How much does camping cost at Buckhorn?

Camping fees at Buckhorn range from $18-$200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Buckhorn first-come first-served or reservation?

Buckhorn accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Buckhorn before I book?

Yes! Buckhorn has 6 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Buckhorn?

Buckhorn is open January 01 to December 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Buckhorn?

Yes, Buckhorn has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Buckhorn have?

Buckhorn has 93 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Buckhorn?

Yes, pets are allowed at Buckhorn. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Buckhorn?

Buckhorn offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buckhorn?

Popular activities at Buckhorn include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buckhorn

3.93

382 reviews

19225 NEWVILLE ROAD, ORLAND, CA, 95963-8901, USA

Summer Destination

Featured in:Group Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

499 ft

Price

$18 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Entrance gates close...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Buckhorn Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

499 ft

Price

$18 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Entrance gates close...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on Buckhorn Recreation Area Official Website

Get Directions

Buckhorn

$18.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $200.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC-134763: $18.00; STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $20.00; WALK TO: $18.00. Plus Recreation.gov...

Hike and Bike Site Fee$18.00

Group Site Fee$200.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-865-4781

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

19225 NEWVILLE ROAD, ORLAND, CA, 95963-8901, USA

Buckhorn

19225 NEWVILLE ROAD, ORLAND, CA, 95963-8901, USA

Nearby places

Closest city is Orland, CA, approximately 15 miles (about 20 minutes driving). Sacramento is 100 miles south (approx. 2 hours), and Red Bluff is 30 minutes north.

Weather at Buckhorn

Best Time to Camp at Buckhorn

Best season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable camping temperatures and the best balance of open recreation and smaller crowds — daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F (about 60–85°F) with cool nights. Hiking, wildlife viewing and shoreline photography are at their peak as the blue oak woodlands take on late-season color and the buttes show crisp contrast in low-angle light; fishing and boating remain excellent while summer crowds thin. Note that some campsites close after Labor Day, so I Peak months: October, April, May, November Avoid: July, August

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Described as ideal: lush landscapes, pleasant temps and good early-season fishing.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Entrance gates close at 10 pm from April 1 through Sept. 30th. Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am.

About Buckhorn

Buckhorn sits on the shores of Black Butte Lake near Orland, a large campground operated by Buckhorn Recreation Area with tent sites, RV hookups, and group camping options. The setting features blue oak woodlands and open shoreline access for boating, fishing, and swimming. Facilities include hot showers, flush and vault toilets, a dump station, and family amenities like playgrounds and volleyball courts.

Buckhorn Campground offers diverse camping accommodations, including standard nonelectric sites, walk-in sites, and group camping.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the most comfortable camping temperatures and the best balance of open recreation and smaller crowds — daytime highs typically range from the mid-60s to mid-80s°F (about 60–85°F) with cool nights. Hiking, wildlife viewing and shoreline photography are at their peak as the blue oak woodlands take on late-season color and the buttes show crisp contrast in low-angle light; fishing and boating remain excellent while summer crowds thin. Note that some campsites close after Labor Day, so I Peak months: October, April, May, November Avoid: July, August

Elevation499 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryBlack basalt buttes rise from blue oak woodlands around the 4,460-acre reservoir, the remnants of ancient volcanic activity that shaped this corner of the northern Sacramento Valley. The contrast between dark rock formations and open water creates striking vistas, especially in fall when the oaks shift color and low light sharpens the buttes' profiles. Wildlife is common. Shade varies. Spring greens up the hills; summer turns the landscape gold and hot.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo information available about hotel-style lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs were not referenced.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of guests per site varies.

Groups

Group sites can accommodate larger gatherings and are priced at $200 per night.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov or its mobile app.

AccessibilityThe campground does not explicitly mention accessibility features. Some user reviews describe uneven terrain or sloped sites that could be challenging for individuals with mobility impairments.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, with some pull-through sites accommodating large rigs up to 30 feet.

PrivacyPrivacy levels vary across the campground. While many sites are well-spaced, others, such as walk-in sites near Loop 23-6, are closely clustered.

Total Campsites93 campsites

Recommended SitesSites BH08 and BH11 are recommended for their proximity to amenities like restrooms and showers. BH39 offers lakefront views. BH65 provides spacious setups with elevated views.

Best CampsitesSites BH08, BH11, BH39, and BH65 get praise for lake views. Walk-in sites near Loop 23-6 offer more seclusion but sit close together. Many sites space out well; others don't.

Need help booking Buckhorn?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Buckhorn Recreation Area, located within the Black Butte Lake recreation area, offers a variety of amenities aimed at enhancing the camping experience. The campground features 93 campsites, including a group campground and five walk-in sites. Amenities include showers, a modern boat ramp complex, two playgrounds, an exercise area, and shoreline access. However, it's important to note that no campsites have electric or water hookups. The campgrounds are open year-round. Many user reviews highlight the beauty of the area, but some note maintenance issues with showers, bathrooms, and picnic tables.

Showers

Potable water

Dump station

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Buckhorn Recreation Area provides a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and biking. The proximity to Black Butte Lake makes it ideal for water-based activities such as boating and wakeboarding. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with deer and various bird species frequently spotted.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are available, but multiple user reviews describe them as being poorly maintained, often clogged, and dirty.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.9

382 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Buckhorn has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Buckhorn Campground are mixed, with positive comments on the scenic lake views, spacious sites, convenience of amenities like showers and the dump station, and wildlife sightings. However, negative reviews often focus on maintenance issues, crowded campsites, and poor campground etiquette by other visitors.

Review Summaries

Based on 382 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 382 reviews.

Site #8Loved
Site #8 is praised for its level ground and scenic views.
Site #17Issues noted
Site #17 offers good spacing but lacks shade.
Site #65Issues noted
Site #65 is frequently mentioned for its proximity to water but also suffers from maintenance issues.

