How much does camping cost at Buck Meadow Campground?

Camping fees at Buck Meadow Campground range from $32-$34/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Can I see photos of campsites at Buck Meadow Campground before I book?

Yes! Buck Meadow Campground 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 Buck Meadow Campground?

Buck Meadow Campground is open Memorial Day weekend through September.. 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 Buck Meadow Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Buck Meadow Campground?

Fire policies at Buck Meadow Campground: Not specified. Based on reviews, campers seem to use campfires with standard precautions.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Buck Meadow Campground have?

Buck Meadow Campground has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Buck Meadow Campground?

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

What amenities are available at Buck Meadow Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Buck Meadow Campground?

Popular activities at Buck Meadow Campground include Fishing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buck Meadow Campground

Q: Is Buck Meadow Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Buck Meadow Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Campground is first-come, first-serve. Weekdays, especially Tuesdays, offer better chances of availability. "Come Friday night, people were driving in and leaving because there wasn't any more space."

4.06

18 reviews

Buck Meadow Campground, McKinley Grove Road, California

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$32 - $34/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,800 ft

Price

$32 - $34/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Open Memorial Day we...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Buck Meadow Campground

$32.00 - $34.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Overnight Use: $34 per night $10.00 per night, per additional vehicle

Standard Site Fee$34.00

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USFS

Provider

Not specifiedNot specified

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Buck Meadow Campground

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Campground Map

Buck Meadow Campground, McKinley Grove Road, California

Buck Meadow Campground

Buck Meadow Campground, McKinley Grove Road, California

Nearby places

Shaver Lake (11.7 miles)

Nearby supplies

Nearest supplies, including water and groceries, available at Dinkey Creek, approximately 20 minutes away.

Weather at Buck Meadow Campground

Best Time to Camp at Buck Meadow Campground

Summer delivers the most reliable window. Daytime highs reach the low to mid-70s, nights drop to the mid-30s to mid-40s. The campground opens Memorial Day weekend and closes September 24, tracking snowmelt and early fall storms. July and August weekends fill up fast. Spring arrives late at this elevation. Winter closes the area completely under snow. If you want guaranteed access and warm creek water, aim for late June through early September.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is the most reliable window; mild days (low–mid 70s) and high demand noted.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through September 24.

About Buck Meadow Campground

Buck Meadow Campground sits at 6,800 feet along Deer Creek's east bank in Sierra National Forest, about 10 dispersed sites spread across sandy flats beneath lodgepole pines. Open Memorial Day weekend through late September, the campground charges $32-$34 per night and provides vault toilets, picnic tables, and bear lockers. No potable water or cell service. The rustic setting attracts campers willing to haul their own water in exchange for creekside access and quiet.

Primitive and tent camping sites are available, offering a back-to-basics experience. RV camping is not supported.

Historical Significance

McKinley Grove, a short distance from the campground, contains a stand of giant sequoias including one specimen measuring 20.3 feet in diameter. The grove has drawn visitors for generations, though the campground itself has no documented historical structures or events.

Weather and SeasonsSummer delivers the most reliable window. Daytime highs reach the low to mid-70s, nights drop to the mid-30s to mid-40s. The campground opens Memorial Day weekend and closes September 24, tracking snowmelt and early fall storms. July and August weekends fill up fast. Spring arrives late at this elevation. Winter closes the area completely under snow. If you want guaranteed access and warm creek water, aim for late June through early September.

ElevationPerched at 6,800 feet in the Sierra's sweet spot, Buck Meadow offers the perfect high-country escape. This elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool mountain air, spectacular views, and easy access to alpine adventures. The thin, pure air invigorates your senses while positioning you perfectly for exploring the surrounding peaks, meadows, and hidden mountain treasures.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies a sandy plateau where Snow Corral and Deer Creeks converge, creating flat camping areas unusual for this elevation. Lodgepole pines provide scattered shade. Deer Creek runs clear and cold along the eastern edge, narrow enough for kids to wade but deep enough for basic fishing. Young pine groves border the flats. The surrounding terrain shows evidence of glacial carving and old volcanic activity, though the campground itself is level and accessible.

Geological RegionNestled at the dramatic confluence of Snow Corral and Deer Creeks, Buck Meadow occupies a unique geological crossroads along the scenic McKinley Grove Road. This natural meeting point has created an expansive sandy plateau beside Deer Creek—a rare flat oasis carved by centuries of flowing water. The surrounding terrain tells the story of glacial movements and volcanic activity that shaped these magnificent Sierra landscapes.

