How much does camping cost at Hampshire Rocks?

Camping fees at Hampshire Rocks are $24 - $48/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hampshire Rocks first-come first-served or reservation?

Hampshire Rocks accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Hampshire Rocks before I book?

Yes! Hampshire Rocks has 6 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 Hampshire Rocks?

Hampshire Rocks is open June 15 to October 15. 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 Hampshire Rocks?

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

Is there cell service at Hampshire Rocks?

Cell phone service at Hampshire Rocks is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Hampshire Rocks have?

Hampshire Rocks has 30 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hampshire Rocks?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hampshire Rocks. 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 Hampshire Rocks?

Hampshire Rocks offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

Hampshire Rocks

Q: Can I have a campfire at Hampshire Rocks?

Fire policies at Hampshire Rocks: Fire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Yuba River Ranger District (530) 288-3231 (voice), (530) 288-3656 (TDD).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.86

143 reviews

No specific address for campground; ranger station reference: 15924 HWY. 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

C-Report Card

SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

5,870 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open June 15th throu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

5,870 ft

Price

$24 - $48/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

30 campsites

Season

Open June 15th throu...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Hampshire Rocks

$24.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double S&P: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Double: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; Single S&P: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

No campsite fee categories listed.

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Provider

530-478-6253

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

No specific address for campground; ranger station reference: 15924 HWY. 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

Hampshire Rocks

No specific address for campground; ranger station reference: 15924 HWY. 49, Camptonville, CA 95922, USA

Nearby places

Truckee, CA (17 miles, approximately 20 minutes)

Nevada City, CA (distance unavailable)

Weather at Hampshire Rocks

Current alerts(5)

Click here for more information on the Tahoe National Forest
Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.
Freeway noise can be heard from campground
In accordance with standard industry practices, Tahoe National Forest will assess an additional $5 vehicle fee per day for the second vehicle in each single family campsite, and on the third and fourth vehicle in any double family campsite, provided these vehicles are not joined…

Best Time to Camp at Hampshire Rocks

Best season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most accessible window for Hampshire Rocks: expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s at 5,870 ft, making swimming in the South Yuba and riverside picnics very pleasant. This is peak time for hiking, trout fishing, mountain biking and river swimming—water levels are usually lower and clearer by mid-summer, and trail access is fully open. Weekends and holidays can be moderately busy, so plan reservations (they start June 24) or mid‑wk Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Best season per description: warm days ideal for swimming and biking (open June–Oct; peak in summer).

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June 15 to October 15. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open June 15th through October 15th; reservations start June 24th.

About Hampshire Rocks

Hampshire Rocks sits along the South Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, 15 minutes from Truckee. Operated by the Forest Service, this small mid-elevation campground offers tent and RV sites with river access for swimming, fishing, and trailhead proximity. Summer brings warm days ideal for wading and biking, though freeway noise from nearby I-80 is audible throughout the property.

Hampshire Rocks Campground accommodates both tent and RV camping, with specific sites designated for tent camping only. It also provides single-family campsites.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the warmest, most accessible window for Hampshire Rocks: expect daytime highs around 70–85°F and cool nights in the mid-40s to low-50s at 5,870 ft, making swimming in the South Yuba and riverside picnics very pleasant. This is peak time for hiking, trout fishing, mountain biking and river swimming—water levels are usually lower and clearer by mid-summer, and trail access is fully open. Weekends and holidays can be moderately busy, so plan reservations (they start June 24) or mid‑wk Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation5870 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe South Yuba River flows past the campground, creating swimming holes and fishing spots beneath a canopy of lodgepole pines. Sites vary widely in character: some nestle into thick vegetation with natural screening, while others sit exposed in the loop with little buffer between neighbors. The river provides the main scenic draw, its pools and riffles visible from several sites. Mountain meadows transition into riverine habitat along the banks, supporting diverse wildlife. The elevation keeps things cooler than the Central Valley but warmer than high-country camps.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging accommodations are available within this campground.

Programs & ActivitiesThere is no mention of cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Varies by site size
exact number unspecified.

Groups

No details are provided about group camping facilities.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations available on Recreation.gov; mobile app; contact center.

Site SizeThe size of campsites varies significantly. Some are spacious, with enough room for multiple tents, while others are so small they can barely fit one tent. For example, 'Not all sites are of same size, few are so small that only 1 tent can fit in,' and 'Large enough for our 2 tents probably room for another tent.' Site #25 is specifically noted as being very small.

PrivacyThe privacy level of sites is a mix, with some being relatively secluded due to bushes and trees, and others closely packed. A user stated, 'Sites are big and spread out. Mostly enclosed and private,' whereas another user noted, 'Our site was right up against another with nothing separating us.

Total Campsites30 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid sites closer to the freeway (north side). Sites near the river provide better ambiance.

Best CampsitesSites 2, 3, and 6 get consistent mentions for river access. Site 9 earns specific praise in reviews. Reviewers suggest camping closer to the river for better views and less freeway noise, though this also means more mosquitoes. Site 25 is notably small, barely fitting one tent. Overall site size varies dramatically across the loop.

