How much does camping cost at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground?

Camping fees at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground range from $28/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground before I book?

Yes! Ruck-A-Chucky Campground has 46 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Ruck-A-Chucky Campground?

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground is open April 15 to October 14. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground?

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Ruck-A-Chucky Campground have?

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground?

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground?

Popular activities at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground

Q: Is Ruck-A-Chucky Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All five campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the open season. Fill patterns may vary based on weather and rafting popularity.

Q: Can I have a campfire at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground?

Fire policies at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground: Campfires are allowed in designated fire rings only, subject to seasonal restrictions. During dry conditions, fire bans may be enacted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.99

46 reviews

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

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

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

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

First-come, first-served

This campground doesn't take reservations — sites are claimed in person on arrival, so there's no availability to check online. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays.

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

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

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

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Reserve California

Provider

530-885-4527null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground

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

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.

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.

Weather at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground

Current alert: Upper Lake Clementine and Driver's Flat Rd. will be CLOSED from 4/28/26-5/1/26 for dust control application.

Best Time to Camp at Ruck-A-Chucky Campground

Summer offers the clearest benefit: warm, dry weather with daytime highs in the high 80s and occasionally mid-90s. The river is at its most inviting for swimming, boating, and fishing. Long evenings reward primitive campfires and stargazing. The campground closes from October 15 to April 15 when rain and conditions make access challenging. With only five sites, book early or arrive on a weekday for the quietest experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Open Apr 15–Oct 14; warm weather, popular rafting and river activities make summer the highlight.

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.

About Ruck-A-Chucky Campground

Ruck-a-Chucky Campground sits on a dramatic riverside perch where the Middle Fork of the American River cuts through steep canyon walls. The campground has five primitive sites, each with a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker. There's no cell service, no potable water, and the road in is dusty. Sites cost $28/night and fill quickly on summer weekends.

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.

Historical Significance

The Middle Fork carried the gold-bearing gravels that sparked California's Gold Rush in the mid-1800s. Prospectors worked these waters with picks and pans, and remnants of old mining structures still dot the landscape. Visitors can try panning for gold in the same spots where forty-niners once stood.

Weather and SeasonsSummer offers the clearest benefit: warm, dry weather with daytime highs in the high 80s and occasionally mid-90s. The river is at its most inviting for swimming, boating, and fishing. Long evenings reward primitive campfires and stargazing. The campground closes from October 15 to April 15 when rain and conditions make access challenging. With only five sites, book early or arrive on a weekday for the quietest experience.

ElevationThe campground rests at a carefully chosen elevation within the river canyon, where the climate remains temperate and the surrounding slopes create a natural amphitheater of wilderness beauty.

Natural Features and SceneryMassive granite formations and metamorphic rocks line the canyon walls, evidence of the geological forces that shaped this Gold Country landscape. The Middle Fork flows through bedrock below, creating pools and rapids. The campground itself occupies a relatively open area near the road. Sites range from small tent pads (12 by 15 feet) to larger spots (30 by 18 feet). Expect dust. Wildlife includes black-tailed deer, raccoons, and occasional bald eagles overhead.

Geological RegionThe campground occupies a dramatic perch within the steep-walled canyons carved by the Middle Fork of the American River over millennia. This rugged terrain exemplifies California's Gold Country geology, where ancient rivers deposited the gold-bearing gravels that would later spark a rush that changed the American West forever. Massive granite formations and metamorphic rocks tell the story of powerful geological forces that shaped this landscape long before humans arrived to seek their fortunes.

Scenic ViewsSites 3, 4, and 5 offer riverfront views. User reviews highlight its serene riverside location, with one stating, 'The riverside location can’t be beat!'

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodges or cabins are available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for Ruck-a-Chucky Campground.

Best Campsites

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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.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Eight people maximum are allowed per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutFive designated sites line a dirt road near the river. Spacing is tight, and the road kicks up dust. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and bear locker. Vault toilets serve the campground.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available; campsites operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll five campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during the open season. Fill patterns may vary based on weather and rafting popularity.

Cancellation PolicyCampsites are first-come, first-served, and no reservation changes apply. Cancellation rules are not applicable.

Site SizeSites range from approximately 12 ft by 15 ft (tent pad size) to larger configurations such as 30 ft by 18 ft.

PrivacyThe sites are described as close to the road and somewhat dusty, offering limited privacy.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites 3, 4, or 5 for riverfront views. Bring potable water and prepare for minimal shade and dusty conditions.

Best CampsitesSites 3, 4, and 5 sit closest to the riverfront and book fastest. All sites are close to the road, so privacy is limited across the board.

Amenities available

Ruck-a-Chucky Campground is a primitive camping area located within Auburn State Recreation Area. It features five designated campsites that are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Amenities include picnic tables, pit toilets, and fire rings, but there is no potable water available on-site, and firewood is not provided. Seasonal fire restrictions may apply, and the campground is closed yearly from October 15 to April 15.

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

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.

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available; the campground provides pit toilets.

Food Storage RequiredFood storage lockers are available at each site to prevent wildlife disturbances.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings only, subject to seasonal restrictions. During dry conditions, fire bans may be enacted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are available at Auburn SRA Ranger Station, located at 501 El Dorado Street, Auburn, CA, approximately 13 miles from the campground.

Trash & RecyclingTrash receptacles are available, but campers must ensure all food is properly stored to avoid attracting wildlife.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located directly on the Middle Fork of the American River, providing easy access to riverfront activities.

Camp HostNo campground host is available at this location.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.0

46 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ruck-A-Chucky Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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

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

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Rafters and kayakers who want drive-up river access, or tent campers happy to haul their own water and claim sites 3 or 5 for the partial shade and riverfront position. Summer weekdays are your best shot at getting in.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is the hard stop for anyone who can't pack it all in. The dust coats every site near the road, shade is thin on most spots, and the dirt road in earns consistent complaints from reviewers. Also note the road closes April 28 to May 1, 2026 for dust treatme

Nearby Campgrounds

Lake Clementine Rd. off Foresthill Rd., Auburn, CA 95603

Boat-in Campground sits on the shores of Lake Clementine in Auburn State Recreation Area, accessible only by watercraft. The 15 primitive sites feature lakefront views along the American River canyon, with tent pads, fire rings, and picnic tables. Sites cost $38 per night and require reservations from May 15 through September 15.