Rocky Rest

Star4.21
84 reviews
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SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,379 ft

Price

$24/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Tahoe National Forest 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
Rocky Rest
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season overnight rates are $24.00 per night for standard nonelectric sites. Rates remain the same during the first-come, first-served season.
Standard Site Fee$24.00
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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Provider
(530)478-6253null
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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 84 reviews

61 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietcleanhiking

Some mention

crowded

"Rocky Rest Campground is generally praised for its natural beauty and proximity to the North Yuba River. While many users appreciate the swimming holes and trail access, complaints about restroom facilities and crowded conditions during peak times are common."

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Campground Map

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Rocky Rest

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Driving directionsFrom Downieville, take Highway 49 south for about 11 miles. The campground is on the left side of the highway.
Located directly off Highway 49, the campground is easily accessible via paved roads. No seasonal closures or challenging terrain have been noted.
Nearby places
Downieville (11 miles), Nevada City (31 miles), Camptonville (null miles), Goodyears Bar (null miles)
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in nearby towns such as Downieville (approximately 11 miles away) or Nevada City (approximately 31 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Rocky Rest

From April through October, Rocky Rest treats visitors to the Sierra's signature climate—sun-drenched days perfect for river adventures followed by crisp, star-filled nights that invite campfire gatherings. As autumn fades, the campground transforms into a different kind of wonderland, where winter rains create a symphony on the forest canopy and occasional snowfall dusts the surrounding peaks, creating a serene off-season escape for the hardy few.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5

Summer offers peak river activity and swimming but experiences crowding and congested parking.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open through Oct 15 with crisp days and quieter conditions; very pleasant fall visits.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Positive spring reviews and accessible late-spring season after Apr 15; noted as an enjoyable time.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed in winter; open season Apr 15–Oct 15.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season dates: April 15, 2025 - October 15, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season: April 15th to October 15th annually.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot and dry weather conditions—contact the Yuba River Ranger District for current updates.

About Rocky Rest

Tucked away in the verdant embrace of the North Yuba River valley, Rocky Rest Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Sierra Nevada experience. This intimate, tree-canopied retreat along Highway 49 serves as your gateway to endless outdoor pursuits—from casting lines into pristine waters and diving into refreshing swimming holes to navigating exhilarating white-water rapids. For those bitten by gold fever, try your hand at panning in the same waters that once drew fortune seekers from around the world. The crown jewel of the campground is the North Yuba Trail, beginning right at your tent flap and winding 7.5 miles through spectacular mountain scenery.
Rocky Rest Campground caters to primitive and standard camping options. It provides campsites for tents and non-electric RV camping, but lacks group sites, cabins, and glamping options.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit and a total of 14 nights within each year.

Amenities available

Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Rocky Rest Campground provides access to diverse recreational opportunities including hiking, swimming, fishing, and biking. A trailhead for the 7.5-mile North Yuba Trail is located within the campground, offering options for both hiking and biking. The North Yuba River serves as a hub for water-based activities such as swimming, floating, and seasonal whitewater rafting. Gold panning and hunting are also popular in the area.
HikingThe trailhead for the North Yuba Trail is located within the campground. This 7.5-mile trail supports both hiking and biking enthusiasts. User reviews appreciate the proximity to hiking opportunities, with one stating, 'Wonderful hiking across the bridge.'
FishingFishing opportunities at the North Yuba River include rainbow trout, as stated in authoritative sources. One user review mentioned, 'I’m yet to catch a fish in that river but I’m determined.'
SwimmingA small rocky beach and swimming hole offer swimming opportunities at the water's edge. Reviews describe the area as 'beautiful swimming hole' and note that the 'cool, clean, clear water of the Yuba washed away some of the discomforts of the heat.'
BikingMountain biking is available both within and near the campground. The North Yuba Trail supports biking, and the area is described as being 'ten miles from Downieville and mountain biking.'
BoatingSeasonal rafting, kayaking, and tubing are popular activities on the North Yuba River. No specific details about docking facilities are provided.
Beach activitiesA small rocky beach near the campground offers activities like sunbathing and swimming.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife such as bears, cold river water, and mosquitoes during dusk and early mornings.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during hot and dry weather conditions—contact the Yuba River Ranger District for current updates.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided for food storage at each campsite.

Weather at Rocky Rest

Reviews

4.2
84 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Rocky Rest is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Rocky Rest Campground is generally praised for its natural beauty and proximity to the North Yuba River. While many users appreciate the swimming holes and trail access, complaints about restroom facilities and crowded conditions during peak times are common.
Review Summaries
Based on 84 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive feedback includes remarks about the river’s beauty, accessible swimming areas, and the trailhead for hiking. One user stated, 'Beautiful spot with easy access to the Yuba. Quiet and clean....
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Based on 84 reviews

Common Concerns

Common criticisms center around restroom maintenance, lack of privacy, and overcrowding during peak times. One user review noted, 'The porta potty is cleaned only once a week' and described it as...
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Based on 84 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips from users include visiting during weekdays to avoid crowds and booking reservations far in advance during the busy season. Users also recommend bringing extra water due to limited spigots and...
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Based on 84 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During peak summer months, the campground becomes crowded, with user reviews describing 'congested parking' and 'crowded river areas.' Conversely, weekdays and off-season periods offer quieter...
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Based on 84 reviews

Camper Quotes

'Nice and well-maintained campground in Tahoe Forest area. Dog-friendly.' - KJ Seo. 'Site six was great because you are on higher ground, above other sites so it’s more private.' - Sabrina F. 'Take...
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Based on 84 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific feedback indicates Site 6 offers greater privacy and elevation, while Site 8 has river vistas but suffers from porta potty issues. One review stated, 'The first pit at site 8 is...
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Based on 84 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews were provided. General feedback does not indicate significant accessibility features.
Based on 84 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is dog-friendly, as confirmed by both official sources and user reviews. 'Nice and well-maintained campground. Dog-friendly,' noted KJ Seo.
Based on 84 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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