Rush Creek Campground
05 reviewsState Route 3, Weaverville, CA
Rush Creek Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
The fee for single campsites is $10 per night, with an additional vehicle fee of $6 per night. Interagency Senior/Access Recreation Passes provide a 50% discount on single campsites only. Cash or check payment is required.
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About this campground
Tucked away in a pristine pocket of wilderness, Rush Creek Campground invites you to disconnect from the world and reconnect with nature. Here, towering Douglas firs mingle with stately oaks and vibrant maples to create a natural cathedral above your tent. Each campsite has been thoughtfully positioned to offer maximum privacy, ensuring your wilderness experience feels genuinely secluded. While you'll need to bring your own water and navigate the rustic unpaved roads that wind through the forest, modern restroom facilities ensure basic comforts are never far away. The gentle murmur of Rush Creek provides a constant, soothing soundtrack to your stay.
This campground primarily supports tent camping, with a few combined sites and no RV pull-throughs.
Weather and SeasonsRush Creek transforms with the seasons, offering distinctly different experiences throughout the year. Winter and early spring paint the landscape in dramatic contrasts, with crisp, cold air and the possibility of snow or rain adding adventure to any visit. As summer arrives, the campground becomes a haven of warmth and sunshine, with long, dry days perfect for hiking, relaxing by the creek, or stargazing through the forest canopy. Autumn brings its own magic as temperatures cool and the maples burst into flame-colored glory, though occasional storms remind visitors of nature's unpredictable beauty.
ElevationPerched at 2,800 feet above sea level, Rush Creek Campground occupies a sweet spot in the mountains where summer temperatures remain pleasantly warm without the intense heat of lower elevations. This moderate altitude creates ideal camping conditions from late spring through early fall, though visitors should pack layers for the notably cooler mornings and evenings that come with mountain camping, especially during shoulder seasons.
Natural Features and SceneryThe true magic of Rush Creek lies in its harmonious blend of water and forest. The namesake creek winds through the campground like a silver ribbon, its gentle babbling creating a natural white noise that lulls campers to sleep and greets them each morning. Above, a mixed canopy of Douglas fir, oak, and maple creates an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow, while the understory offers glimpses of ferns, wildflowers, and the occasional wildlife visitor drawn to the creek's edge.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast expanse of Trinity National Forest, Rush Creek Campground showcases the region's remarkable biodiversity where coniferous and deciduous forests meet. The campground follows the natural contours of Rush Creek's path, where centuries of flowing water have carved a gentle valley through the landscape. This unique positioning among Douglas firs, oaks, and maples represents a transitional ecosystem that supports an unusually diverse array of plant and animal life.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, and the site is not noted to be wheelchair-friendly.
Sites SizeThe average maximum trailer size accommodated is 20 feet.
Sites Privacy"Most campsites are well separated providing good privacy."
Total Campsites11 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites closer to the creek for better views and sound ambiance.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Open 24 hours
Check-out
Open 24 hours
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive days.
Groups
No group-specific sites or associated features are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground layout consists of 11 campsites spread along Rush Creek. Sites are well separated for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground opens the week before Memorial Day Weekend and closes October 31st.
Reservation PlatformsSites are not reservable.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are walk-up only. "Sites may be reservable, but no reservation platform is currently active."
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Rush Creek Campground provides a serene setting with activities such as fishing, hunting, and scenic driving, offering opportunities for relaxation and outdoor enjoyment.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available, particularly for brook and rainbow trout.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- All campsites include fire rings. Follow standard fire safety procedures.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is common in this area, as mentioned in user reviews: "Lots of bear in this area!" Additionally, the challenging road conditions might pose a hazard for smaller vehicles: "The road will take the bottom out of a car."
Weather forecast
97
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 18%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 3.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Ranger District Office in Weaverville; nearest hospital and emergency services located in Weaverville.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season starts before Memorial Day Weekend and continues through the summer months.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information available about trash and recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresRush Creek runs through the campground, providing auditory and scenic benefits. No swimming or boating options are available.
Common complaintsComplaints include challenging road conditions and occasional ATV disturbances during the day: "The road in is awful." "Excellent campsite marred only by the ATV riding around all afternoon."
Campground Map
State Route 3, Weaverville, CA
Driving directionsFrom Weaverville, take State Route 3 north for about 8 miles. Turn left at Rush Creek Campground sign and drive 0.5 miles.
The campground is accessible via State Route 3, with the final stretch involving unpaved dirt and gravel roads. Some user reviews indicate that the road condition can be challenging, particularly around dark. "The road will take the bottom out of a car; I'm in a Yukon and it was a struggle."Nearby places
Weaverville (8 miles, approximately 15-minute drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies available in Weaverville, 8 miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Rush Creek Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the campground's quiet nature and proximity to Rush Creek, emphasizing its privacy and natural setting. However, some users have raised concerns about bears and the challenging road leading to the site.
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciate the quietness, separation of campsites for privacy, and the proximity to Rush Creek. One user described it as "nice quiet campground with creek nearby." Another user called it "one...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some users noted the difficult road access, describing it as 'awful' and mentioning that it could damage smaller cars. Additionally, concerns about bears were frequently mentioned, as this is a bear...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Future campers are advised to prepare for bear encounters by practicing safe food storage techniques. Additionally, vehicles with good ground clearance are recommended for navigating the rough road...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that the campground is more enjoyable during the peak summer months due to accessible weather conditions. Concerns about bears are consistent year-round, and access issues with the...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Nice quiet campground with creek nearby.' - John Ivester
2. 'The campgrounds are absolutely beautiful but the road in is awful.' - Hygh Kyte024
3. 'Lots of bears in this area!' - แซคเคอร์รี่...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Specific sites are not individually reviewed, but the campground overall is described as offering good privacy and proximity to Rush Creek.
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features or experiences for users with disabilities.
Based on 5 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews explicitly discuss pet-related experiences, although pets are allowed if leashed.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025