Ruck-A-Chucky Campground

Star4.11
46 reviews
Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, Drivers Flat Road, Foresthill, CA

Quick Facts

745 ft

Price

$28/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open April 15 to Oct...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Ruck-A-Chucky Campground
$28.00 - $28.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The camping fee is $28 per night, and one additional vehicle is allowed for $10 per night. Fees are paid via self-registration using Iron Rangers.
Standard Site Fee$28.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
530-885-4527null
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What Campers Say

4.11

Satisfactory

Based on 46 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

location

Some mention

dustycell service

"Reviews are mixed, with users praising the riverside location but noting the challenges of accessing the campground and limited amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, Drivers Flat Road, Foresthill, CA

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground, Drivers Flat Road, Foresthill, CA

Driving directionsFrom Hwy 80 exit at Foresthill Rd. Head towards Foresthill and turn right onto Drivers Flat Road. Continue for 2.5 miles down a dirt road to the campground.
The campground is accessible via a 2.5-mile gravel/dirt road that is steep in spots and requires high-clearance vehicles. Passenger cars can access it but may face challenges such as ruts and loose terrain. The road is closed from October 15 to April 15 annually.
Nearby places
Foresthill (Approx. 7 miles, 15 minutes), Auburn (Approx. 13 miles, 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained from nearby Foresthill, approximately 7 miles away, which has basic grocery stores and fuel stations.

Best Time to Camp at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground

The campground transforms with California's dramatic seasons. Summer days bask in golden warmth, with temperatures climbing into the high 80s and occasionally touching the mid-90s—perfect for river adventures. As autumn arrives, the first rains begin their dance in October, continuing through April and bringing the landscape to vibrant life. Winter offers crisp, clear days with highs in the comfortable mid-50s, though nighttime temperatures dip into the 30s, making a warm sleeping bag essential. The campground embraces its winter solitude, closing from October 15 to April 15 when weather conditions make access challenging.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Open and busy Apr–Oct; warm days, peak river activities and scenic summer use.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open through Oct 14; pleasant early fall but seasonal closure begins Oct 15.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Reopens after Apr 15; spring offers river access and fewer crowds than peak summer.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed Oct 15–Apr 15; winter camping not available here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: April 15 to October 14. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open April 15 to October 14. Seasonal closure begins October 15 and reopens annually after April 15 based on road conditions.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal road closures and campground closures occur between October 15 and April 15 annually.

About Ruck-A-Chucky Campground

Nestled deep in the rugged canyons along the Middle Fork of the American River, Ruck-A-Chucky Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness experience. This remote sanctuary features five primitive campsites where the modern world fades away—no cell towers pierce the sky, and the only sounds are rushing water and rustling leaves. Each site comes equipped with the essentials: a sturdy picnic table, fire ring for evening gatherings, and basic pit toilet facilities. While you'll need to bring your own water and navigate the challenging access road with a high-clearance vehicle, the reward is an untouched slice of California's wild heart. With no reservations accepted, early arrivals claim the best spots in this first-come, first-served hideaway.
Ruck-a-Chucky offers primitive camping with no reservations required, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The campground accommodates tent camping along the river.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days, with a required 48-hour vacancy before returning. Maximum annual camping limit is 30 days.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Ruck-a-Chucky offers riverside camping with opportunities for hiking, rafting, and fishing. Visitors enjoy being close to the Middle Fork of the American River.
HikingHiking trails are available, including access to scenic areas along the Middle Fork of the American River.
FishingFishing is possible in the nearby river, but one review noted a lack of fish sightings.
BikingBiking is allowed in the area, including access during the off-season when the campground is closed to vehicles.
BoatingThe river provides options for rafting and kayaking. There is drive-up access for rafters.
Wildlife viewingThe area provides opportunities to observe local wildlife, including birds of prey.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include poison oak, ticks, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions. Users are advised to check for seasonal fire restrictions and bring their own water as none is provided.
Active AlertsSeasonal road closures and campground closures occur between October 15 and April 15 annually.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at each site to prevent wildlife disturbances.

Weather at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground

Reviews

4.1
46 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Ruck-A-Chucky Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews are mixed, with users praising the riverside location but noting the challenges of accessing the campground and limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 46 reviews

What Campers Love

Many visitors appreciated the proximity to the river and the serenity of the location. Comments include: 'The riverside location can’t be beat!' and 'Beautiful and serene.'
Based on 46 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the lack of potable water and cell phone service, limited shade, and the dusty conditions near the road. Users also mentioned the challenging dirt road access.
Based on 46 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing plenty of water and bug repellent, using propane or butane stoves due to fire restrictions, and preparing for limited amenities. 'Make sure you have propane or butane...
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Based on 46 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During the summer months, visitors note high activity levels from rafting companies. The campground is closed in winter, but the area remains accessible for hikers and bikers.
Based on 46 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Only five campsites. No showers. Bring bug repel for the bees.' — Joshua Pepper 2. 'Peaceful, a bit expensive compared to other sites especially since there is no potable water.' — Christy...
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Based on 46 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews describe campsite #3 and #5 as having partial shade and proximity to the river. Other sites are noted to be closer to the road, causing dusty conditions.
Based on 46 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are available.
Based on 46 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash at all times. 'Pets on leash.' — Campsite Data
Based on 46 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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