Need help booking Hampshire Rocks?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Hampshire Rocks Campground is equipped with basic amenities aimed at enhancing the camping experience while maintaining a natural setting. Notable amenities include picnic tables, campfire rings, drinking water, and vault toilets. Some of the amenities are appreciated by users, as reflected in reviews like, 'Bathrooms were some of the cleanest and best smelling vault toilets I have ever seen,' while others raised concerns about maintenance issues, such as 'Vault toilets ran out of TP.' Additionally, the campground offers bear-safe food storage boxes, which were appreciated by reviewers.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Hampshire Rocks

The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, and access to historic trails like the California Emigrant Trail. Additionally, the nearby South Yuba River and scenic attractions enhance the recreation experience.

Swimming4.0/5Top 21% in California

Hiking3.5/5

Trail access to California Emigrant Trail and proximity to the PCT; hiking varies by trail.

Fishing3.5/5

Biking3.5/5

Area supports both road and mountain biking opportunities per description.

Boating

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography3.5/5Scenic river, pines, and swimming holes offer photo ops; noise doesn't affect photos but exposure varies.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsNo flush toilets are available; only vault toilets are provided. Some users appreciated their cleanliness, stating, 'Bathrooms seemed to be cleaned every day,' while others mentioned maintenance issues like lack of toilet paper.

Food Storage RequiredAll sites include bear-safe food storage lockers; some users reported previous garbage left inside.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyFire restrictions may be imposed at any time due to hot, dry weather conditions, at which time campfires and charcoal fires may not be allowed. For current fire conditions or weather closures contact the Yuba River Ranger District (530) 288-3231 (voice), (530) 288-3656 (TDD).

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, including large dumpsters located at the campground's entrance and exit. However, some sites were noted as being littered, as one user stated, 'Previous lazy folks leave their trash in the bear boxes although there are at least four big dumpsters you can't miss.'

Cell CoverageCell phone service is generally available, as one reviewer noted, 'The only good thing was the fact of having cellular reception.'

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

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From Booking Sources

3.9

143 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hampshire Rocks has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Hampshire Rocks Campground provide a mixed sentiment. While the natural beauty, proximity to the river, and recreational opportunities receive praise, recurring complaints about noise from Interstate 80 and varying site conditions influence overall ratings.

Review Summaries

Based on 143 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 143 reviews.

site #9 ('The river is beautiful!')Loved
Specific campsites with positive feedback include site #9 ('The river is beautiful!') and site #6 ('Direct access to the river').
site #25 ('Few are so small that only 1 tent can fit in')Mentioned
Negative feedback includes site #25 ('Few are so small that only 1 tent can fit in') and site #11 ('Ridiculously small and overgrown; no access to the water').

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's scenic location alongside the Yuba River, clean vault toilets, and spacious sites in some areas. Quotes like 'We loved site 9 and had a great time. The river...

Based on 143 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints focus on the constant noise from Interstate 80 and, in some cases, trains. Other issues include trash left by previous campers and inconsistent site conditions (e.g., uneven...

Based on 143 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing earplugs due to freeway noise, water shoes for river activities, and bug spray to deal with mosquitoes. One user advised, 'Camp closer to the river for less noise and better...

Based on 143 reviews

Seasonal Insights

In summer, users highlight the enjoyment of river activities but also note the prevalence of mosquitoes and the heat. Some users appreciate fewer crowds in spring and fall but mention colder...

Based on 143 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The river is so serene and fishing is nice too.' 'Bathrooms were some of the cleanest and best smelling vault toilets I have ever seen.' 'Freeway noise is SUPER loud. Even in our RV.' 'This place is...

Based on 143 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed at the campground, and users have commented positively about pet experiences. One user mentioned, 'My boyfriend, our dog, and I just stayed here for 2 nights.'

Based on 143 reviews

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Hampshire Rocks

$24.00 - $48.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Double S&P: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC - Double: $48.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00; Single S&P: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-478-6253

Go if

You want affordable river access near Truckee and can tune out highway noise.

Skip if

You need quiet evenings or guaranteed on-site host support during your stay.

Nearby Campgrounds

Less Visited

3.9

(20)

Big Bend Group (Yuba River)

Big Bend Group Campground, Rainbow Road Exit, Tahoe National Forest, CA

Big Bend Group sits along the South Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, managed by the US Forest Service for group reservations only. This mid-elevation site offers direct river access for swimming and fishing, with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings spread across a compact footprint. Reviewers praise the clean facilities and beach-style river entry, though highway noise carries through the canyon.

Hampshire Rocks

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Hampshire Rocks

Campground Map

Weather at Hampshire Rocks

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Hampshire Rocks

Planning Tips

About Hampshire Rocks

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hampshire Rocks?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Hampshire Rocks

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

Skip if

How campers graded it

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Ask Camp Sage about Hampshire Rocks

Current alerts(5)

Best Time to Camp at Hampshire Rocks

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Hampshire Rocks?

Amenities available

Things to do at Hampshire Rocks

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns