With 12 sites accessible via rough access roads, Hampshire Rocks sits directly adjacent to the Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest. The US Forest Service campground operates seasonally from late May through September, charging $24-$48 per night with reservations available.
Highway 80 runs close to the campground, creating consistent road noise that campers consistently mention in reviews. "Campground is small, not trailer friendly," notes Rob S., though the campground officially accommodates RVs up to 45 feet. Site #2 offers the most direct river access according to camper feedback. The Yuba River provides cooling opportunities during summer months, with fishing available for those bringing gear.
Recent logging activity has left debris scattered throughout many sites. "Piles of wood and downed trees are everywhere, in every site," reports one visitor, requiring campers to clear areas before setup. Fire pits show wear, and bear boxes appear inconsistently across sites. Drinking water, restrooms, and picnic tables serve basic camping needs.
The campground works as an overnight stop for travelers on Interstate 80, particularly those heading to or from places to camp around Norden. Cell service reaches most sites. Campers seeking quieter forest camping may prefer exploring other options given the persistent freeway noise.
Description
Overview
Hampshire Rocks Campground is located in the Tahoe National Forest on the banks of the South Yuba River, near the Rainbow/Big Bend exit along Interstate 80. Visitors enjoy the area for its cool temperatures, access to the South Yuba River, fishing, and nearby trail opportunities, as well as its historic significance along the California Emigrant Trail. This facility is operated and maintained by the Tahoe National Forest.
Recreation
The South Yuba River offers swimming, and rainbow trout fishing. The surrounding area offers hiking, road biking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle trails. The historic California Emigrant Trail passes through the campground.
Facilities
The campground offers single-family campsites, a few of which are designated for tent camping only. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided.
Natural Features
The campground is situated on the north bank of the upper South Yuba River in a forest of lodgepole pines. Some sites are adjacent to the river, which flows gently through this particular area.
Contact Info
This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (530) 265-4531.
Nearby Attractions
Donner Lake is located 14 miles east of the campground via Historic Route 40/Lincoln Highway, known as the nation's first transcontinental highway. Many points of interest lie along Route 40, including China Wall, Rainbow Bridge, Sugar Bowl, Lake Van Norden and Ice Lakes. Other attractions include Donner Summit PCT, Loch Leven, and Castle Peak Trailheads, Fordyce 4x4 jeep trail, and Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area.
Charges & Cancellations
No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival). * No-show customers are only recorded at staffed facilities. At most remote facilities, all customers are noted as automatically checked-in on the date of arrival. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold a campsite until check-out time on the day following the arrival date. * It is recommended that staffed facilities hold group day-use facilities until check-in time on the arrival date. There is no change fee if a customer extends or shortens a reservation if the change includes dates from the original reservation. If they choose to depart early, they may forfeit some or all of the recreation fees. There is no change fee if the customer changes campsites that are the same price and on the same reservation dates in the same campground. If the campsite the customer is changing to has a price difference, the customer will be responsible for any additional fees or be provided with a refund, based on the price difference. Where recorded, no-show customers are assessed a $20.00 no-show fee and forfeit the first night's recreation fee for a campsite or forfeit the entire day-use recreation fee for a day-use facility. We recommend customers contact the facility if they are en route to their reservation but cannot make it by the check-in date. In these cases, no refund will be issued, but the facility can ensure that a "no-show" fee is not assessed.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
The water at Hampshire Rocks is currently non potable and should not be used for drinking water. Please bring your own water for drinking. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsHampshire Rocks is located in California near Norden
Directions
From Truckee, Calif., take Highway 80 west 17 miles. Take the Rainbow/Big Bend exit. If westbound, turn left under the freeway to the campground entrance. If eastbound, turn right at the stop sign.
Coordinates
39.310768 N
120.500006 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/18/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/18/26
- AT&T5GExcellent Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 43 min from Reno, NV
- 1 hr 13 min from Sacramento, CA
- 1 hr 14 min from Carson City, NV
- 1 hr 19 min from Yuba City, CA