Scenic ViewsSome campsites are next to Deer Creek, providing scenic ambiance and the opportunity for fishing.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style lodgings or other accommodations on-site.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are offered.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Not specified

Check-out

Not specified

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is limited to 14 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum group size is 6 per site.

Groups

Group camping is not available at this campground.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutSites follow the east bank of Deer Creek on sandy, mostly flat ground. They're tightly spaced with limited screening between neighbors. A few larger sites can fit family groups. The overall feel is dispersed and rugged despite the formal designation. Privacy is minimal.

Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.

Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is first-come, first-serve. Weekdays, especially Tuesdays, offer better chances of availability. "Come Friday night, people were driving in and leaving because there wasn't any more space.

Cancellation PolicyNo reservation platform available; this is a first-come, first-serve campground.

AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.

Site SizeThe campground features small to medium sites, with some larger locations for families.

PrivacySites are close together and offer limited privacy, contributing to a rugged, dispersed camping feel.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesArrive early in the week to secure a spot; Tuesday is ideal. Sites next to the river are recommended for ambiance.

Best CampsitesSites closest to Deer Creek fill first, especially on Friday arrivals. Reviews mention these riverside spots work well for families with kids who want easy creek access. Reviewers recommend arriving Thursday or earlier in peak season to claim them. No specific site numbers appear in the data.

Amenities available

Buck Meadow Campground is a rustic camping area located near the confluence of Snow Corral and Deer Creeks. While the campground is accessible via paved and dirt roads, it offers a primitive camping experience with limited amenities.

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for picnicking and fishing, creating a tranquil setting by the creek.

Fishing

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country; campers are instructed to practice safe food storage techniques. No potable water available on-site.

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.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are not available at this facility.

Food Storage RequiredSmall bear lockers available but may not accommodate large coolers. No bear sightings reported in the last six years.

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.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Fire PolicyNot specified. Based on reviews, campers seem to use campfires with standard precautions.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not specified.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services available at Dinkey Creek (approximately 20 minutes away). No cell phone service available in the area.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Deer Creek, offering fishing opportunities and scenic views.

Camp HostThe site manager, Curt, is highly praised for his attention to detail and friendliness. "Curt told us we could use water from the river if we needed to."

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

4.1

18 reviews

Satisfactory

Buck Meadow Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews highlight the natural beauty of the area, the peaceful environment, and the friendly site management. Campers appreciate the rustic setting but note the lack of potable water as a drawback.

Review Summaries

Based on 18 reviews

What Campers Love

"The creek is great for kids, and the campground is beautiful and close to places to visit." Campers enjoy the peaceful riverside setting and the friendly, helpful management.

Based on 18 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water is frequently mentioned. Vault toilets, while clean, are a compromise for some visitors.

Based on 18 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

One reviewer mentioned that sites closer to the river offer more ambiance and better fishing opportunities.

Based on 18 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

"Arrive early, especially before Friday to secure a site." Bringing your own water is crucial. Use nearby areas like Camp Edison for facilities.

Based on 18 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Weekdays offer easier access to campsites, while weekends and holidays see high demand with many campers turned away. Summer is the most popular season.

Based on 18 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Curt, the site manager, was super nice and uses pine and cinnamon to keep the vault toilets smelling good." "No running water available here, so bring your own clean water." "We caught and released...

Based on 18 reviews

Accessibility Features

Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, and the campground is accessible via paved and dirt roads.

Based on 18 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews mentioned pet experiences.

Based on 18 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Families who'll haul their own water and want a creek the kids can splash in. River-adjacent sites fish for brook trout and deliver the best ambiance; get there before Friday or you're rolling the dice on all 10 spots.

Skip if

No potable water on-site is a hard logistical reality, not a footnote. Add zero cell service and vault toilets, and anyone counting on convenience or connectivity should look closer to Shaver Lake.

Nearby Campgrounds

0.0

(4)

Gigantea Campground

Sierra National Forest

Gigantea Campground sits in mid-elevation Sierra National Forest, offering primitive tent camping among cedar, fir, and sugar pine forest. The campground provides vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, and serves as a base for day hikes to McKinley Grove. Summer brings the most reliable access and warm weather for exploring the surrounding forest trails.

Buck Meadow Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Buck Meadow Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Buck Meadow Campground

Best Time to Camp at Buck Meadow Campground

Planning Tips

About Buck Meadow Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

About the campground

Seasons & access

Directions

Plan a trip to Buck Meadow Campground

Best Time to Camp at Buck Meadow Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews