Rocky Knoll Campground

For California residents yearning for a tranquil escape into nature, where the sounds of a running stream and the rustle of leaves replace urban noise, Rocky Knoll Campground near Susanville offers a truly refreshing experience. Described as a "hidden gem," this campground provides a serene setting that's perfect for unwinding with family and friends. Unlike some of the more bustling recreational areas, Rocky Knoll prioritizes peace and quiet, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the beautiful landscapes of Lassen National Forest.

Located adjacent to the charming Silver Lake, this campground combines rustic charm with essential amenities, making it a beloved spot for those who appreciate simplicity and natural beauty. This article will guide California locals through what makes Rocky Knoll Campground a special destination, from its spacious sites to its proximity to water-based activities. We'll delve into the services it offers, its unique highlights, and provide practical information to help you plan your next peaceful outdoor adventure in Northern California.

Rocky Knoll Campground is nestled in a scenic area near Susanville, California, within the expansive Lassen National Forest. The address for this tranquil spot is Susanville, CA 96130, USA. Its location provides a true sense of remoteness and an escape from the city, while still being accessible enough for many Northern California residents. The campground is specifically located close to Silver Lake, adding to its appeal for water recreation enthusiasts.

Accessing Rocky Knoll Campground typically involves a drive along well-maintained forest roads. From Susanville, you would generally travel towards the Westwood area and then follow signs or maps leading to Silver Lake and the campground. The roads leading to the campground are unpaved dirt roads, but they are generally manageable for most vehicles. While RVs can be accommodated at some of the 18 designated sites, visitors should be prepared for typical forest road conditions. There is no public transportation directly to Rocky Knoll Campground, so personal vehicles are essential for reaching this secluded retreat. It's always advisable for California locals planning a trip to check current road conditions with the Lassen National Forest, especially during the spring and fall or after any significant weather events, to ensure a smooth and safe journey to this beautiful, quiet area. The slightly off-the-beaten-path accessibility contributes to its "hidden gem" status, helping to maintain its peaceful atmosphere.

Rocky Knoll Campground offers a rustic yet comfortable camping experience, providing key amenities that cater to a traditional outdoor adventure.

Services Offered:

• Campsites: The campground features approximately 18 designated campsites. These sites are generally large and well-spaced, ensuring campers have plenty of room and a good degree of privacy. Some sites can accommodate RVs, though specific length limitations should be confirmed.
• Picnic Tables: Each campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and other outdoor activities.
• Fire Pits: Fire pits (or fire rings) are available at each site, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires for warmth, ambiance, and cooking. Always check for current fire restrictions before lighting a fire.
• Vault Toilets: The campground provides basic pit or vault toilets. While Spartan, these facilities are noted by visitors to be kept surprisingly clean, even with daily trash removal by the site caretakers. There are typically two such toilets serving the campground.
• Water (Hand Pump): Potable water is available via a hand pump. This provides a reliable source of drinking water, though campers should be prepared to pump it themselves.
• Trash Removal: Despite its rustic nature, trash is removed daily, indicating that the site caretakers (camp hosts) take great care in maintaining the cleanliness of the campground.

It's important for campers to note that while water is available via hand pump, there is no running water for sinks or showers, and no electrical or sewer hookups.

Rocky Knoll Campground offers several features and highlights that make it a highly desirable destination for California locals seeking a tranquil and authentic outdoor experience.

• Peaceful and Quiet Atmosphere: A consistent theme from visitor reviews is the remarkable peace and quiet found at Rocky Knoll. Unlike more popular and crowded campgrounds, it provides a genuine escape from noise, allowing campers to truly hear "the sounds of a running stream and occasional breeze in the trees." This makes it significantly quieter than its neighboring Silver Bowl campground.
• Secluded Setting: Described as a "hidden gem" and a "terrific escape from civilization," Rocky Knoll offers a sense of seclusion. The campsites are not too close together, ensuring privacy and personal space.
• Proximity to Silver Lake: Silver Lake is just "a few steps away" from the campground, providing immediate access to water-based activities. This includes opportunities for swimming and kayaking in its clear waters.
• Beautiful Natural Area: The campground is surrounded by picturesque nature, offering a visually appealing backdrop for your camping trip. Reviewers often highlight the beauty of the area itself.
• Attentive Site Caretakers (Hosts): Although some visitors may not meet the host in person, it is clear that they "take great care of the site," evident in the clean toilets and daily trash removal. This dedicated maintenance enhances the camping experience.
• Ample Wildlife Viewing: Being nestled within Lassen National Forest, the campground and surrounding areas provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, adding to the natural immersion.
• Ideal for Relaxation: The combination of quietude, natural beauty, and lakeside access makes Rocky Knoll an excellent place to simply relax and unwind with family and friends.

Contact Information:

For California locals planning a trip to Rocky Knoll Campground or seeking more detailed information, the primary point of contact is the Lassen National Forest, which manages this site.

Address: Susanville, CA 96130, USA (This refers to the general area; the specific campground is near Silver Lake).

Phone Number: (530) 257-2151 (This is the phone number for the Lassen National Forest Supervisor's Office in Susanville. They can provide general information about the forest and its campgrounds, including Rocky Knoll).

Alternatively, you might be able to reach the Almanor Ranger District, which directly oversees the area including Rocky Knoll, though a specific direct line for Rocky Knoll Campground itself is not typically provided due to its rustic, first-come, first-served nature.

It is important to note that Rocky Knoll Campground operates on a "first-come, first-served" basis, meaning reservations are not accepted. Therefore, calling ahead to inquire about expected availability, especially during peak season (usually May to September), is highly recommended. You can also check the official Lassen National Forest website for any alerts, operational status, fees (approximately $12 per site per night), and specific regulations like quiet hours (10 pm to 6 am), leash laws for pets, and fire restrictions.

Rocky Knoll Campground is an exceptionally suitable destination for California locals who prioritize a quiet, peaceful, and genuinely rustic outdoor experience. For those seeking an escape from the noise and crowds often found at more developed campgrounds, its "hidden gem" status and reputation for tranquility are major draws. The ample spacing between campsites allows for privacy and a relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for families or groups who desire their own space to connect with nature.

The immediate proximity to Silver Lake for swimming and kayaking, combined with the sounds of a running stream, offers a refreshing natural backdrop for relaxation and recreation. While basic amenities like vault toilets and hand-pumped water require a certain level of preparedness, the consistent cleanliness maintained by the site caretakers ensures a comfortable experience within this back-to-basics setting. For Californians looking for an affordable ($12 per night), authentic, and serene camping adventure in the beautiful Lassen National Forest, where the focus is truly on nature's sounds and simple joys, Rocky Knoll Campground offers an invaluable retreat. It's a place to unwind, appreciate the quiet beauty of our state, and create lasting memories away from the hustle and bustle.

Rocky Knoll Campground

Susanville, CA 96130, USA