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Lower Rush Creek Campground

5 ReviewsAdd Review

This free Forest Service campground sits along a maintained gravel road just off Highway 299, with about 10 sites split between drive-in and walk-in options. The front section accommodates RVs up to 22 feet, while a small bridge leads to four tent-only sites that see minimal use. Alex P. found it "a nice quiet, shady place to stay" during their August visit.

Rush Creek runs through the property, though steep banks limit easy water access in most areas. The campground provides pit toilets, fire rings, and trash service, but the water system remains shut off seasonally. Several private homes sit within view of the camping area, which can affect the sense of remoteness. Ticks concentrate near the creek's grassy edges, so campers should check carefully after exploring the water areas.

Sites feature either traditional fire pits or oven-style fire rings, with current fire restrictions varying by season. The tight loop road requires careful maneuvering for larger RVs. Cell service runs spotty to nonexistent for most carriers. Even during peak summer weekends, the campground rarely fills completely.

The location works well as an overnight stop for travelers on Highway 299, with Upper Rush Creek Campground located just 2.1 miles northeast for those wanting additional options. Check current fire restrictions before arrival, as regulations change throughout the season.

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Location

Public Campground

Lower Rush Creek Campground is located in California

Detail location of campground

Directions

From Adin travel north on Hwy139/299 7.6 miles to County Road 198. Turn right on County Road 198 and go .1 mile to Rush Creek Dr/Lower Rush Creek Road. Turn left and continue on .5 miles to Lower Rush Creek Campground.

Coordinates

41.28010117 N
120.878686 W

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Connectivity

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    Verizon
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    AT&T
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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Tent Cabin

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

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4.5

out of 5

5 Reviews

Campers regularly cited this free USFS campground's well-maintained sites and peaceful setting just off Highway 299. Many mentioned the reliable basic amenities like pit toilets and trash service, though water availability varies seasonally.

Jordan B.
Reviewed Jul. 17, 2025

OK for an overnight stop

Small campground with 10 or so sites. 6 of them are drive up, and there are 4 tent only sites that you have to cross a small bridge to get to. We walked around back there, and you can tell these barely ever get used. Site #5 fit our 22 foot travel trailer and truck really well. The loop around is tight, but you could probably get through with a 24 or 25 foot trailer if you were careful. I wouldn't try anything bigger than that though. 

This was a decent (and free!) place to spend a night if you are traveling through, but probably not worth it to spend more than a day. We came on a Friday afternoon in mid July and had the whole place to ourselves. By that night we had one neighbor, so it is definitely quite, and even during the busiest times you will probably get a spot no problem.

The creek is small, and access is somewhat hard to get to since it has steep sides on a lot of it. There are quite a few ticks that like the grass near the waters edge too. We were careful and still ended up pulling a few off that night, so use caution. Didn't notice any hanging around the campsites themselves. 

Also, you are within sight of several properties and houses right next to the campground, so it doesn't really feel all that remote or private. Someone ended up cruising up and down the road in the middle of the night with loud engines, and it kept us awake, so all and all wasn't a super pleasant camping experience, but if all you need is a quick overnight spot it would do the trick.

Site5
Month of VisitJuly
goose10091203
Reviewed Jun. 22, 2025

Quiet mostly, great free stop

It was great. For a free campground it has space, bathrooms, and trash bins. You can't ask for me from a free spot than this! It was chilly even in June

Site5
Month of VisitJune
  • Review photo of Lower Rush Creek Campground by goose10091203 , June 22, 2025
Aliza N.
Reviewed Oct. 27, 2022

Great USFS campground right of hwy

Free usfs camping! Secluded little campground right off 299. Follow directions on Dyrt app as coordinates don’t quite take you to the actual campground. There is signage as you turn off 299 but mileage is off. Pit toilets, trash and seasonal? water (was off when we were here in late October). Sites may be small for a big rig but fit our van with plenty of room.

Site3
Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Lower Rush Creek Campground by Aliza N., October 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Lower Rush Creek Campground by Aliza N., October 27, 2022
  • Review photo of Lower Rush Creek Campground by Aliza N., October 27, 2022
  • (10) View All
Alex P.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2020

Shady, quiet spots, lovely creek passing through

This campground is not far from the highway, on a nicely maintained gravel road. Some private homes not too far from the grounds. There were about 10 sites here, each had fire pit. You should be careful to read about fire restrictions in the area, just in case. At the time we were there, you could have fires in designated areas, but please make sure they’re out cold when you’re done! The front part of the camp ground has drive in sites and across the bridge, over the creek, there were a handful more walk up sites that were nicely shaded and removed. Those back sites had these sort of ovens as opposed to traditional fire pits. The pit toilets were decently clean, but quite dark inside. There are water spigots, but no water comes out - we later saw a sign posted saying that the water system was shut off. There’s little to no Verizon service. Overall, it was a nice quiet, shady place to stay!

Site5
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Lower Rush Creek Campground by Alex P., August 11, 2020
Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities are available at Lower Rush Creek Campground?

Lower Rush Creek Campground offers basic but functional amenities. Each of the approximately 10 sites includes a fire pit. The campground provides pit toilets and trash bins. Water is seasonally available but may be turned off during late fall and winter months (like October). The campground has both drive-up sites and tent-only sites, with the tent sites accessible via a small bridge. Despite being free, the campground is well-maintained with adequate facilities for a comfortable wilderness experience.

Where is Lower Rush Creek Campground located?

Lower Rush Creek Campground is located just off Highway 299 in California. The campground is accessible via a well-maintained gravel road that branches off from the highway. While it's close enough to the highway for convenient access, it remains secluded enough to provide a peaceful camping experience. There are some private homes in the vicinity, but they don't detract from the natural setting of this USFS (United States Forest Service) campground.

Do I need reservations for Lower Rush Creek Campground?

Reservations are not required for Lower Rush Creek Campground as it operates on a first-come, first-served basis. This free USFS campground has about 10 sites total, with 6 drive-up sites and 4 tent-only sites across a small bridge. The tent sites appear to be less frequently used, potentially offering more availability. For the best chance at securing a spot, especially during peak camping seasons, arriving early is recommended.

What activities can I do near Lower Rush Creek Campground?

The area around Lower Rush Creek Campground offers numerous outdoor recreation opportunities. Being tucked away in a natural setting, it's ideal for hiking and nature exploration. The campground's location makes it a good base for fishing in nearby waters, wildlife viewing, and photography. Stargazing is excellent in this secluded area. The proximity to Highway 299 means you're not far from other regional attractions. Be sure to check current fire restrictions before planning campfires or cooking activities, as regulations can vary seasonally.

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