Camper submitted image from Hampshire Rocks - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Hampshire Rocks - 2
Nature
Camper submitted image from Hampshire Rocks - 3
Water
Camper submitted image from Hampshire Rocks - 4
Signs & Maps
Camper submitted image from Hampshire Rocks - 5
Roads

Established Camping

Hampshire Rocks

Hampshire Rocks, near Camptonville, California, is a straightforward campground that caters to those looking for a no-frills outdoor experience. With sites that allow for both tent and RV camping, it’s a decent spot for a night under the stars, especially if you’re just passing through.

The campground is conveniently located near the South Yuba River, providing easy access to some lovely water views and opportunities for day hikes. Visitors have mentioned that site #2 is a hidden gem, offering a bit more privacy and better access to the river. Just keep in mind that the noise from the nearby highway can be a bit much, so if you’re after complete tranquility, you might want to consider that.

Amenities here are basic but functional. You’ll find picnic tables and fire rings for those cozy campfire evenings, but don’t expect showers or electric hookups. Some campers have pointed out that the campground is clean and well-kept, making it a decent choice for a quick getaway.

If you’re looking to explore, the Tahoe National Forest is right at your doorstep, offering a range of hiking trails and beautiful scenery. Just remember to bring your own firewood, as it’s not provided on-site. Whether you’re here for a quick stop or a longer stay, Hampshire Rocks has the essentials for a simple camping experience.

Description

National Forest

Tahoe National Forest

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 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.

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

For facility specific 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.

Suggest an Edit

Location

Hampshire Rocks is located in California

Detail location of campground

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.

Address

YUBA RIVER RANGER STATION THIS IS THE ADDRESS OF THE RANGER STATION, NOT THE CAMPGROUND 15924 HWY. 49
Camptonville, CA 95922

Coordinates

39.310768 N
120.500006 W

Open in Google Maps

Is Hampshire Rocks sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

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

Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

0%
25%
25%
25%
25%

2.5

out of 5

4 Reviews

Reviewed May. 11, 2023

Closed at this time - lots of snow!

We were looking for a place just for the night and thought we'd take our chances here without a reservation, the easy access from the freeway and low fee of $24 being the main draw for us. But it was closed, and all completely snowed in. According to the website they are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, but another part of the website said they will open June 23 this year, which I think is more reasonable considering the huge amount of snow at this time (mid May). Freeway noise is definitely an issue here so heads up on that!

Month of VisitMay
  • Play button icon
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Hampshire Rocks by Laura M., May 11, 2023
  • (7) View All
Reviewed Jul. 7, 2020

Ok sites, bad road noise

The sites were fine and the campground was clean and conveniently located if you want to go to Donner Lake, etc. But the noise from 80 is relentless. I would only recommend the spot if you’re passing through.

Reviewed Jul. 22, 2019

Failure

We reserved our sites many months ago. In June I got an email saying our site was closed. I checked several review places and some claimed the gates were locked. Then later others noted it was now open. I called the rangers and they told be it was logged last year and some had not been cleaned up. A few sites were cleared but many had logs still in them. They said they call back and help me try to find a resolution. They never called back. The site is trying to charge me a $10 reservation cancellation fee even though my site is not available.

We ended up booking Chapman Creek instead. Looks like we made a good choice as every review coming in on other sites says the noise is ridiculous.

Reviewed Jun. 26, 2016

Very Functional but not off the road to far!

It is about 40 yards from the highway 80 offramp, so sound is never quite "nature" :) It is near civilization if you want to "glamp" for a bit. It is right on the water. If you want to know a secret, get camp site #2, and you will be less surrounded by other campers and have more access to the water.

Walk south west from the campsite on the road and you will have some decent day hiking with lovely views, but again, not entirely away from human buildings and wires, and all that.

  • Review photo of Hampshire Rocks by Patrick O., June 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Hampshire Rocks by Patrick O., June 26, 2016
  • Review photo of Hampshire Rocks by Patrick O., June 26, 2016
  • (7) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does it cost to camp at Hampshire Rocks?

    Camping at Hampshire Rocks can cost between $24.00 and $48.00 depending on the site.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Hampshire Rocks?

    Hampshire Rocks allows vehicles up to 45 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Hampshire Rocks?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Hampshire Rocks, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Hampshire Rocks have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Hampshire Rocks does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Hampshire Rocks?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.

  • How hard is it to get a campsite at Hampshire Rocks?

    Some campers book as far as 6 months in advance, so on high-demand weekends it can be very difficult to get a campsite at Hampshire Rocks. If you want to get a last-minute campsite at Hampshire Rocks, try setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts

  • Why is it so hard to get a campsite at Hampshire Rocks?

    There are 33 campsites at Hampshire Rocks and over 80 million Americans who camp! Try snagging a cancellation by setting up a text message Alert atTheDyrt.com/alerts