How much does camping cost at Ross Campground?

Camping fees at Ross Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Ross Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Ross Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Likely first-come-first-served due to no reservation platform mentioned.

Can I see photos of campsites at Ross Campground before I book?

Yes! Ross Campground has 2 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 Ross Campground?

Ross Campground is open Not mentioned.. 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 Ross Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Ross Campground?

Fire policies at Ross Campground: Not explicitly stated.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Ross Campground have?

Ross Campground has 3 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Ross Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Ross Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

Ross Campground

3.33

6 reviews

Ross Campground, Plumas National Forest

Peace & Quiet

Featured in:Primitive Camping California

Quick Facts

6,181 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,181 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Ross Campground

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

No fees are explicitly stated for this campground.

No paid fee categories listed.

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Ross Campground, Plumas National Forest

Ross Campground

Ross Campground, Plumas National Forest

Nearby places

Graeagle is the nearest town, but no additional towns or distances are mentioned.

Nearby supplies

Supplies likely available in Graeagle, but specific details are not provided.

Weather at Ross Campground

Best Time to Camp at Ross Campground

Fall delivers the best conditions: crisp days between 50–70°F, nights dropping to 25–40°F, and thin crowds after summer ends. October brings vibrant aspen color and solid creek flow, though early snow is possible. Winter arrives by late October and can last through April, closing the steep access road. Spring and summer work if you reach the campground before snowmelt makes the road impassable, but fall offers the best mix of access, color, and solitude.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall highlighted as best: vibrant aspens, crisp days and thin crowds in October.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, snow may limit access.

About Ross Campground

Ross Campground offers three primitive sites tucked deep in Plumas National Forest at 6,181 feet, where Jamison Creek flows through red fir and granite on the quieter backside of Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Access requires a high-clearance vehicle on steep, narrow roads. No water, no restrooms, no amenities.

Ross Campground is exclusively primitive, targeting campers who prefer a secluded and rugged outdoor experience. There are no developed amenities, but it is ideal for tent camping.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best conditions: crisp days between 50–70°F, nights dropping to 25–40°F, and thin crowds after summer ends. October brings vibrant aspen color and solid creek flow, though early snow is possible. Winter arrives by late October and can last through April, closing the steep access road. Spring and summer work if you reach the campground before snowmelt makes the road impassable, but fall offers the best mix of access, color, and solitude.

ElevationPerched high in the granite kingdom of the Sierra, this elevated sanctuary offers the rare air and expansive views that only mountain heights can provide.

Natural Features and SceneryJamison Creek cuts through towering granite formations here, creating what one reviewer calls 'high elevation granite' scenery that feels distinct from the main Lakes Basin area. Red fir forest dominates, with autumn aspens adding gold in fall. Wildflowers appear seasonally in surrounding meadows. The granite outcroppings frame the small camping area and creek, giving the site a rugged, cathedral-like feel.

Geological RegionNestled where Jamison Creek carves its path through ancient granite formations, this campground sits in a cathedral of red fir forest on the dramatic backside of Lakes Basin Recreation Area. Here, the raw beauty of high Sierra geology meets the gentle persistence of mountain waters, creating a landscape where massive granite monuments frame intimate forest groves.

Scenic ViewsFlowing fresh creek; potential views of wildflowers and autumn aspens mentioned in user reviews.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no lodging accommodations such as cabins or hotels at this primitive site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for this site.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

14 day limit

Guests Allowed Per Site

6people per site

Groups

Group camping is not supported at Ross Campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThree rustic sites spread along the creek in red fir forest. Spacing between sites isn't specified, but the remote location and tiny site count ensure privacy.

Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platforms are specified.

Walk-in AvailabilityLikely first-come-first-served due to no reservation platform mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyNot explicitly stated.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not mentioned, likely minimal due to the campground's remote and primitive nature.

Site SizeThe sites are described as rustic and primitive, with no specific information about their dimensions.

PrivacyReviews suggest a high level of privacy due to the campground's remote location and limited number of sites.

Total Campsites3 campsites

Recommended SitesCamper vans and truck campers are suitable per user reviews.

Amenities available

Ross Campground offers a highly rustic and primitive camping experience. There are no restrooms and no potable water at the site, emphasizing the need for campers to come well-prepared. It is tucked next to Jamison Creek and surrounded by a conifer forest dominated by red fir trees. Campers should be aware of the lack of modern conveniences and the remote, secluded nature of the campground.

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Ross Campground offers opportunities for solitude and nature immersion. Activities revolve around the natural surroundings, including enjoying the creek, exploring nearby trails, and observing the seasonal beauty of wildflowers and autumn aspens.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity mentioned under 'Be Bear Aware.' Snow may limit accessibility during winter months.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not 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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

Rate Ross Campground

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From Booking Sources

3.3

6 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Ross Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground is lauded for its seclusion and rustic charm. It is best suited for campers seeking solitude and a primitive experience. Reviewers mention the need for high-clearance vehicles to access the site and emphasize the rugged conditions.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers appreciate the solitude, the beauty of the surrounding forest, and the natural features such as the creek and wildflowers. 'What a cool find! High elevation granite, on the backside of...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

The remote location and rugged access road were mentioned as challenging for some. 'Almost a 4WD road. Steep, narrow, high clearance would be ideal,' cautions one user. The lack of amenities like...

