Rocky Rest
4.2928 reviewsnull
Rocky Rest
$24.00 - $24.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
Peak season overnight rates are $24.00 per night for standard nonelectric sites. Rates remain the same during the first-come, first-served season.
About this campground
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.
Historical SignificanceYour campsite rests along the legendary Highway 49, the golden thread that connects California's most storied mining towns. Just a short drive away, the preserved facades of Downieville and Camptonville whisper tales of boom and bust, fortune and folly. These living museums of the Gold Rush era invite exploration, where you can walk the same streets that prospectors, merchants, and dreamers traversed over 170 years ago in their quest for golden glory.
Weather and SeasonsFrom 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.
Elevationnull
Natural Features and SceneryPerched on the north bank of the rushing North Yuba River, Rocky Rest offers front-row seats to nature's theater. Towering Douglas firs stretch skyward alongside stately pines and spreading oaks, creating a living cathedral that filters sunlight into dancing patterns on the forest floor. While the generous shade provides welcome relief from summer heat, the close-knit community of trees creates an intimate camping experience where the sounds of the river and rustling leaves become your constant companions.
Geological RegionRocky Rest sits within the majestic Tahoe National Forest, where the North Yuba River has carved its course through ancient granite and volcanic formations over millennia. This diverse ecosystem showcases the Sierra Nevada's characteristic blend of coniferous giants—Douglas firs reaching for the clouds, sugar pines dropping their massive cones, and sturdy oaks anchoring the understory. The result is a textbook example of mixed Sierra forest, where each species plays its part in creating a resilient, ever-changing tapestry of green.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLimited information is available on accessibility features. User reviews do not provide explicit feedback on the accessibility of facilities.
Sites 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.
Sites 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 CampsitesSite 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 is noted for its privacy and elevated position, while Site 8 offers scenic river views.
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.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of single-family sites with picnic tables and fire pits, arranged along loops near the river.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season: April 15th to October 15th annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served availability: October 16, 2025 - October 31, 2025.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee. Late cancellations for individual campsites (starting from midnight 1 calendar day before check-in) also forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.
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.
Hiking
The 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.'Fishing
Fishing 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.'Swimming
A 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.'Biking
Mountain 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.'Boating
Seasonal rafting, kayaking, and tubing are popular activities on the North Yuba River. No specific details about docking facilities are provided.Beach activities
A small rocky beach near the campground offers activities like sunbathing and swimming.Winter Activities
No specific details about winter activities such as skiing or snowshoeing are provided.Water Sports
The campground supports non-motorized water sports such as rafting and kayaking during the season. Specific details about rentals or guided tours are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are generally permitted but may be restricted based on weather conditions.
- Quiet hours are enforced after 10 PM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
95
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 21%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 10 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
Emergency services are likely accessible via the Yuba River Ranger Station in Camptonville, CA (approximately 15924 HIGHWAY 49).
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates: April 15, 2025 - October 15, 2025.
Trash and 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.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is located adjacent to the North Yuba River, featuring swimming holes and a rocky beach.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include insufficient porta-potty facilities in the Sites 5–10 loop, crowded conditions during weekends, and limited privacy between campsites.
Hostnull
Campground Map
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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).
Camper Reviews
4.3
28 reviews
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 28 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....
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
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 28 reviewsShow more
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 28 reviewsShow more
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 28 reviewsShow more
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 28 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 28 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews were provided. General feedback does not indicate significant accessibility features.
Based on 28 reviewsPet-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 28 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025