Buckhorn

Star4.01
489 reviews
19225 NEWVILLE ROAD, ORLAND, CA, 95963-8901, USA
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

499 ft

Price

$18 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

93 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Buckhorn Recreation Area site

Official Website
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Buckhorn
$18.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary by site type and season. Peak season rates (April 1 to September 30) include $20 for standard non-electric, $20 for walk-to sites, and $200...
Show more
Standard Site Fee$20.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$18.00
Group Site Fee$200.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
530-865-4781
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.01

Satisfactory

Based on 489 reviews

170 Google reviews

Most mentioned

showersspaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

noisecrowded

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

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

Buckhorn

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

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5, take the Black Butte Lake exit at Orland, CA. Travel west on County Road 200/Newville Road for 12 miles. Turn left on Buckhorn Road and enter the Buckhorn Recreation Area.
Road access is moderate. There are one-way traffic regulations for parts of the campground (sites 1-22). Roads are lined with large rocks, which can make it challenging to back a camper into a site. Entrance gates close at 10 PM during peak season (April 1 through September 30).
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.
Nearby supplies
Basic supplies including groceries and fuel can be found in Orland, CA (approximately 20 minutes away). Larger stores are available in Red Bluff, CA (30 minutes driving time).

Best Time to Camp at Buckhorn

Experience nature's dramatic seasonal transformation at Buckhorn, where spring paints the surrounding hills in vibrant emerald hues under perfectly temperate skies. As summer arrives, the landscape transforms into a sun-drenched paradise where temperatures can soar above 100°F, creating ideal conditions for refreshing lake swims. Be prepared for the valley's characteristic summer winds that sweep across the water, offering natural air conditioning while reminding visitors to secure their gear. The dry summer conditions create stunning golden landscapes that photographers dream about.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Peak season Apr–Sep; good recreation but high heat, mosquitoes and crowding reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Fall noted as quiet and peaceful with pleasant conditions; some sites close seasonally.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring described as ideal — lush green hills and temperate skies favored by reviewers.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round but many sites closed in winter; quiet stays but reduced site availability.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season runs from April 1 to September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Site closures apply seasonally: Sites 66-92 are closed from the first Monday after Labor Day to March 31, and sites 23-65 are closed December 1 to March 31.
  • Current Alerts: Seasonal site closures for sites 23-65 and 66-92. Active advisories include extreme heat warnings during summer.

About Buckhorn

Nestled along the shimmering shores of Black Butte Lake, Buckhorn Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of water adventures and serene natural beauty. This lakeside haven offers 93 thoughtfully arranged campsites, from traditional spots to five secluded walk-in sites for those seeking a more intimate connection with nature. A dedicated group campground welcomes larger gatherings, while modern amenities like hot showers, clean restrooms, and family-friendly playgrounds ensure comfort meets wilderness. The convenient boat ramp launches endless days of fishing expeditions and water sports, making Buckhorn a gateway to unforgettable memories on the water.
Buckhorn Campground offers diverse camping accommodations, including standard nonelectric sites, walk-in sites, and group camping.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Up to 14 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Vault toilets

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.
HikingThe campground features 13 miles of fitness trails suitable for hiking, running, and biking. User reviews praise the scenic views, particularly during the spring season.
FishingFishing is popular at Black Butte Lake, with species like crappie, channel catfish, and bass commonly caught.
SwimmingSwimming areas are accessible, and the lake's water temperature is described as perfect for all-day swimming during summer.
BikingBiking trails are available, often overlapping with hiking trails. Terrain ranges from moderate to easy, making it suitable for casual riders.
BoatingThe lake supports boating activities, including wakeboarding and sailing. A modern boat ramp provides convenient access.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing includes sightings of deer, various bird species, and occasional coyotes. Some user reviews mention abundant bird activity at nightfall.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSeasonal hazards include rattlesnakes, extreme heat during summer, and strong winds. Reports of mosquitoes and aggressive wildlife (deer approaching campsites) are frequent.
Active AlertsSeasonal site closures for sites 23-65 and 66-92. Active advisories include extreme heat warnings during summer.

Weather at Buckhorn

Reviews

4.0
489 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Buckhorn is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% 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 489 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious campsites, family-friendly features like playgrounds and volleyball courts, hot showers, and abundant wildlife.
Based on 489 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 489 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...
Show more
Based on 489 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...
Show more
Based on 489 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...
Show more
Based on 489 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #8 is praised for its level ground and scenic views. Site #17 offers good spacing but lacks shade. Sites #23-29 are described as overcrowded and on steep terrain. Site #65 is frequently...
Show more
Based on 489 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility reviews are sparse, but some users note challenges with sloped terrain and limited mobility-friendly features.
Based on 489 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 489 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Buckhorn? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Black Butte Lake
Buckhorn