Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)

4.00

24 reviews

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

5,328 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

5,328 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

11 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Opens booking site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)

$0.00 - $0.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fee information is unavailable.

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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What Campers Say

4.00

Satisfactory

Based on 24 reviews

18 Google reviews

Most mentioned

spacioussites

"User reviews are mixed, with some praising the campground's natural beauty and proximity to Bucks Lake, while others criticize the lack of maintained facilities, especially after the Dixie Fire. Issues like overflowing porta-potties and unreliable water availability are recurring themes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)

39.9138, -121.1881

Best Time to Camp at Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)

Four distinct seasons paint this mountain landscape in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms carpeting meadows and snowmelt feeding rushing streams. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and water activities, with temperatures typically ranging from comfortable 70s to low 80s during the day, cooling to refreshing 50s at night. Autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and amber, while winter blankets the region in snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking cold-weather adventures. The campground's elevation ensures cooler temperatures year-round, making it an ideal escape from valley heat.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

2.5 / 5

Summer reviews note overcrowding and inadequate/poorly maintained facilities during peak season.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Users highlight fall as a great time to visit for scenery and quieter conditions.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers and snowmelt; scenic but variable conditions from snow/mud.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

2.5 / 5

Elevation suggests winter snow and potential closures/limited services; no winter facilities noted.

Planning Tips

About Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)

Nestled in the heart of California's northern Sierra Nevada, this mountain retreat offers an authentic wilderness experience where towering pines meet crystal-clear alpine waters. Here, days begin with crisp mountain air and the gentle chorus of forest birds, while evenings bring star-filled skies unmarred by city lights. Whether you're seeking solitude among ancient forests or adventure on pristine mountain trails, this campground serves as your gateway to the raw beauty of Plumas National Forest.

Mill Creek Campground offers standard non-electric campsites suitable for both RVs and tents. While no group or luxury options like cabins or glamping are available, the campground provides basic amenities for those seeking a natural camping experience.

Historical SignificanceLong before modern campers discovered these pristine forests, the Mountain Maidu people called this region home, living in harmony with the land for thousands of years. The area later became a hub during California's Gold Rush era, with prospectors seeking fortune in nearby streams and establishing small settlements that have since returned to nature. Today, remnants of old mining operations and historic trails offer glimpses into this fascinating past, while the surrounding Plumas National Forest preserves both the natural heritage and the stories of those who came before.

Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint this mountain landscape in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Spring arrives with wildflower blooms carpeting meadows and snowmelt feeding rushing streams. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for hiking and water activities, with temperatures typically ranging from comfortable 70s to low 80s during the day, cooling to refreshing 50s at night. Autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and amber, while winter blankets the region in snow, creating a wonderland for those seeking cold-weather adventures. The campground's elevation ensures cooler temperatures year-round, making it an ideal escape from valley heat.

ElevationPerched at an elevation that places you firmly in the montane forest zone, this campground offers the perfect balance of accessibility and mountain atmosphere. The altitude provides naturally cooler temperatures, making summer camping comfortable even during California's warmest months. You'll notice the crisp, thin mountain air that invigorates your senses and the distinctive mix of conifers that thrive at this elevation. The positioning also offers spectacular views of surrounding peaks and valleys, while keeping you close enough to tree line for excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

Natural Features and SceneryMajestic stands of sugar pine, Douglas fir, and incense cedar create a living cathedral around each campsite, their branches forming a natural canopy overhead. The nearby Bucks Lake sparkles like a sapphire jewel, its 17-mile shoreline offering endless opportunities for exploration and recreation. Mountain meadows burst with seasonal wildflowers, while granite outcroppings provide dramatic backdrops and natural climbing opportunities. Wildlife abounds here – from black bears and deer to golden eagles soaring overhead. Clear mountain streams cascade through the forest, their melodic rushing providing nature's soundtrack to your camping experience.

Geological RegionThe campground is located in the northern Sierra Mountains, within Plumas National Forest, near Bucks Lake.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No overall mention of maximum length

Guests Allowed Per Site

No specifics about maximum guests.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation Platformsrecreation--> no details boxpopulated

Cancellation Policy$10--> visitor optimised

AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeStandard non-electric campsites suitable for RVs and tents.

PrivacyUser reviews describe campsites as spacious with plenty of room between sites, offering privacy.

Total Campsites11 campsites

Amenities available

Potable water

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Mill Creek Campground offers a variety of recreational opportunities due to its proximity to Bucks Lake and the surrounding wilderness. Activities include fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The area is also a gateway to the Pacific Crest Trail and other nearby trails. Seasonal activities like snowshoeing and skiing are possible due to the high elevation.

HikingHiking opportunities include a trail that starts within the campground and connects to the Bucks Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail. The nearby Bucks Summit Loop Trail is also accessible with a short drive.

FishingFishing is available at Bucks Lake, which is adjacent to the campground. Specific details about fish types or quality of fishing are not provided.

BoatingBoating is supported at Bucks Lake. Specific facilities like a boat dock and ramp are available at the nearby Shady Point area.

Wildlife viewingUser reviews mention encounters with local wildlife, such as deer and banana slugs. The dense forest environment makes wildlife viewing a common activity.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)

Reviews

4.0

24 reviews

Satisfactory

Mill Creek Campground (Plumas) is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews are mixed, with some praising the campground's natural beauty and proximity to Bucks Lake, while others criticize the lack of maintained facilities, especially after the Dixie Fire. Issues like overflowing porta-potties and unreliable water availability are recurring themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 24 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciate the spacious and private campsites, the dense forest setting, and the variety of recreational opportunities. One user noted, 'It’s completely covered with beautiful redwoods and...

Based on 24 reviews

Common Concerns

Criticisms include poor maintenance of facilities, with users stating that porta-potties were 'gross and overflowing' and that water taps were taped off. One reviewer noted, 'No water no bathrooms...

Based on 24 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend calling ahead to confirm water availability and bringing extra water as a precaution. A two-handed axe is suggested for cutting free firewood in the area. Another tip is to avoid...

Based on 24 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Positive reviews highlight fall as a great time to visit due to the scenic environment. However, summer visits often note overcrowded and inadequate facilities, such as trash bins and porta-potties.

Based on 24 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Each morning we were greeted by Banana Slugs which was my personal favorite. There was also deer.' 2. 'Bathrooms were very clean and showers were hot.' 3. 'The porta-potty was gross and...

Based on 24 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite reviews are limited, but one user mentioned that 'spot 2 was at an incline,' making sleeping uncomfortable. Another review praised campsite 29 for being 'private and perfect for 1, 6-person...

Based on 24 reviews