Buck Ridge

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Buck Ridge

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Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Not Allowed

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Buck Ridge
No fees available
Campsite Fees
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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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 1 reviews

37 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewshikinglake

"Reviewers consistently rate Buck Ridge very highly, praising it as a beautiful, multi-use area that works well for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, disc golf, and even horseback riding. People highlight the variety of terrain and features that accommodate beginners through advanced users, with good views of the lake and surrounding hills. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with no major recurring complaints beyond weather-related challenges and seasonal conditions."

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About Buck Ridge

Nestled along the sparkling shores of Hensley Lake at Hidden Dam, Buck Ridge group day-use pavilion welcomes gatherings with amenities including drinking water, ample picnic tables, a generous barbecue pit and grill, dual horseshoe pits, and water-accessible restrooms. This 1,500-acre Sierra Nevada foothill oasis serves as your gateway to swimming, boating, water skiing, fishing, and hiking adventures, all within easy reach of California's iconic Yosemite, Sequoia, and Kings Canyon National Parks.
Buck Ridge is described as a group day-use pavilion within the Buck Ridge Recreation Area at Hensley Lake.
Historical SignificanceThe story of Hensley Lake begins with Hidden Dam's construction across the Fresno River, transforming the landscape into a 1,500-acre aquatic playground. For generations, this reservoir has drawn families, anglers, and water enthusiasts to its 20-plus miles of winding shoreline, establishing itself as a cherished recreational cornerstone of the region where memories are made and traditions are passed down.
Natural Features and SceneryPicture yourself where the golden Sierra Nevada foothills meet crystalline waters—Buck Ridge offers this perfect union of landscapes. Ancient oak woodlands frame the pavilion, creating a natural tapestry of dappled sunlight and cooling shade that extends right to the water's edge. The panoramic lake views shift throughout the day, from morning mist rising off calm waters to golden-hour reflections dancing across gentle waves, while the surrounding foothill terrain invites exploration of this distinctive ecological transition zone.
Geological RegionSierra Nevada foothills; oak woodlands
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Campsite details

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Reserving a campsite

Groups
Group day-use pavilion with multiple picnic tables, a large barbecue pit and grill, two horseshoe pits and a water-borne restroom.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutGroup day-use pavilion with multiple picnic tables, a large barbeque pit and grill, two horseshoe pits, water-borne restroom; area facilities also include boat ramps, picnic areas, a playground and a group picnic shelter.

Accomodation available

GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.

Amenities available

Potable water
Picnic tables
Flush toilets

Activities you can enjoy

A variety of land- and water-based recreation is available at Hensley Lake and the Buck Ridge area, including trails for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use, a swim beach, disc golf, fishing, water skiing and boating.
Hiking
Hiking trails are available, including routes used by mountain bikers and equestrians.
Fishing
Fishing is available on Hensley Lake.
Swimming
The lake area includes a swim beach and designated swimming areas.
Biking
Mountain biking trails are present in the area.
Boating
Boat ramps provide lake access for boating and water-based recreation.
Beach activities
A swim beach and shoreline recreation along Hensley Lake.
Water Sports
Water skiing and swimming
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Campground rules

  • Pets are not allowed

Hazards


Weather at Buck Ridge

43
°F
Dec 11
Thursday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Humidity: 100%
Wind: 1.3 mph
Foggy

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Good to know

Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the shore of Hensley Lake; the lake offers a swim beach and boat ramps.

Campground Map

Buck Ridge
Driving directionsFrom south of Fresno: Take State Route 99 to SR 41 north to SR 145. Turn left on 145 and go 8.4 miles to Road 33. Turn right on Road 33, and go 1 mile to Road 400. Turn right on 400, and go 9.7 miles to the Buck Ridge Recreation Area. Follow the signs to the campground and various areas within the park. From south of Madera: Take SR 99 north to exit 153B. Bear right onto Madera Ave. and go .3 miles to Gateway. Turn left and drive .2 miles to the traffic light at Yosemite Ave. (SR 145). Turn right and go 7.2 miles to Road 33. Turn left on Road 33, and go 1 mile to Road 400. Turn right on 400, and go 9.7 miles to the Buck Ridge Recreation Area. Follow the signs to the campground and various areas within the park. From north of Madera: Take SR 99 south to exit 153B. Exit onto Olive Ave. Turn left onto Madera Ave. and go .3 miles to Gateway. Turn left and drive .2 miles to the traffic light at Yosemite Ave. (SR 145). Turn right and go 7.2 miles to Road 33. Turn left on Road 33, and go 1 mile to Road 400. Turn right on 400, and go 9.7 miles to the Buck Ridge Recreation Area. Follow the signs to the campground and various areas within the park.
Accessible via State Route 99 to SR 41 north to SR 145, then Road 33 and Road 400; route information provided from Fresno and Madera.
Nearby places
Yosemite National Park about one hour north
Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks about 1.5 hours southeast.
Nearby supplies
Grocery store within a short driving distance.

Reviews from booking and map sources

0.0
1 reviews
Limited Reviews
Limited Reviews
Buck Ridge has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviewers consistently rate Buck Ridge very highly, praising it as a beautiful, multi-use area that works well for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, disc golf, and even horseback riding. People highlight the variety of terrain and features that accommodate beginners through advanced users, with good views of the lake and surrounding hills. Overall sentiment is strongly positive, with no major recurring complaints beyond weather-related challenges and seasonal conditions.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews

What Campers Love

Users love the scenic beauty, repeatedly calling the area beautiful and noting great views of the lake, rolling hills, spring flowers, and wildlife like bald eagles. The trail system is praised for...
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Based on 1 reviews

Common Concerns

There are no strong recurring complaints, but a few issues are mentioned. Several reviewers note that it can get extremely hot (especially over 100°F), making biking or hiking rough in summer, and...
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Based on 1 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reviewers recommend starting early and bringing plenty of water in hot weather, as summer temperatures can be intense. One user notes the soil is sandy and drains quickly in winter, so trails can...
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Based on 1 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring is noted for beautiful flowers starting to sprout, making the area especially scenic then. Winter tends to have well-draining, sandy soil that allows riding shortly after rain, while summer...
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Based on 1 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Super fun trail with features for every skill level of rider." "The hell with the trail. Go for the disc golf. Definitely the best course in Madera county." "Beautiful place to play some disc golf,...
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Based on 1 reviews

Accessibility Features

One reviewer mentions that the disc golf course is not stroller friendly and is physically demanding, indicating that the terrain is hilly and may be challenging for those with mobility limitations...
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Based on 1 reviews

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Last updated December 10, 2025
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