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

With only three campsites, reviewers frequently note the campground's intimate and uncrowded nature, ideal for solitude.

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring all necessary supplies due to the lack of water and restrooms. A USDA forest map is recommended for navigation. High-clearance or AWD vehicles are ideal for accessing the...

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Snow may limit accessibility from October to April. The campground is particularly stunning in autumn due to the aspen trees. Summer offers opportunities to enjoy the creek and wildflowers.

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Solo, primitive, hard to reach and secluded,' writes one reviewer. 'Saw 4 people the whole weekend.' Another mentions, 'Flowing fresh creek, wildflowers, aspens for autumn colors.'

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility for people with disabilities is not addressed in reviews, likely due to the rugged and primitive conditions.

Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews or official materials.

Based on 6 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

High-clearance or AWD rigs hauling in all their own water can claim one of three creek-side sites in genuine solitude. October hits best: aspen color, cool days, thin crowds, and the creek still flowing.

Skip if

No toilets, no water, and a steep narrow road that one reviewer called 'almost a 4WD road' rules this out for passenger cars, anyone who needs hookups, or campers who don't carry their own sanitation.

Nearby Campgrounds

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Jamison Creek Campground sits at 5,168 feet in Plumas-Eureka State Park, offering 67 tent and RV sites among pine, fir, and cedar forest. The campground runs $30-35 per night and includes hot showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. It's open Memorial Day through Labor Day, with some sites directly on Jamison Creek and trailheads within walking distance.

$30.00 - $35.00 / night

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Lisa Group Campground

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Lisa Group Campground sits at 5,168 feet in Plumas-Eureka State Park, a single-site group campground that accommodates up to 50 people. It's tent-only, with a 24-foot maximum site length, and runs $250 per night by reservation only. The atmosphere is quiet and secluded, off the cell phone grid.

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Lakes Basin Group Campground

Plumas National Forest

Lakes Basin Group Campground sits at 6,400 feet in Plumas National Forest near Graeagle, offering a group site for up to 25 people plus adjacent tent and RV sites across 23 total spots. One reviewer called it "probably the nicest I've seen." The campground is a base for exploring the basin's lakes and geological formations.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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Gold Lake 4x4 Campground

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Gold Lake 4x4 Campground sits at 6,400 feet on the southwest shore of Gold Lake in Plumas National Forest. Access requires navigating a challenging 1.5-mile off-road trail from Gold Lake Campground. High-clearance 4x4 required. The reward: 13 primitive sites with picnic tables, bear lockers, and fire rings, some right at the water's edge. No fees, no restrooms, no cell service mentioned.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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Gold Lake 4 X 4 Campground

Plumas National Forest

Gold Lake 4x4 Campground sits at 6,400 feet in the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, accessible only by a rocky 45–60 minute 4x4 trail that keeps crowds thin. The primitive campground offers first-come, first-served lakeside sites with fire rings, picnic tables, and bear lockers. But no water, restrooms are often broken, and services are nonexistent. If you have the vehicle and self-reliance for it, you get quiet, scenic camping right on the water.

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST - BECKWOURTH RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 7, BLAIRSDEN, CA, USA, 96103

Lakes Basin sits in the Plumas National Forest near Graeagle, offering access to alpine lakes and the Sierra Buttes trail system. Operated by the Forest Service, this mid-elevation campground serves hikers, anglers, and swimmers exploring the high country. Tent, primitive, and group sites are available with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables.

$33.97 - $80.00 / night

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Gold Lake Campground sits at mid-elevation in Plumas National Forest, offering lakefront tent, RV, and primitive sites with direct access to alpine trails and water recreation. Summer brings warm days and cool nights, with vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables throughout the property. Reviewers consistently praise the serene setting and stunning lake views, though porta-potty maintenance and occasional site management issues have been noted.

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Haven Lake Campground

Haven Lake Campground, Plumas National Forest, California

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$0.00 - $0.00 / night

THIS IS THE ADDRESS FOR THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA

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Tahoe National Forest

Berger is a small, budget-friendly campground operated by the Yuba River Ranger District in Tahoe National Forest, near Camptonville. Set in mid-elevation forest along Packer Creek, it offers quiet, secluded tent sites with vault toilets, fire rings, and bear boxes. Campers hike nearby trails, swim and fish in the creek, or head to area lakes for boating and climbing.

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Packsaddle sits at 6,100 feet in Tahoe National Forest near Camptonville, with access to the Pacific Crest Trail and Sierra Buttes. This small, budget-friendly campground operated by the Forest Service offers tent and RV sites with vault toilets, potable water, fire rings, and picnic tables. Campers hike, fish, and swim at nearby lakes during the summer season.

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Campgrounds

Plumas National Forest

Ross Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Ross Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

<p>Ross Campground has three rustic campsites tucked off of the beaten path. It is located next to Jamison Creek in a conifer forest of predominantly red fir trees. </p>