Buckeye Campground
4.1420 reviewsnull
Buckeye Campground
$20.00 - $20.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$20.00
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
$20 per night for a single site. Additional $6 per night fee for extra vehicles.
About this campground
Nestled in the tranquil embrace of Jeffrey and Lodgepole pines, Buckeye Campground invites you to disconnect from the everyday and reconnect with nature along the melodic waters of Buckeye Creek. This thoughtfully designed campground features five distinct loops, each with its own character: Loop 1 welcomes intimate camping with cozy parking spaces, while Loop 4 rewards visitors with generous sites and breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valley and distant mountain peaks. For those seeking a more authentic outdoor experience, Loop 3 offers tent-only camping where the rugged terrain challenges and rewards in equal measure.
Buckeye Campground offers a mix of tent camping and small vehicle access sites, with specific loops designated for different camping types. RV camping is limited, with no dump stations on-site.
Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the pine boughs at Buckeye Campground, where you'll camp on the eastern ridge of Buckeye Mountain. These very forests played a crucial role in the Wild West's most famous ghost town – in 1862 and 1863, timber harvested from these slopes helped build the legendary mining town of Bodie, California. The massive pines that once stood here supported mining operations and constructed the buildings that housed fortune-seekers during the gold rush era.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at 7,520 feet, Buckeye Campground experiences the full drama of mountain weather. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland with snow-dusted pines and crisp, freezing air. As spring arrives, the campground awakens to mild days and cool nights, while summer brings those perfect high-country days – warm sunshine filtered through pine boughs, dry mountain air, and refreshingly cool evenings perfect for campfire stories.
ElevationAt 7,520 feet above sea level, Buckeye Campground offers the perfect high-altitude escape where the air is crisp, the stars shine brighter, and every breath feels refreshingly pure. This elevation creates an ideal climate for camping – cool enough to escape summer's heat, yet accessible enough to enjoy without altitude concerns. Here, you'll experience the special magic of mountain camping where morning mist dances through the pines and afternoon thunderstorms roll dramatically across distant peaks.
Natural Features and SceneryA living cathedral of Jeffrey pines, stately firs, and shimmering aspens creates a natural sanctuary at Buckeye Campground. The forest floor tells its own story with aromatic sagebrush, soft pine needle carpets, and sun-warmed earth. Buckeye Creek provides a constant mountain soundtrack as it tumbles past campsites, while nearby trails beckon adventurers into the pristine Hoover Wilderness and up the slopes of majestic Eagle Mountain. This is where the Eastern Sierra reveals its most intimate treasures – from golden hour light filtering through the forest canopy to the ancient geological stories written in every rocky outcrop.
Geological RegionBuckeye Campground sits in the heart of the Eastern Sierra, a geological wonderland where ancient forces sculpted dramatic landscapes over millions of years. Sheltered by groves of Jeffrey and Lodgepole pines that thrive in this unique ecosystem, the campground occupies a prime position well above Buckeye Creek, offering glimpses into the raw beauty of the nearby Hoover Wilderness. This is classic Sierra Nevada country – where granite peaks pierce azure skies, where volcanic and glacial forces have created a playground of natural wonders, and where the thin mountain air carries the scent of sun-warmed pine and adventure.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo wheelchair-friendly toilets or accessibility features are mentioned.
Sites SizeLoops 4 have larger parking aprons, while Loop 1 has smaller aprons.
Sites PrivacyLoop 4 offers some sites with spectacular valley and mountain views, while sites in Loop 5 have more tree cover and privacy due to Aspen trees.
Total Campsites67 campsites
Recommended CampsitesLoop 4 recommended for scenic views, Loop 1 for smaller aprons, Loop 5 for Aspen cover. Avoid Loop 3 unless prepared for tent-only challenges.
Best CampsitesLoop 4 for valley and mountain views. Loop 5 is close to the campground entrance. Loop 3 is tent-only but has limited space for pitching tents.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
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Stay Limit
Up to 14 consecutive days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
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Groups
No designated group sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutFive loops: Loop 1 (sites 1-11), Loop 2 (trailhead), Loop 3 (sites 13-21, tent-only), Loop 4 (sites 23-41 with larger aprons), Loop 5 (sites 42-68 near entrance).
Open and Closed SeasonOpen seasonally from May 24 through September 22, weather dependent.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations, walk-up only.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up sites available, no reservations accepted.
