Hutchins

Star3.87
10 reviews
PLUMAS, CA, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,000 ft

Price

$50/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

3 campsites

Season

Open from Jun 6, 202...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens American Land & Leisure site

Official Website
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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
Hutchins
$50.00 - $50.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates by season dates show $50 per night for group standard nonelectric sites during peak season (Jun 6 - Oct 1). Reservation fees include...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$50.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530-283-0555recinfo@pge.com
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What Campers Say

3.87

Mixed Reviews

Based on 10 reviews

1 Google reviews

Most mentioned

lakesites

"User reviews of Hutchins Group Campground highlight its proximity to Bucks Lake and the friendliness of the campground host. The lack of cell service and limited shade are commonly mentioned. Some campers express frustration with unclear access rules to the lake."

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Campground Map

PLUMAS, CA, USA

Hutchins

PLUMAS, CA, USA

Driving directionsBucks Lake is 10 miles west of Quincy on the Oro-Quincy Highway (Highway 162). From Oroville, travel east on Highway 162 for approximately 45 miles to Bucks Lake Dam Road. Turn left and continue 3 miles to the campground.
Access is via paved roads. Seasonal closures and detours have occurred in the past due to roadwork or fires. "CHECK ROAD CLOSURES before heading out," one user review warns, noting that Highway 162 was closed for two years.
Nearby places
Quincy (10 miles, approx. 15 minutes)
Oroville (approx. 45 miles, approx. 1 hour 15 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Convenience store with gas, phone, and propane within 5 miles of the campground. No water available on-site
water can be accessed at Sandy Point Day Use Area or Haskins Campground.

Best Time to Camp at Hutchins

Summer transforms Hutchins Campground into a delightful study in contrasts, where warm, sun-soaked days reaching the upper 70s give way to refreshingly crisp evenings that dip into the 50s. With crystal-clear skies dominating the forecast—often exceeding 90% clarity—campers are treated to brilliant starlit nights and golden sunrise views. This perfect balance of warmth and coolness creates ideal conditions for both daytime adventures and cozy evenings around the campfire, making late June through early September the sweet spot for your camping experience.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season (Jun–Oct): warm days, cool nights; most activities available though reduced shade.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Oct 1 with hiking and quieter conditions, but limited specific fall data.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Park opens Jun 6; late spring is prior to opening so not applicable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside Jun 6–Oct 1; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Jun 6, 2025 - Oct 1, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from Jun 6, 2025, to Oct 1, 2025.

About Hutchins

Nestled near the sparkling waters of Bucks Lake, Hutchins Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its three spacious group sites designed for memorable gatherings under the Sierra sky. While the landscape bears the marks of the Dixie Fire's transformative touch, creating an open, sun-drenched environment, this resilient campground remains a gateway to adventure. Here, visitors can launch into days filled with lake activities—from morning fishing expeditions to afternoon swims—or set off on scenic hikes through the surrounding wilderness. The exposed terrain calls for thoughtful preparation, so pack your shade structures and sun protection to ensure maximum comfort during your stay.
Hutchins Campground offers three large group campsites suitable for both tent and RV camping. Group sites accommodate up to 24 people and 8 vehicles each.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 nights per visit.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Camp Store
Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Hutchins Group Campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, boating, swimming, and fishing during the spring, summer, and fall months. The Pacific Crest Trailhead and other trails are nearby, accessible within a 3-mile drive. Winter activities at Bucks Lake include skiing and snowmobiling. Wildlife viewing is also a notable activity, with birds such as osprey and bald eagles frequenting the area.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant, with trailheads located within 3 miles of the campground. The Pacific Crest Trail and Bucks Creek Loop are nearby. A foot trail runs along the lake shore for day walks and fishing.
FishingFishing is a popular activity with salmon and trout being plentiful at Bucks Lake. Precise fishing conditions or regulations are not detailed.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Bucks Lake, which is described to have clear water and sandy beaches. No specific safety measures or designated swimming areas are mentioned.
BoatingBoating is a major activity at Bucks Lake, with a boat ramp available at Sandy Point, which is the closest access point to the campground. Canoeing is also highlighted.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is emphasized, with osprey, bald eagles, and other bird species commonly seen. Specific viewing areas are not detailed.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited shade due to fire damage. "The Dixie fire burned just to the edge of the camp," noted in user reviews. Wildlife such as bears may necessitate using storage lockers.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Hutchins

Reviews

3.9
10 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Hutchins has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Hutchins Group Campground highlight its proximity to Bucks Lake and the friendliness of the campground host. The lack of cell service and limited shade are commonly mentioned. Some campers express frustration with unclear access rules to the lake.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the campground's proximity to Bucks Lake, large group sites with ample room for vehicles and equipment, and the helpfulness of the campground host. "The campground host Roy...
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Based on 10 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback includes the lack of direct access to Bucks Lake from the group campground without additional fees, poor communication of these rules, and limited shade due to fire-impacted areas....
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Based on 10 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend checking road closures in advance, as past closures on Highway 162 have caused significant detours. Bringing added shade is also advised due to the limited tree cover at the...
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Based on 10 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The area is described as hot during the day and cool at night during the summer. Fire damage to the surrounding area has reduced shade, making the summer months feel hotter. Winter activities, such...
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Based on 10 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Nice campground, friendly host. Limited shade on site, but plenty of room." - Alina Adams; "The Dixie fire burned just to the edge of the camp so a lot of brown trees about 10 yards out. But the...
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Based on 10 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site B in Loop HUTC received a 3-star rating due to frustration over unclear access rules to Bucks Lake. Site C in the same loop was rated 5 stars for its proximity to the lake and spacious...
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Based on 10 reviews

Accessibility Features

No accessibility-specific reviews were provided.
Based on 10 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews addressing pet policies or experiences were mentioned.
Based on 10 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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