View of South Yuba River from Campground
Closed

Closed for the season. Normally operates Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend, though dates may vary depending on weather and snow conditions.

National Forest System Roads

Follow California Vehicle Code on National Forest System Roads

Fireworks and Explosives are always Prohibited

Fireworks and explosives (including explosive targets) are always prohibited on national forest lands. The prohibition of fireworks and exploding targets on national forest system lands is part of a set of permanent fire safety regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), listed below.…

Downieville Downhill Closure Order

Closure of identified forest roads and trails for Downieville Downhill.

Alder 89 Timber Sale Closure

Closure of Alder 89 WUI Timber Sale area.

Big Chief Sale Closure

This order closes forest system roads and trails within the Big Chief project area. This closure is to provide for public safety while 675 acres of forest are treated to enhance wildfire defense in the area.

Alpine Meadows Stewardship Agreement Closure

This order closes the Alpine Meadows Project area to allow forest restoration work to take place.

Sugar Pine Roadside Fuel Break Project

Tahoe National Forest contractors are conducting fuels reduction work in the Sugar Pine Reservoir area. Contractors will be masticating ladder fuels to reduce wildfire risk adjacent to North Brimstone Rd (24) between Sugar Pine Rd and Big Reservoir Rd. There may be unexpected hazards such as flying…

Parking Restrictions

Parking or leaving a vehicle is prohibited on Tahoe National Forest where posted.

14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions

Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.

2026-27 OHV Grant Applications Notice of Public Review and Comment Opportunity

This grant cycle the Tahoe National Forest will be submitting grant applications for:Ground Operations (OHV trails and facilities maintenance)Law EnforcementEducation and Safety – Focused education at Tahoe NF OHV “Hotspots” through Forest Service personnel, Volunteer Trail Rangers and…

PRESCRIBED FIRE NOTICE: McNair & Quail Landings - 59 acres

Tahoe National Forest is planning to conduct a prescribed burn in the Calpine area, conditions permitting. Smoke will be visible from Calpine, Sierraville, Loyalton and surrounding areas.  Smoke may settle overnight in valleys, drainages, and throughout the surrounding communities.  Smoke will…

Snow Grooming Updates

Grooming operations have ceased pending new storms. Conditions are more like late April/May than March. Expect running water and thin snow coverage. Trailhead location for Little Truckee Summit staging is currently at the Perazzo turnoff. GROOMING PROGRAM: Snowmobile trail grooming is funded by…

Sierraville Ranger District Trail Closure

Forest Trail 16E87 (Boca-Loyalton Trail) is closed for public health and safety.

Camping and Campfire Restrictions-Truckee and Sierraville Districts

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and toprotect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Truckee and Sierraville RangerDistricts of the Tahoe National Forest. This Order is effective from July 1, 2025, through…

Highway 20 Area Camping Restrictions

To provide for public safety and to protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Tahoe National Forest.

14-day Camping Occupancy Restrictions

Camping on the Tahoe National Forest is limited to 14 days in a calendar year.

Hoke Valley- Forest Road 860-07 (17E11 Trail) Closed

Forest Road 860 -01 (17E11 Trail) in the Hoke Valley area has been closed to allow for Hoke Valley Meadow restoration.

Winter Storm Warning issued April 21 at 11:02AM PDT until April 22 at 5:00PM PDT by NWS Sacramento CA

11:02 AM — April 22nd, 5:00 PM

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of up to 6 to 12 inches above 5000 feet, with up to 18 inches at the highest peaks. Minor accumulations of up to 2 inches possible down to 4500 feet. Southwest winds could gust as high as 50 mph. * WHERE...Northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades above 5000 feet, including Highway 50, Interstate 80 and Lassen Volcanic National Park. * WHEN...Until 5 PM PDT Wednesday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the Tuesday and Wednesday commutes. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels 5500 to 6500 feet today, lowering to 4500 to 5500 feet by early Wednesday. Locally lower snow levels possible in heavier convective showers. Heaviest snowfall expected this afternoon and evening with snowfall rates of 1 to 2 inches per hour at times.

About

Hampshire Rocks Campground is situated on the north bank of the upper South Yuba River in Tahoe National Forest, near the Rainbow/Big Bend exit along Interstate 80. The campground features 31 sites set among lodgepole pines, mixed conifers, aspen, and dogwood at an elevation of 5,800 feet. Several sites are located directly adjacent to the river, which flows gently through this area. The South Yuba River provides opportunities for swimming and rainbow trout fishing during the summer months. The surrounding area offers diverse recreation including hiking, road biking, mountain biking, and off-road vehicle trails. The historic California Emigrant Trail passes directly through the campground, adding historical significance to the natural beauty. Nearby attractions include Donner Lake, the historic Route 40/Lincoln Highway corridor, and various trailheads including Donner Summit PCT, Loch Leven, and Castle Peak. Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table and campfire ring. The campground provides vault toilets but no potable water on-site. There are no RV hookups or dump stations, and size restrictions may apply for RVs. Visitors should note that highway noise from I-80 is audible throughout the campground. The facility is reservation-based with some first-come, first-served sites available.

Directions

From I-80 heading west: Take the Rainbow Road exit and cross to the south side of the freeway. The campground is on Hampshire Rocks Road. From I-80 heading east: Take the Big Bend exit to Hampshire Rocks Road. Turn left on Hampshire Rocks Road and continue to the campground on the right.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed Yes
Showers No
Electric Hookups No
Water Hookups No
Sewer Hookups No
Camp Store No
Price $48

Vehicle

Max RV Length 45ft
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (530) 265-4531

Cell Service

AT&T Yes
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile Yes

Availability

Photos

View of South Yuba River from Campground
Hampshire Rocks Entrance
South Yuba River at Hampshire Rocks Campground
Hampshire Rocks Campground
South Yuba River at Hampshire Rocks Campground

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