How much does camping cost at Rocky Rest?

Camping fees at Rocky Rest range from $24/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Rocky Rest first-come first-served or reservation?

Rocky Rest 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 Rocky Rest before I book?

Yes! Rocky Rest has 9 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 Rocky Rest?

Rocky Rest is open April 15 to October 31. 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 Rocky Rest?

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

How many campsites does Rocky Rest have?

Rocky Rest has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Rocky Rest?

Yes, pets are allowed at Rocky Rest. 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 Rocky Rest?

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

What activities can I do at Rocky Rest?

Popular activities at Rocky Rest include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Rocky Rest

Q: Can I have a campfire at Rocky Rest?

Fire policies at Rocky Rest: 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.

4.10

84 reviews

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Top 11% in CAFall

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on Tahoe National Forest Official Website

Get Directions

Rocky Rest

$24.00 - $24.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $24.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

(530)478-6253null

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

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Rocky Rest

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Nearby places

Downieville (11 miles), Nevada City (31 miles), Camptonville (null miles), Goodyears Bar (null miles)

Weather at Rocky Rest

Current alerts(6)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
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.
In accordance with standard industry practices, we will be assessing a $5 additional vehicle fee on 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 to the first…

Best Time to Camp at Rocky Rest

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild weather, lower crowds, and vivid Sierra color—daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to low-80s°F with crisp nights in the 35–50°F range. River flows have usually calmed from spring runoff, which makes for excellent fishing, mellow swimming holes, scenic hikes and quieter riverside camping. Expect fewer visitors than summer and prime conditions for photography, hiking, and a relaxed campfire atmosphere. Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 11% in CA

Fall cited as best season: mild days, cool nights and calmer river flows ideal for camping and fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 15 to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 15th to October 15th annually.

About Rocky Rest

Rocky Rest is a very small Tahoe National Forest campground in the Sierra foothills near Downieville, offering direct access to the Yuba River. The campground provides budget-friendly tent, RV, and primitive camping with vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors come for riverside swimming holes, fishing, hiking from the on-site trailhead, and stargazing in a quiet forest setting.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild weather, lower crowds, and vivid Sierra color—daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to low-80s°F with crisp nights in the 35–50°F range. River flows have usually calmed from spring runoff, which makes for excellent fishing, mellow swimming holes, scenic hikes and quieter riverside camping. Expect fewer visitors than summer and prime conditions for photography, hiking, and a relaxed campfire atmosphere. Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2379 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe North Yuba River flows past the campground's north bank, creating swimming holes and fishing access. Douglas fir, sugar pine, and oak trees provide ample shade across the sites. Ancient granite and volcanic formations shape the surrounding landscape, typical of this section of the Sierra Nevada. The mixed coniferous forest creates dense cover overhead, though this limits privacy between neighboring sites.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information is available regarding cultural or educational programs.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit and a total of 14 nights within each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Null

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityLimited information is available on accessibility features. User reviews do not provide explicit feedback on the accessibility of facilities.

Site SizeSites vary in size; some are described as large and offering partial shade, while others are noted for being 'tiny.' Specific sites, such as Site 6, offer higher ground and more privacy.

PrivacyPrivacy between sites is limited overall, according to authoritative sources: 'A forest of Douglas fir, pine, and oak provides ample shade, but limited privacy between sites.' However, some individual sites offer better privacy, as noted by users: 'Site six was great because you are on higher ground.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesSite 6 is ideal for privacy, positioned on higher ground near the bridge to swimming holes. Site 8 is recommended for its scenic views and proximity to river access.

Best CampsitesSite 6 sits on higher ground, offering more privacy than most sites in the campground. Site 8 has river views. Other sites vary in size, with some described as tiny and others as large with partial shade.

Need help booking Rocky Rest?

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

Rocky Rest Campground offers a variety of amenities designed to provide basic comfort for visitors. According to authoritative sources, the campground features single-family campsites equipped with picnic tables and campfire rings. Vault toilets and drinking water are available on-site, although user reviews highlight issues with restroom maintenance. One review noted, 'There is only one porta potty in the Sites 5-10 loop. It is rated for use by 10 people during a 40-hour work week. This is potentially being used by up to 36 people 24/7. It is insufficient.' Another reviewer described the restrooms as 'clean bathrooms,' yet there were complaints about 'no toilet paper when I departed at 11am.' The campground does not have showers, electricity, or utility hookups, as confirmed by the authoritative content.

Potable water

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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 vault toilets and porta potties instead.

Food Storage RequiredBear-proof lockers are provided for food storage at each campsite.

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 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 & RecyclingLimited information is available on trash services. A user review mentioned, 'Trash containers were all completely full and no one came to empty them while I was there.' Recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned.

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

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

4.1

84 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 84 reviews.

site 8Loved
One review stated, 'The first pit at site 8 is completely destroyed.' Site 3 was praised for being 'close to the road,' but it was described as challenging to…
Site 6Mentioned
Site-specific feedback indicates Site 6 offers greater privacy and elevation, while Site 8 has river vistas but suffers from porta potty issues.

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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want affordable Yuba River access for fishing, swimming, and hiking without resort-style amenities.

Skip if

You need privacy between sites or want to avoid weekend crowds and limited restroom facilities.

Nearby Campgrounds

YUBA RIVER RANGER STATION, 15924 HIGHWAY 49, Camptonville, CA, 95922, USA

Indian Valley sits along the North Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, a small seasonal campground managed by the Forest Service near Downieville in the Sierra foothills. The setting offers direct river access for swimming and fishing during summer months, with spacious sites under mixed conifers and a quiet atmosphere that appeals to families and anglers. Reviewers praise the clean vault toilets and short walk to the water, though cell service is unavailable and the campground enforces alcohol prohibition.