Black Rock Campground
4.506 reviewsBlack Rock Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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
Primitive dispersed camping appears to be free as no fees are explicitly mentioned.
About this campground
Tucked away in the serene Oak Woodlands of the Ishi Wilderness, Black Rock Campground offers an authentic back-to-basics camping experience that feels worlds away from civilization. This intimate primitive campground features just six thoughtfully spaced sites along the banks of Mill Creek, each equipped with its own table and grill. Here, the absence of modern amenities isn't a limitation—it's an invitation to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
Black Rock Campground is a primitive camping facility with dispersed sites and no reservations required.
Historical SignificanceJourney along the historic Ponderosa Way through the Sierra foothills to reach this hidden gem, where the echoes of California's past meet the tranquility of untouched wilderness. In an age of constant connectivity, Black Rock Campground stands as a rare sanctuary where cell towers can't reach and notifications can't follow. This remote outpost preserves not just the natural landscape, but a vanishing way of experiencing the outdoors—unhurried, undistracted, and deeply restorative.
Weather and SeasonsBlack Rock Campground welcomes adventurers year-round, offering a different character with each passing season. Spring brings wildflower blooms and rushing creek waters, summer provides warm days perfect for creek swimming, autumn paints the oak woodlands in golden hues, and winter offers solitude and crisp, starlit nights. The campground's year-round accessibility makes it an ideal escape whenever the call of the wilderness beckons.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data remains unrecorded, the campground's position in the transitional zone between valley and mountain creates a unique microclimate that supports the diverse Oak Woodland ecosystem and provides comfortable camping conditions throughout the year.
Natural Features and SceneryMill Creek serves as the campground's centerpiece, offering crystal-clear swimming holes, productive fishing spots, and a soothing soundtrack that lulls campers to sleep each night. The surrounding Oak Woodlands create a cathedral-like canopy overhead, while hiking trails wind through the Ishi Wilderness, revealing hidden waterfalls, wildlife viewing opportunities, and panoramic vistas. As one devoted visitor describes it, Black Rock is 'a little treasure in our own backyard'—a testament to the magic that awaits those who venture off the beaten path.
Geological RegionNestled within the Ishi Wilderness, Black Rock Campground occupies a fascinating geological transition zone where ancient volcanic formations meet the weathered granite of the Sierra foothills. The Oak Woodlands here tell a story millions of years in the making, with Mill Creek carving its course through layers of geological history. This unique positioning creates diverse habitats and microclimates that support an impressive array of plant and animal life throughout the historic Sierra foothill region.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe sites are small and primitive, as noted by a reviewer: "The sites themselves are mostly small and not set up well for campers to make their camp."
Sites PrivacyThe privacy level of the campsites is not explicitly discussed in the source materials.
Total Campsites6 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest swimming at the waterfall area and taking caution while driving to the campground.
Best Campsitesnull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutDispersed primitive sites; no detailed layout information.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsNot reservable online; first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable as first-come, first-served for 6 primitive sites.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Activities you can enjoy
Black Rock Campground provides opportunities for activities such as hiking, swimming, fishing, and exploring the nearby Ishi Wilderness. User reviews highlight swimming and hiking as popular activities.
Hiking
The location provides access to trails in the Ishi Wilderness and along Mill Creek. A user review states: "Great place to get away and swim during the summer."Fishing
Fishing in Deer and Mill Creeks is described as rewarding. No further details on types of fish or fishing regulations are provided.Swimming
Swimming is mentioned as one of the highlights, with a user stating: "The highlight is the swimming pool and a small waterfall."Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire grills provided at each site; users should follow local fire restrictions.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include steep mountainsides on access roads, sloping ground at campsites, and narrow dirt roads.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
null
Good to know
Peak season datesnull
Trash and recyclingNo specific trash or recycling facilities are detailed. The wilderness nature of the site suggests pack-out procedures.
Proximity to water featuresMill Creek runs nearby with swimming holes and waterfalls.
Common complaints"The sites themselves are mostly small and not set up well for campers to make their camp," mentions a user. Difficulty accessing the campground due to narrow and rough dirt roads was also noted.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsAccessible via Highway 36 east from Red Bluff to Ponderosa Way. Ponderosa Way is a dirt road that leads to the Ishi Wilderness. The road is not recommended for RVs.
The campground is accessed via Ponderosa Way, a dirt road unsuitable for RVs. The route is narrow in spots with steep mountainsides. "Drive with caution" as noted by users.Nearby places
Red Bluff: Approximately 31 miles/45 minutes.
Nearby supplies
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Camper Reviews
4.5
6 reviews
Black Rock Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, users praise Black Rock Campground for its remote and natural setting, swimming opportunities, and sense of safety. However, the rough dirt roads and small, uneven campsites are common complaints.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews
What Campers Love
Users enjoy the swimming holes, the peacefulness, and the feeling of safety. For example, one review states: "I felt safe and relaxed the whole time" and "Great place to get away and swim during the...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Criticisms focus on the rough road to access the campground, small and uneven campsites, and lack of cell signal. One user noted, "The road in was an adventure in my low-profile car. Took a while....
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring plenty of water and food as there are no facilities on-site. Pack for a primitive experience and enjoy the swimming and tranquility.
Based on 6 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Users highlight the summer months as the best for swimming and escaping the heat. Winter activities are not mentioned.
Based on 6 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Awesome and fun dirty road on the way in. No reservation necessary!" "This location is a place that you really need to work at to get here." "The sites themselves are mostly small and not set up...
Based on 6 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
The campground contains six sites, and one user notes the importance of arriving early due to its small size: "This is a very small campground, so you need to be lucky to get a spot here."
Based on 6 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility for individuals with disabilities is not mentioned in the materials.
Based on 6 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not mentioned.
Based on 6 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025