Buck Meadow Campground

Star4.56
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

Opens Sierra National Forest site

Official Website
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Buck Meadow Campground
$32.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees are $34.00 per night or $32.00 per night during holidays with an additional $2.00 per night. There is also a $10.00 per night fee for additional...
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Standard Site Fee$34.00
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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What Campers Say

4.56

Top-Rated

Based on 18 reviews

12 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulfriendly

"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."

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Campground Map

Buck Meadow Campground, McKinley Grove Road, California

Buck Meadow Campground

Buck Meadow Campground, McKinley Grove Road, California

Driving directionsTake Hwy 168 east from Clovis towards Prather. Continue through Prather to Shaver Lake. Just before you reach Shaver Lake turn right on the Dinkey Creek Road. Travel 11.7 miles east to the intersection of the Dinkey Creek Road and the McKinley Grove Road. Turn right and travel 9.6 miles north on the McKinley Grove Road.
Access is via paved and dirt roads.
Nearby places
Shaver Lake (11.7 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies, including water and groceries, available at Dinkey Creek, approximately 20 minutes away.

Best Time to Camp at Buck Meadow Campground

Experience the Sierra's dynamic mountain climate, where crisp mornings give way to perfect summer afternoons in the mid-70s. Winter transforms Buck Meadow into a serene wonderland, with occasional snowfall dusting the pines and creating a magical alpine atmosphere. Spring and fall bring their own rewards—wildflower blooms and golden foliage painting the landscape in nature's finest colors.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season is Memorial Day through September; pleasant mid-70s afternoons.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Open into late Sept; crisp mornings noted but season is brief.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.0 / 5

Opens on Memorial Day weekend, so limited spring access; short season start.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside season; winter access not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open Memorial Day weekend through September 24.
  • Current Alerts: None explicitly stated.

About Buck Meadow Campground

Escape to Buck Meadow Campground, where the raw beauty of the Sierra National Forest unfolds at 6,800 feet above sea level. This rustic retreat along Deer Creek's eastern banks offers adventurous souls a true back-to-nature experience. Here, the modern world fades away as you embrace dispersed camping at its finest—where starlit skies replace streetlights and the creek's gentle murmur becomes your evening soundtrack.
Primitive and tent camping sites are available, offering a back-to-basics experience. RV camping is not supported.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified
Check-out
Not specified
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is limited to 14 days.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground provides opportunities for picnicking and fishing, creating a tranquil setting by the creek.
FishingFishing is available in Deer Creek, which runs adjacent to the campground. Brook trout are present, and campers have reported catching and releasing fish from the creek.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear country; campers are instructed to practice safe food storage techniques. No potable water available on-site.
Active AlertsNone explicitly stated.
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.
Food Storage RequiredSmall bear lockers available but may not accommodate large coolers. No bear sightings reported in the last six years.

Weather at Buck Meadow Campground

Reviews

4.6
18 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Buck Meadow Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% 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

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...
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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

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

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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