Is Buckhorn Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Buckhorn Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a spot.

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

Yes! Buckhorn Campground has 1 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 Campground?

Buckhorn Campground is open Subject to closure during regional fire season (dates not specified).. 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 Campground?

Buckhorn Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Can I have a campfire at Buckhorn Campground?

Fire policies at Buckhorn Campground: Each site is reported to have a fire pit; visitors must follow all current BLM and local fire restrictions (specific restrictions and seasonal closures are not provided here).. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Buckhorn Campground have?

Buckhorn Campground has 38 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Buckhorn Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Buckhorn Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Buckhorn Campground?

Buckhorn Campground offers: Restrooms. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Buckhorn Campground?

Popular activities at Buckhorn Campground include Hiking, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buckhorn Campground

4.32

6 reviews

Buckhorn Campground

Featured in:RV Camping California

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Subject to closure d...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,300 ft

Price

Varies

Booking

Walk-in Only

Sites

38 campsites

Season

Subject to closure d...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability

Get Directions

Buckhorn Campground

No fees available

Campsite Fees

No paid fee categories listed.

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BLM

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Buckhorn Campground

39.0384, -123.0394

Weather at Buckhorn Campground

Best Time to Camp at Buckhorn Campground

The high elevation transforms Buckhorn into an ideal summer sanctuary, offering cool mountain air when the valleys below swelter. That said, this elevation also means the campground is vulnerable to seasonal fire restrictions and closures during peak fire season. Check current conditions before you head out, and come prepared for the possibility of fire bans that may affect campfires and cooking equipment.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Waterfall and streams more active after rains; regrowth improves burn-scarred areas.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Subject to closure during regional fire season (dates not specified).

About Buckhorn Campground

Escape to Buckhorn Campground, where towering pines and fragrant incense cedars create a secluded mountain retreat at 6,300 feet. Each shaded site offers the perfect basecamp for stargazers and solitude-seekers, with basic amenities including fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities keeping things refreshingly simple.

Sources describe the site as suitable for groups and report it accommodates both tent and RV use. Specific designation as 'primitive' or presence of hookups is not stated.

Weather and SeasonsThe high elevation transforms Buckhorn into an ideal summer sanctuary, offering cool mountain air when the valleys below swelter. That said, this elevation also means the campground is vulnerable to seasonal fire restrictions and closures during peak fire season. Check current conditions before you head out, and come prepared for the possibility of fire bans that may affect campfires and cooking equipment.

Natural Features and SceneryNestled high in the mountains at 6,300 feet, Buckhorn Campground immerses you in a fragrant forest of pine and incense cedar. The thick canopy provides abundant shade and privacy, while a tranquil pond sits nearby, reflecting the towering trees above. Adventure awaits on trails leading to a scenic waterfall approximately 2.5 miles from camp, where you'll follow a bubbling stream through the cool mountain air—a perfect morning hike to start your day.

Scenic ViewsDark, starry night skies with good views of constellations and seasonal planets; typical mountain trail and forest scenery during the day.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect (typical for BLM-managed campgrounds)

Total Campsites38 campsites

Best CampsitesSites are reported to be well spaced among the trees and offer a degree of privacy; reviewers note each site has a fire ring and a picnic table. Available sources disagree on total site count (reports vary), so specific site numbers are not recommended here.

Amenities available

Sources report fire pits at each site and picnic tables; reviewers mention a new/clean restroom as well as a pit-style outhouse. Multiple reviewers note there is no potable water on site and trash cans are often overfilled.

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Trail-based recreation is the primary draw: nearby Burkhart Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Silver Moccasin, and a waterfall trail (~2.5 miles each way) are commonly mentioned. Visitors also use nearby swimming holes (reachable by hiking) and enjoy stargazing in the high-elevation pine setting.

Hiking

Swimming

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBurn scars from past fires exist in the area. Trails can start steep and be confusing; no potable water on site, increasing dehydration risk. Weekends can be noisy and trash receptacles are sometimes overfilled. Fire season closures and local fire restrictions are possible.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

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

4.3

6 reviews

Recommended

Buckhorn Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Overall reviews are positive about the pine setting, site privacy/separation, on-site fire pits and picnic tables, and updated/clean restroom reports. Common negatives are the lack of potable water, occasional burn-scarred areas or overgrown brush, full trash cans, and that weekends can be noisy.

Review Summaries

Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Fire pits and picnic tables at sites; secluded/well-spaced sites; scenic pine and incense cedar setting; reported new/clean restroom; easy access to multiple hiking trails and a nearby waterfall;...

Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Multiple reviewers emphasize there is no potable water on site and little to no shade (canopy recommended). Others mention burned/dry vegetation in the area, overflowing trash cans at times, and...

Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

There are four campsites, each reported to have a fire pit and picnic table. Reviews mention a restroom (one called "brand new") and grills; earlier notes reference a pit outhouse. The campground has...

Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring all your own water and supplies; visit midweek for quieter conditions; bring navigation/route-finding for trails and be prepared for steep trail starts; bring a canopy if shade is limited in...

Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Several reviewers describe the site as dry or "burnt up" and expect it to improve after rain/over a few years of regrowth; weekends are repeatedly called out as busier/noisier than weekdays. No other...

Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

Review excerpts: "Nice new clean bathroom. No water."; "4 campsites, each with a fire pit and a picnic table... NO WATER."; "Restrooms fire pits , and grill available. A little pond also nearby. No...

Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

Site is remote with only one route in and out — access may be limited/remote. Reviewers describe it as "in the middle of nowhere" and a drive out, but there is no detailed information about ADA...

Based on 6 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Weekday hikers who haul their own water will find well-spaced, shaded sites and immediate access to Burkhart Trail, the Pacific Crest Trail, and a waterfall about 2.5 miles out. The updated restroom is a genuine upgrade over older reviews.

Skip if

No potable water is a hard stop if you can't carry everything in. Weekend crowds get loud, trash cans overflow, and fire season can close the whole place with little notice, so always check conditions before driving up.

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