wealth of campgrounds, Downieville is well-known for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. The Downieville Downhill, a 17-mile track running from Sierra City to the heart of Downieville, is undoubtedly the most famous. Campers can also dive into Lake Tahoe’s refreshing water in hot summer months or ski soothing groomers in the middle of winter. Stay the night in a yurt, wood cabin rental, or RV campground nearby. For fantastic hiking, head to Tahoe National Forest and walk beneath giant sequoia canopies, or get spritzed by misty air when watching waterfalls in Plumas National Forest before pitching a tent by the water at a dispersed campsite.

Where to go

Tahoe National Forest

Roughly 1.5 hours from Downieville, Tahoe National Forest has 76 designated campgrounds to choose from. Book a fire lookout tower featuring propane-powered appliances, roll the RV into campgrounds equipped with toilet facilities and drinking water, or opt for primitive backcountry tent camping for an untamed experience in the local wilderness. Then, spend the day viewing giant sequoias in Placer County Big Trees Grove, discover preserved mining towns, or explore one of the many hiking trails that lead to natural gems like waterfalls, scenic vistas, and wildflower-filled meadows in spring.

Lake Tahoe

The biggest freshwater lake within the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Lake Tahoe offers unbeatable summer fun and world-renowned ski resorts in winter. Although dispersed camping isn’t allowed in the Lake Tahoe area, there are plenty of other options including wood cabin rentals, glamping in canvas yurts, and RV-friendly campgrounds. Many tent and motorhome campgrounds provide convenient amenities like drinking water, restrooms, and laundry facilities, with individual campsites featuring picnic tables and grill-top fire rings. Head to Emerald Bay for sandy beaches in warmer months, and spend snowy winter days cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, or sledding at one of the nearby local ski resorts.

Plumas National Forest

Get acquainted with Plumas National Forest’s awe-inspiring beauty and excellent camping options. There are dozens of RV and tent campgrounds to choose from, some with drinking water, flush toilets, picnic tables, and firepits. Dispersed camping is also allowed, just make sure to respect fire bans. There are eight separate recreation areas within Plumas National Forest to explore. Some well-known highlights include Feather Falls, scenic views at the Sierra Buttes Lookout, and Lake Davis for swimming and trout fishing.

When to go

Downieville offers year-round outdoor entertainment and camping accommodations, just be prepared for cold winters. An average annual snowfall of 115 inches makes it one of the snowiest areas in California. July and August are the warmest and driest months, but they’re also the busiest. Double-check for road and campground closures in wintertime, as well as campfire bans in the summertime. Many areas don’t allow fires seasonally, and the freezing winter temperatures shut down water access in higher-elevation campgrounds.

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