Hampshire Rocks Campground sits along the South Yuba River in a forest of lodgepole pines, where gentle water flows past 31 sites at 5,800 feet elevation. The location puts you right on the historic California Emigrant Trail with decent access to Sierra Nevada recreation from the Rainbow/Big Bend exit off I-80. It's a solid base camp for fishing, swimming, and exploring the trails around Donner Summit.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 31
- 💵Fee per Night
- $24
- 📋Reservations
- Reservation Required
- 🏔️Elevation
- 5,800 ft
- 📍GPS
- 39.31079, -120.50003
- 🌤️Best Seasons
- spring, fall
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-478-6253
- 🗺️Address
- CA
Amenities
The Camp
The campground spreads along the north bank of the upper South Yuba River, where the water runs gentle through this stretch. Sites sit in lodgepole pine forest at 5,800 feet, with some positioned right along the river. Each of the 31 sites comes with a picnic table and fire ring, though a few are designated tent-only. Vault toilets and drinking water are provided, but this is an unstaffed facility.
The South Yuba offers swimming holes and rainbow trout fishing right from camp. You're also camping on a piece of California history — the California Emigrant Trail passes directly through the campground.
What to Know
Reservations are required, and at $24 per night, sites fill up during peak season. The campground operates in spring and fall when temperatures stay cool at this elevation. Being unstaffed means you're on your own once you arrive, though the main Tahoe National Forest office at (530) 265-4531 can answer questions.
Nearby
Donner Lake sits 14 miles east via Historic Route 40, the nation's first transcontinental highway. The drive takes you past China Wall, Rainbow Bridge, and Sugar Bowl, with Lake Van Norden and Ice Lakes also accessible along the route.
Trail access includes Donner Summit PCT, Loch Leven, and Castle Peak trailheads for hiking. Mountain bikers and OHV riders can hit the surrounding trail network, including the Fordyce 4x4 trail. The Grouse Ridge Non-Motorized Area offers quieter hiking and biking options. Road cyclists can tackle Historic Route 40 itself, though traffic can be heavy during peak travel times.