Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)
3.9911 reviewsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
Free
Booking
Reservable
Sites
11 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
No Service
Pets
Not Allowed
RV Friendly
Get DirectionsMill 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
Total Campsite Fees$0.00
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ProviderWhat Campers Say
3.99
Mixed Reviews
Based on 11 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."
Fees & Passes at Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)
Free
Campsite fees
Stay Limit: No overall mention of maximum length
Cancellation: $10--> visitor optimised
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official reservation website.
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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
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.
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Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned in the source materials.
Sites SizeStandard non-electric campsites suitable for RVs and tents.
Sites PrivacyUser reviews describe campsites as spacious with plenty of room between sites, offering privacy.
Total Campsites11 campsites
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 are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Reservation Platformsrecreation--> no details boxpopulated
Cancellation Policy$10--> visitor optimised
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Fishing is available at Bucks Lake, which is adjacent to the campground. Specific details about fish types or quality of fishing are not provided.Boating
Boating is supported at Bucks Lake. Specific facilities like a boat dock and ramp are available at the nearby Shady Point area.Wildlife viewing
User reviews mention encounters with local wildlife, such as deer and banana slugs. The dense forest environment makes wildlife viewing a common activity.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing due to the area's 5,500-foot elevation.Water Sports
Water sports like canoeing and kayaking are available at Bucks Lake, but no additional details are provided.Advertisement
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
Weather at Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)
39
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
Weather History
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Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are limited, with user reviews highlighting issues such as overflowing garbage bins. A single trash bin is provided and emptied infrequently, leading to user frustration.
Campground Map
Reviews from booking and map sources
4.0
11 reviews
Mill Creek Campground (Plumas) has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% 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 11 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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsCamper 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 11 reviewsShow more
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 11 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
No specific comments about accessibility were provided by reviewers.
Based on 11 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews related to pets were mentioned.
Based on 11 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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