Ramshorn
01 reviewRamshorn
$10.00 - $20.00 / 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
Reservation fees include a $20 no-show fee and $10 cancellation fee. Additional vehicle cost is $5 per night. No explicit campsite rates provided.
About this campground
Escape to Ramshorn Campground, a serene tent-only retreat tucked away along scenic Highway 49 in the heart of Tahoe National Forest. This intimate single-family campground offers the perfect basecamp for outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic wilderness experiences. Cast your line in pristine waters, explore winding forest trails, or try your luck at gold panning in the same streams that sparked California's legendary Gold Rush. Here, the simplicity of tent camping meets the endless possibilities of Sierra Nevada adventure.
Ramshorn Campground is exclusively designed for tent camping, offering single-family sites. RV camping or group camping options are not available.
Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Ramshorn Campground, where the echoes of California's Gold Rush era still resonate through the surrounding hills. Just a short drive away, the historic towns of Camptonville, Goodyears Bar, and Downieville preserve the spirit of the 49ers who once scoured these mountains for fortune. As you travel Highway 49—aptly named for those pioneering prospectors—interpretive signs reveal fascinating stories of boom towns, mining camps, and the colorful characters who shaped this region's rich heritage.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the full spectrum of Sierra seasons at Ramshorn, where each time of year paints the landscape in different hues. Winter transforms the campground into a crisp wonderland, with potential snow dustings and refreshing mountain rains creating a peaceful atmosphere for hardy campers. As summer arrives, the forest comes alive under warm, dry skies—though Mother Nature occasionally reminds visitors to respect her power with fire restrictions during the hottest months. Spring and fall offer ideal conditions, with comfortable temperatures perfect for all your outdoor pursuits.
ElevationPerched dramatically on the steep canyon walls of the North Yuba River Valley, Ramshorn Campground offers campers a true mountain experience. The campground's hillside location provides a sense of seclusion and adventure, with sites carefully carved into the natural topography of this rugged Sierra terrain.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of Ramshorn Campground, where towering cedars and majestic firs create a natural cathedral overhead. The campground cascades down the steep slopes of the North Yuba River Valley, offering glimpses of the rushing waters below through breaks in the forest canopy. Wild blackberry bushes dot the understory, promising sweet summer treats for observant foragers, while ancient oak trees spread their gnarled branches to provide welcome shade on warm afternoons. This is nature's amphitheater, where every campsite offers front-row seats to the Sierra Nevada's timeless performance.
Geological RegionCarved by centuries of flowing water and geological forces, the North Yuba River Valley showcases the raw power of Sierra Nevada geography. Ramshorn Campground clings to the valley's steep walls, where ancient geological processes have created a dramatic landscape of plunging slopes and river-carved granite. The dense forests of cedar, fir, and oak that blanket these hillsides tell the story of ecological succession, while scattered blackberry thickets and diverse understory plants demonstrate nature's resilience in this dynamic mountain environment.
Campsite details
Accessibility: No specific information about accessibility features for campers with disabilities is available.
Sites SizeAll sites are designated for tent camping only. No specific dimensions for individual sites are provided.
Sites PrivacyThe campground has two loops, with shady oak trees scattered around the upper loop. Privacy levels between sites are not explicitly discussed.
Total Campsites0 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPreference for sites in the upper loop for more shade from oak trees.
Best CampsitesUser Review: Site 02, 'Loop: AREA RAMSHORN' was mentioned but no specifics provided.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights total at this campground within each year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Details not provided
Groups
:Group camping facilities are not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutTwo loops surrounded by blackberry bushes in a cedar and fir forest. Upper loop shaded by oak trees.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo data on walk-up availabilities provided.
Cancellation PolicyCustomers may cancel a reservation prior to the day of check-in with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations incur additional penalties, including forfeiting the first night's fees for campsites.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ramshorn Campground offers a variety of outdoor activities, with a strong emphasis on connecting with nature. Visitors can hike, fish, hunt, bike, and enjoy swimming in the North Yuba River. The area is a hub for mountain biking and offers access to motorized trails. Seasonal activities such as rafting, kayaking, and tubing are popular during specific times of the year.
Hiking
The campground is connected to a network of hiking trails. The 5.8-mile Halls Ranch Trail supports hiking, mountain biking, and motorized use. Additionally, the Yuba River Trail can be accessed nearby at the Rocky Rest Trailhead.Fishing
Fishing for rainbow trout in the North Yuba River is a highlight for visitors.Swimming
The North Yuba River is suitable for swimming, floating, and tubing. Specific safety measures or designated swimming areas are not mentioned.Biking
The area is popular for mountain biking, with many trails accommodating this activity, including the Halls Ranch Trail.Boating
Seasonal boating activities such as rafting, kayaking, and tubing are available in the North Yuba River.Winter Activities
No winter-specific recreational activities are mentioned.Water Sports
Seasonal water sports like kayaking, tubing, and rafting are prominent activities available in the North Yuba River.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire restrictions may be imposed during dry weather conditions.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsBears frequent the area. The campground is on steep terrain.
Active alertsTree work closures affected reservations in past years.
Weather forecast
93
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 23%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 12 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Yuba River Ranger Station, Camptonville
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season not explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingTrash collection is available on-site. No mention of recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to North Yuba River; activities include swimming, fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
Common complaints"Reservation was cancelled without notice due to tree work, leading to frustration." - User review
HostNo data provided.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Downieville, take Highway 49 south for about 5.5 miles. The campground is on the right side of the highway.
The campground is accessible from Highway 49 and located on steep slopes. Specific road conditions are not provided.Nearby places
Downieville (5.5 miles), Nevada City (36 miles), Camptonville (distance not specified)
Nearby supplies
Details not provided
likely available in nearby cities like Downieville.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Ramshorn has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User feedback for Ramshorn Campground is highly limited and includes only one review, which reflects a negative experience due to external circumstances rather than the campground facilities themselves.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
No positive aspects mentioned in the provided user review.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
One review criticizes the management of campground reservations, specifically mentioning a cancellation due to tree work. The reviewer noted, "It was a bad experience all the way around because of...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
There is insufficient user data to analyze seasonal trends.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Our reservation was cancelled by .gov and we never were able to stay. It was a bad experience all the way around because of the mess of how camping has been handled."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
One review references campsite '02' in the 'AREA RAMSHORN' loop, but the feedback primarily focuses on administrative issues rather than the site itself.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No user feedback regarding accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No user feedback regarding pet-related experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025