How much does camping cost at Buck Lake Campground?

Camping fees at Buck Lake Campground range from $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Fees are typically paid at the campground entrance.

Is Buck Lake Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Buck Lake Campground operates on a first-come, first-served basis. All sites are first-come, first-served.

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

Yes! Buck Lake 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 Lake Campground?

Buck Lake Campground is open Memorial Day Weekend to October 31. 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 Lake Campground?

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

Can I have a campfire at Buck Lake Campground?

Fire policies at Buck Lake Campground: Campfire guidelines are not explicitly stated.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Buck Lake Campground have?

Buck Lake Campground has 22 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Arrive early for the best site selection.

Are dogs allowed at Buck Lake Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Buck Lake 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 Lake Campground?

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

What activities can I do at Buck Lake Campground?

Popular activities at Buck Lake Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Buck Lake Campground

3.50

13 reviews

Top 8% in WAFall

Peace & QuietSummer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Washington

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

3,300 ft

Price

$10/night

Booking

First-Come

Sites

22 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

RV Friendly

Check Availability Official Website

Get Directions

Buck Lake Campground

$10.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Single site costs $10 per night. Additional vehicles require an extra $5 per night, up to a limit of 2 vehicles per site. Payments are digital-only...

Standard Site Fee$10.00

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USFS

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Buck Lake Campground

48.6061, -120.2026

Nearby places

Twisp (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive), Winthrop (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes drive)

Nearby supplies

Twisp is likely the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, but exact distances to services are not specified.

Driving directionsFrom Winthrop, drive 8 miles north on West Chewuch Road (County Road 1213), turn left onto Eightmile Creek Road (Forest Road 5130), then turn left onto Buck Lake Road (Forest Road 5130-100) drive for about 1.5 miles to campground.

The campground is accessible by paved roads up until the last stretch on Buck Lake Road, which is likely unpaved. There are no seasonal closures indicated, but the terrain is not extensively described.

Weather at Buck Lake Campground

Best Time to Camp at Buck Lake Campground

Fall delivers the best experience here. September and early October bring crisp mornings around 35°F and cool afternoons near 65°F, with golden and russet foliage lighting up the forest. Late-season trout fishing picks up, and trails are dry and pleasant before snow arrives. Spring through summer (late May to October) keeps the campground accessible, but fall weekdays after Labor Day are noticeably quieter. Stable weather and lighter crowds make autumn the move.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 8% in WA

"Fall delivers the best experience" with crisp mornings and golden/russet foliage; highly recommended.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Memorial Day Weekend to October 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open from the weekend before Memorial Day through October 31.

About Buck Lake Campground

Buck Lake Campground sits at 3,300 feet in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest near Twisp, offering 22 quiet, secluded sites for tents and RVs up to 25 feet. The sites cost $10 per night and require payment through the recreation.gov mobile app, so download it before you arrive. This is a no-frills lakeside retreat where vault toilets and picnic tables are the extent of the amenities.

Buck Lake is a small campground offering limited facilities primarily for tent and RV campers. Blackpine Lake is more versatile, with sections for tents, combined sites, and ample amenities.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the best experience here. September and early October bring crisp mornings around 35°F and cool afternoons near 65°F, with golden and russet foliage lighting up the forest. Late-season trout fishing picks up, and trails are dry and pleasant before snow arrives. Spring through summer (late May to October) keeps the campground accessible, but fall weekdays after Labor Day are noticeably quieter. Stable weather and lighter crowds make autumn the move.

ElevationPerched at 3,300 feet above sea level, Buck Lake Campground exists in that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on summer days. This elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, with gentle breezes filtering through the forest canopy and across the lake's surface. Here, you'll breathe deeply of pine-scented air while enjoying temperatures that make both daytime adventures and nighttime stargazing equally comfortable.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground surrounds a small mountain lake framed by conifers and shaped by glacial carving. Evergreens crowd the shoreline and provide shade across most sites. The lake is regularly stocked for fishing and has a boat landing for kayaks and small craft. Gravel parking aprons keep things tidy but don't expect sweeping vistas. The forest is thick enough to feel secluded, and wildlife tracks appear on trails around the water.

Geological RegionBuck Lake Campground claims its place within the vast tapestry of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of forested ridges and pristine mountain lakes. This mountainous terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, where glacial activity carved out the perfect basin for Buck Lake and volcanic soils nurtured the towering evergreens that now provide sanctuary for campers. The marriage of water and forest creates a diverse ecosystem that showcases the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest's interior ranges.

Scenic ViewsSome sites above the lake provide views of Buck Lake and the Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness.

Lodging & AccommodationsBoth campgrounds focus on tent and RV camping and do not offer hotel-style lodging accommodations.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights allowed.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum of 2 tents or 1 tent and 1 RV per site.

Groups

Details on group sites are not provided.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are not allowed

Site layoutThe campground spreads across multiple sections with gravel parking aprons and a 25-foot RV length cap. Sites include both tent-only spots near the water and elevated sites with wider forest views.

Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.

Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.

Cancellation PolicyThere is no indication of a specific cancellation policy.

AccessibilityBlackpine Lake offers wheelchair-accessible vault toilets and a paved hiking trail suitable for foot and wheelchair use.