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious campsites, family-friendly features like playgrounds and volleyball courts, hot showers, and abundant wildlife.

Based on 382 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints frequently mention dirty and clogged bathrooms, inadequate waste management, noisy camping neighbors, and lack of shade during hot summer months.

Based on 382 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing bug spray, sunscreen, and extra tent stakes to cope with high winds and mosquitoes. Spring and fall are suggested as the best times to visit for pleasant weather and...

Based on 382 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is described as the ideal season for camping, with lush green landscapes and pleasant temperatures. Summer experiences high heat and mosquito problems. Fall and winter offer quiet and peaceful...

Based on 382 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Buckhorn Recreation Area at Black Butte Lake is a great early season getaway. In March, the campground is virtually empty, the hills are covered in green and if you time it right you can enjoy...

Based on 382 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are sparse, but some users note challenges with sloped terrain and limited mobility-friendly features.

Based on 382 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Some reviews mention issues with ants or ticks affecting pets. One user advises using pepper to deter ants near pet bedding.

Based on 382 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

You want lakefront camping with hot showers, boat launch access, and family-friendly facilities near Orland.

Skip if

You need shade coverage or prefer quieter, more secluded campsites away from high-traffic recreation areas.

Nearby Campgrounds

19225 NEWVILLE ROAD, ORLAND, CA 95963-8901, USA

Orland Buttes sits on Black Butte Lake near Orland, a mid-sized Recreation.gov campground with tent, RV, and group sites. The campground operates seasonally during peak months and offers full amenities including showers, flush toilets, and a dump station. Spacious sites overlook basalt buttes and blue oak woodlands, with lake access for boating, fishing, and swimming.

$20.00 - $130.00 / night

Less Visited

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(45)

Kopta Canoe In Campground

South Avenue, three miles west of Highway 99 at Vina, or six miles east of Interstate 5 at Corning

Kopta Canoe in Campground sits within Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area, a riparian woodland along the Sacramento River near Corning. The campground has 37 sites, most shaded by mature valley oaks, black cottonwoods, and California black walnuts. Sites run $31 per night and accommodate tents, RVs, and groups. It's one of the quieter state park campgrounds in the Central Valley, especially on weekdays.

$31.00 - $31.00 / night

South Avenue, three miles west of Highway 99 at Vina, or six miles east of Interstate 5 at Corning

Bridge Campground sits under a canopy of valley oaks in Woodson Bridge State Recreation Area, where the Sacramento River meets one of the Central Valley's last intact riparian forests. The 37 sites include tent, RV, and group camping options at $31 per night. Campers fish, swim, and paddle the river, though road noise affects some group sites near the freeway.

$31.00 - $31.00 / night

Less Visited

Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir

3.7

(37)

Pines Group Site - Stony Gorge Reservoir

Stony Gorge Reservoir

Pines Group Site sits on the shore of Stony Gorge Reservoir near Elk Creek in California's low-elevation inland hills. Managed by Recreation.gov, this small group-only campground offers direct lake access for swimming, boating, and warm-water fishing during the peak summer season. The site includes fire rings and picnic tables, with ample space for group gatherings and evening wildlife viewing under clear skies.

1 campsites

Reservable

27.942 km

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Mendocino National Forest

Whitlock Campground sits at 4,300 feet in Mendocino National Forest, a quiet base for serious campers and hunters. The small sites nestle among conifers and accommodate trailers up to 12 feet. This is backcountry camping with vault toilets and bear lockers, no water, no frills.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

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(4)

Irvine Finch Access Campground

Bidwell-Sacramento River SP

Irvine Finch Access Campground sits within Bidwell-Sacramento River State Park near Hamilton City, offering five tent sites and direct Sacramento River access. The boat launch and parking area put you on the water quickly. Park hosts keep the small campground welcoming, though amenities stay basic. Vault toilets, picnic tables, and a self-serve fee station.

5 campsites

Tents

32.229 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

0.0

(4)

Kingsley Glade Campground

Mendocino National Forest

Kingsley Glade Campground sits at 4,500 feet in Mendocino National Forest, where montane forest opens into a natural meadow clearing. The campground offers primitive tent sites with basic amenities. Thomes Creek runs nearby, drawing anglers and swimmers during the warmer months.

Tents

Primitive

35.664 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

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Sugarfoot Glade Campground

Mendocino National Forest

Sugarfoot Glade Campground sits at 3,796 feet in Mendocino National Forest, where oak woodlands meet ponderosa pine groves. The six-site campground centers around a seasonal creek that flows strongest in spring. Each site has a picnic table. No fee information is available.

6 campsites

35.95 km

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Less Visited

3.3

(7)

Three Prong Campground

null

Three Prong Campground sits at 5,800 feet where forest meets meadow in Mendocino National Forest near Paskenta. Sites are minimally maintained and trailer-friendly with plenty of shade from fir and pine. Vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables are the only amenities. No potable water, trash service, or food lockers. Popular with quad riders and hunters, especially during deer season when competition for sites increases.

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

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Campgrounds

Black Butte Lake

Buckhorn

About Black Butte Lake

Context for the broader area surrounding Buckhorn, sourced from the federal Recreation.gov rec-area record.

Situated at the northern end of the Sacramento Valley, 30 minutes south of Red Bluff. This quiet park, surrounded by beautiful, dark volcanic buttes, is well known for fishing, sailing, water skiing and camping. Contact reserveusa.com for camping reservation information.

Directions

Black Butte Lake is located approximately 100 miles north of Sacramento and approximately 60 miles south of Redding, off Interstate 5. Take the Orland/Highway 32 exit and go west 8 miles via Road 200/Newville Road and follow the signs.