Rocky Rest sits along the North Yuba River near Downieville, where a 7.5-mile trail starts right from camp and the river offers swimming holes and trout fishing. The Douglas fir, pine, and oak provide decent shade but little privacy between the 10 sites. It's a solid base for exploring gold rush country along Highway 49.
Campground Details
- ⛺Type
- Group
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 10
- 💵Fee per Night
- $24
- 📍GPS
- 39.51332, -120.97722
- 🌤️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 North Yuba River, with each site getting a picnic table and fire ring. The forest canopy keeps things reasonably cool, though don't expect much screening between neighbors. A small rocky beach and swimming hole sit at the water's edge — handy for cooling off after a day on the trails or panning for gold.
Vault toilets and drinking water cover the basics. Since this is an unstaffed facility, you're on your own once you arrive.
The River and Trail
The North Yuba Trail departs directly from camp, running 7.5 miles and open to both hikers and mountain bikers. The river itself handles the heavy lifting for entertainment: swimming when it's warm enough, floating when water levels cooperate, and rainbow trout fishing year-round. During spring runoff, the North Yuba draws seasonal rafters, kayakers, and tubers.
Gold Rush Territory
Rocky Rest sits on the Yuba Donner Scenic Byway, putting you in the heart of Sierra Nevada mining history. The 49 miles of Highway 49 driving tour connects old mining towns like Camptonville, Goodyears Bar, and Downieville, with interpretive signs marking historical sites along the route. New Bullards Bar Reservoir and the network of singletrack trails for hiking, biking, and motorcycles are within range for day trips.
At $24 per night, it's straightforward riverside camping with trail access and swimming holes. The real draw is the location — river access plus easy shots at both backcountry trails and gold country exploration.