Site SizeMaximum length of sites at Buck Lake is 25 feet; Blackpine Lake provides gravel parking aprons.

PrivacyBuck Lake is described as quiet and secluded by users, while Blackpine Lake offers three sections with varying proximity to the lake and wilderness views.

Total Campsites22 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers seeking seclusion or views should consider sites near the shore or above the lake.

Amenities available

Buck Lake Campground and Blackpine Lake Campground offer unique amenities tailored to their environments. Buck Lake is small and forested, described as quiet and tranquil, but lacks several common facilities, such as potable water and trash receptacles. Blackpine Lake provides amenities like picnic tables, grills, vault toilets, and water spigots, making it more equipped for extended stays.

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Both campgrounds provide distinct recreational opportunities. Buck Lake features mountain biking, non-motorized boating, fishing, and picnicking. Blackpine Lake is ideal for canoeing, hiking, and fishing for brook trout.

Hiking

Fishing

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"This is bear country" - campers are advised to practice safe food storage techniques.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

No Flush ToiletsFlush toilets are unavailable at both campgrounds. Blackpine Lake has vault toilets that are wheelchair-accessible.

Fire PolicyCampfire guidelines are not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesMethow Valley Ranger District and Twisp emergency services are likely the closest, but exact locations are not specified.

Trash & RecyclingBuck Lake operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, as no trash receptacles are provided.

Water FeaturesThe campground is situated directly adjacent to Buck Lake, which is suitable for fishing and small craft boating.

Cell CoverageCell phone service information for Buck Lake and Blackpine Lake is not provided. Based on their secluded nature, service may be limited.

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

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

13 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Buck Lake Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Users emphasize the quiet and tranquil nature of Buck Lake and Blackpine Lake Campgrounds. Blackpine Lake is appreciated for its scenic beauty and amenities, while Buck Lake is highlighted for its simplicity.

Review Summaries

Based on 13 reviews

What Campers Love

"Nice quiet little campground with outhouse-style bathrooms. Lots of good little hikes, bike trails and minutes away from shooting." "Very quiet and secluded camp site."

Based on 13 reviews

Common Concerns

Lack of potable water and trash receptacles at Buck Lake could be inconvenient for some campers.

Based on 13 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific site reviews are not provided.

Based on 13 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Download the recreation.gov mobile app before arriving at Buck Lake for required digital payments. Practice safe food storage techniques at Blackpine Lake as it is bear country.

Based on 13 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Blackpine Lake is open from Memorial Day weekend through October 31, offering pleasant weather and scenic views during summer and fall.

Based on 13 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Some years they stock the lake if you like fishing." "I was there on a Sunday night and I had the place to myself."

Based on 13 reviews

Accessibility Features

Blackpine Lake is noted for its wheelchair-friendly amenities, including vault toilets and a paved hiking trail.

Based on 13 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet policies and related user experiences are not mentioned.

Based on 13 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Anglers, mountain bikers, and kayakers who pack light and self-sufficient. The lake is stocked yearly, there's a boat landing for small craft, and fall weekdays after Labor Day are genuinely quiet. Bring all your water and download the recreation.gov app before you lose cell sign

Skip if

No potable water and no trash receptacles means hauling everything in and out yourself. RVs over 25 feet won't fit, and anyone expecting showers, flush toilets, or a social campground atmosphere will be disappointed by what's here.

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Campgrounds

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest

Buck Lake Campground

From the U.S. Forest Service

Reference information about Buck Lake Campground sourced from official USFS records and forestcamping.com. View official recreation.gov page →

Overview

Small, quiet forested campground. Boat landing, adequate for small crafts. Successful fishing early in the year. Lake stocked. Mountain biking opportunites. Maximum length of site is 25 feet.

About the campground

The elevation is 4,100 ft. The campground, on the north shore of Blackpine Lake, has three unnamed sections. Two sections are above the lake, providing some sites with views of the lake and Lake Chelan-Sawtooth Wilderness. The third section is a small tent-only section near the lake's shore. A pleasant mix of conifers, including Jeffrey pine and Douglas fir, provide ample shade to the campsites. This scenic campground, next to a good canoeing lake, is a pleasantly tranquil place to stay. This is bear country; practice safe food storage techniques.

Seasons & access

Open weekend before Memorial Day through October 31

Facilities

Blackpine Lake is 20 acres. Okanogan National Forest 149 Hiking: Blackpine Lakeshore Trail (paved - foot and wheelchair friendly) - 0.25 miles Fishing: Brook trout

Water activities

Blackpine Lake is 20 acres. Okanogan National Forest 149

RV information

Parking aprons are gravel.

Directions

In Twisp, WA, at intersection of State Rt. 20 and Twisp Rd (Twisp River Rec Area Sign), take Twisp Rd east 10.7 miles to W. Buttermilk Cr Rd/Black Pine Lake signs. Turn left at sign onto W. Buttermilk Cr Rd and go 0.2 miles to a Y intersection. Bear left onto E. Buttermilk Cr Rd 0.5 miles to another intersection and Black Pine Lake sign. Turn right at sign and go 6.5 miles to campground on left. NOTE: Last 6.5 miles are gravel.

National Forest: Okanogan National Forest
Ranger District: Methow Valley
Elevation: 4100
Rate: $12 per day
Maximum Stay: 14
Open Season: May