Cancellation Policynull
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Buckeye Campground offers recreational activities like hiking, fishing, mountain biking, hunting, and wildlife viewing. The nearby Buckeye Creek Trail provides access to Buckeye Hot Springs (140°F) and Hoover Wilderness. Fishing opportunities include rainbow trout, and the area is described as quiet and uncrowded.
Hiking
Hiking trails accessible from the campground include Buckeye Creek Trail, which spans 8.8 miles and provides scenic views into the Hoover Wilderness. Eagle Creek trails lead to the flanks of Eagle Mountain. Camping visitors can enjoy day hikes and backpacking.Fishing
Fishing in Buckeye Creek offers opportunities to catch rainbow trout. Some reviews describe the fishing as quiet and away from typical crowds, while others note that certain sites may not be close to the creek.Biking
Mountain biking opportunities are available nearby, though no detailed information about trails or terrain is provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is possible, with bears mentioned frequently as being present in the area. Campers are encouraged to store food safely to avoid bear encounters.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not highlighted for this campground.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding are not available.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires allowed with valid California Camp Fire Permit.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsFrequent black bear sightings. Dirt roads with loose rocks and washboard surfaces may present challenges. User reviews highlight steep and tight road conditions from US 395.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 59%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Bridgeport Ranger District (75694 US-395 HC 62, Bridgeport, CA 93517, Phone: 760-932-7070).
Good to know
Peak season datesLate May to late September.
Trash and recyclingGarbage service is provided. No specific recycling facilities or schedules are mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Buckeye Creek and Buckeye Hot Springs (140°F), which include a cave-like pool and smaller upstream springs.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention no drinkable water, limited tent space in some loops, overcrowding at hot springs, and overpriced gas stations in Bridgeport.
HostCampground host available for firewood purchases and daily check-ins, as cited in user reviews.
Campground Map
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Driving directionsFollow Highway 395 south from Bridgeport, turn left and travel approximately seven miles on Twin Lakes Road. Turn right on Buckeye Road at Doc and Al's Resort and travel about 3 miles. Turn left at fork and travel another mile to campground. Note: After 0.4 miles, Buckeye Rd. becomes dirt with washboard surface.
Buckeye Road accessible from Twin Lakes Road is dirt with washboard surface. Road from US 395 is reportedly sketchy, tight, curvy, and involves cliffs and a mud hole, according to user reviews.Nearby places
Bridgeport: 15 minutes driving distance
Nearby supplies
Bridgeport offers groceries, camping supplies, and fuel. User review mentions gas stations in Bridgeport being overpriced
cheaper gas is available 40 minutes into Nevada.
Camper Reviews
4.1
20 reviews
Buckeye Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Overall, user reviews describe Buckeye Campground as quiet, clean, and well-maintained, with scenic views and uncrowded conditions. The host is frequently mentioned as friendly and helpful. Vault toilets are praised for their cleanliness, but the lack of potable water requires campers to bring their own. Some users appreciate the proximity to Buckeye Hot Springs and hiking trails.
Review Summaries
Based on 20 reviews
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, friendly campground host, scenic views, uncrowded conditions, proximity to Buckeye Hot Springs and hiking trails.
Based on 20 reviewsCommon Concerns
Limited amenities (no potable water, bear boxes, showers, or flush toilets) and seasonal closures (some reviews mention arriving when the campground was unexpectedly closed).
Based on 20 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring your own potable water. Cash is required for campsite fees and firewood purchases. Avoid driving south on Buckeye Road from US-395; use Twin Lakes Road instead for a safer route.
Based on 20 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Positive reviews highlight quiet and uncrowded conditions during the early season, while late-season reviews mention closures due to fires or weather.
Based on 20 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The hot springs are awesome!" - Bear Draughon
"A hidden gem of a campground. A lot of different sites to choose from, with a mixture of RV and tent-only sites." - Tevis Pieper
"Great clean...
Based on 20 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Loop 4 has sites with spectacular views of the valley and distant mountains. Loop 3 is tent-only but may not be suitable for group camping due to constraints in tent placement.
Based on 20 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features are not mentioned in the authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 20 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Multiple reviews confirm that dogs are allowed, provided they are on a leash, as per campground rules.
Based on 20 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025