Buck Rock Campground

Star4.36
36 reviews
35860 East Kings Canyon Road, Dunlap, CA 93621

Quick Facts

7,600 ft

Price

Free

Booking

First-Come

Sites

20 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Hume Lake Ranger District Office site

Official Website
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Buck Rock Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
Campsite Fees
No fees required for campsites; however, a standard amenity fee is collected at National Park entrance stations as part of an interagency agreement.
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$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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USFS
Provider
559-338-2251
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What Campers Say

4.36

Recommended

Based on 36 reviews

31 Google reviews

Most mentioned

quietsites

"User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and simplicity of Buck Rock Campground. The area is described as peaceful and surrounded by natural features, though the lack of amenities like water and trash services requires preparation."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

35860 East Kings Canyon Road, Dunlap, CA 93621

Buck Rock Campground

35860 East Kings Canyon Road, Dunlap, CA 93621

Driving directionsFrom Grant Grove, go 7 miles southeast on Generals Highway and 4 miles east on Big Meadow Road (Forest Road 14S11).
Roads are accessible with the first 4 miles paved and the last 1/2 mile being a forest service road, suitable for compact cars with caution to avoid a large rock mentioned in user reviews.
Nearby places
Grant Grove (7 miles), Lake Hume (15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, camping equipment, and fuel likely available in nearby towns such as Dunlap or around Grant Grove and Lake Hume.

Best Time to Camp at Buck Rock Campground

The seasons paint Buck Rock Campground in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms this high-elevation retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, where temperatures dip below freezing and silence blankets the forest. As spring arrives, the landscape awakens with wildflowers pushing through melting snow. Summer brings those perfect Sierra days—warm sunshine filtering through pine boughs, cool mountain breezes, and crystal-clear skies that seem to stretch forever. The dry, comfortable conditions make it ideal for stargazing, hiking, and simply breathing in that pure mountain air.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer is described as ideal with mild temps and clear skies; many positive seasonal reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely offers good weather and colors at elevation though specifics are limited in notes.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Spring offers melting snow and trails opening; transitional season with variable conditions.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Open year-round but high-elevation snow, freezing temps and limited access/service make winter challenging.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Site is open year-round, but fire restrictions may apply during hot, dry seasons.
  • Current Alerts: No current alerts mentioned, but fire restrictions may be enforced during hot, dry weather conditions.

About Buck Rock Campground

Perched at 7,600 feet where the mountain air runs crisp and clear, Buck Rock Campground offers adventurous souls a genuine wilderness experience. This rustic, first-come, first-served hideaway invites you to disconnect from the modern world—there's no potable water or trash services here, just pure, unfiltered nature. The gentle murmur of Big Meadow Creek provides a natural soundtrack, while the iconic Buck Rock Lookout towers nearby, promising panoramic views that stretch for miles. For those seeking to explore deeper into the backcountry, well-worn trails lead directly into the pristine Jennie Lakes Wilderness, where alpine lakes mirror the sky and granite peaks pierce the clouds.
Buck Rock Campground offers primitive camping accommodations suited for tent and RV campers. The sites are first-come, first-served and are free of charge.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
No stay limit explicitly specified.

Amenities available

Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Buck Rock Campground offers a range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking on nearby trails, fishing in streams, and swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing at Lake Hume, about 15 miles away.
HikingSeveral trails pass near the campground, providing excellent hiking opportunities. These trails lead into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness and are open to hikers, horses, and bikes (though bikes are not allowed in wilderness areas).
FishingStreams in the area allow for trout fishing, and Lake Hume, 15 miles away, offers additional fishing opportunities.
SwimmingSwimming is available at Lake Hume, located approximately 15 miles from the campground.
BikingBiking is allowed on trails in the district but is prohibited in designated wilderness areas.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is available at Lake Hume, 15 miles away.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear activity is a known concern. Fire restrictions may be enacted during dry conditions.
Active AlertsNo current alerts mentioned, but fire restrictions may be enforced during hot, dry weather conditions.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Buck Rock Campground

Reviews

4.4
36 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Buck Rock Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and simplicity of Buck Rock Campground. The area is described as peaceful and surrounded by natural features, though the lack of amenities like water and trash services requires preparation.
Review Summaries
Based on 36 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users appreciate the free sites, scenic beauty, and quiet environment. Comments such as 'absolute gem of a campground' and 'great place to camp' are common.
Based on 36 reviews

Common Concerns

The most common user complaints include the lack of water and trash services. Some users note that the single vault toilet may not be sufficient for the number of campsites.
Based on 36 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers are advised to bring their own water and be prepared for dry camping. Firewood should be purchased locally due to restrictions on outside wood.
Based on 36 reviews

Seasonal Insights

User reviews and weather data suggest that summer is the ideal time for camping, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Winter weeks feature freezing conditions, high chances of snow, and limited...
Show more
Based on 36 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Absolute gem of a campground. Surrounded by a beautiful grove of trees.' - Thomas Borawski 2. 'Free camping' - Bruce Knutson 3. 'Nice spot to camp with family' - Salvador Gonzales
Based on 36 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One user mentioned that the campground has approximately 17-20 campsites. Specific site numbers or rankings are not provided.
Based on 36 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 36 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, and the leash requirement is noted. No additional feedback about pet experiences is available.
Based on 36 reviews

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Last updated January 5, 2026
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