Whitehorse Campground
3.8625 reviews14551 Bucks Lake Road, Bucks Lake, California
Whitehorse Campground
$31.00 - $31.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$31.00
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
Standard non-electric and equestrian sites are $31 per night during the peak season (May 23, 2025 - September 27, 2025). Fees may not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Tucked away in the tranquil embrace of towering fir and pine trees, Whitehorse Campground offers an intimate escape from the crowds with just 19 thoughtfully spaced sites. This hidden gem welcomes both tent campers and RV adventurers, with three sites specially designed for equestrian enthusiasts and their four-legged companions. Each campsite comes equipped with essential amenities including sturdy picnic tables, fire rings for evening gatherings, and bear-proof food lockers to ensure wildlife stays wild. Fresh drinking water and well-maintained vault toilets complete the rustic yet comfortable camping experience.
Whitehorse Campground supports RV camping, tent camping, and equestrian camping.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the perfect mountain summer at Whitehorse, where warm days give way to refreshingly cool evenings that invite cozy campfire conversations. The elevation and protective forest canopy create an ideal climate for escaping the valley heat. As winter approaches, the campground transforms into a snow-laden wonderland, closing its gates until summer returns to melt away the deep drifts and reopen this mountain sanctuary.
ElevationPerched at an impressive 5,500 feet above sea level, Whitehorse Campground offers a true high-country experience. This elevation gifts visitors with crisp, star-filled nights perfect for sleeping bag snuggling and morning air so fresh it practically sparkles. Winter transforms the landscape into a snow globe scene, making this a warm-season destination where summer's gentle touch lingers longer than in the valleys below.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a living postcard where majestic firs and pines create a natural cathedral overhead. A babbling creek meanders through the campground, its crystal-clear waters eventually joining the pristine Bucks Lake nearby. This forest sanctuary serves as nature's theater, where curious chipmunks perform acrobatic displays, songbirds provide the soundtrack, and occasional bear sightings remind visitors they're guests in a wild and wonderful ecosystem. The interplay of dappled sunlight through the canopy creates an ever-changing tapestry of light and shadow throughout the day.
Geological RegionWhitehorse Campground sits proudly in the northern Sierra Mountains, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. This high-elevation forest ecosystem showcases the Sierra's characteristic blend of granite foundations clothed in evergreen splendor. The nearby Bucks Lake adds aquatic diversity to the terrestrial tapestry, creating a complete mountain environment where geological history meets thriving forest ecology. Here, visitors can witness firsthand the powerful forces that shaped California's iconic mountain range while enjoying the serene beauty of a mature coniferous forest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly stated in the provided materials.
Sites SizeUser reviews suggest spacious sites, suitable for tent setups but potentially tight for large RVs.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is small and provides a secluded atmosphere, with significant tree cover offering privacy. "Great secluded campground" (Dena R) and "Absolutely lovely campground, very quiet" (Brenda H).
Total Campsites19 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose creek-side sites for better views and proximity to water features. Campers with horses may prefer equestrian-specific sites.
Best CampsitesSite 19 is highly rated for its proximity to the creek and scenic views. Sites near the creek are generally favored.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights per visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Generally, campsites will accommodate up to 2 vehicles.
Groups
Group sites are not explicitly mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is small and organized into loops, with sites 1 to 7 designated as first-come, first-serve.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season begins May 23, 2025, and ends September 27, 2025. Sites are reservable between June 25, 2025, and September 27, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov via the website, contact center, or app.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites 1 to 7 are first-come, first-serve. Fee envelopes are available at the information boards near the entrance of the campground. A QR code is also available for payment via the Recreation.gov app.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made before the scheduled arrival date incur a $10 fee and the first-night fee is withheld for late cancellations. Changes to reservation dates are subject to a $10 change fee. No refunds are issued for same-day cancellations.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Whitehorse Campground provides access to a wide range of activities in the Bucks Lake area, including fishing, boating, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, and winter sports such as snowmobiling and skiing.
Hiking
"Walking trails connect to the campground" (Sarah Janus). A trail leads from the campground to Bucks Lake Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail, offering scenic hiking opportunities for various skill levels.Fishing
"The river is teeming with fish" (Cason Wilson). Bucks Lake offers fishing opportunities, and marinas and boat docks are nearby.Boating
Boating, including canoeing, is available at Bucks Lake. Marinas and boat docks are located nearby.Wildlife viewing
Campground visitors report sightings of birds, chipmunks, and bears. "Lots of bird life (duck mama and her ducklings visited at dawn)." (Richard Maximillian G). However, bears are described as aggressive, particularly around overflowing trash bins.Winter Activities
The campground provides access to winter activities such as snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing.Water Sports
Boating, canoeing, and fishing are popular water-based activities at Bucks Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are allowed. Follow fire safety rules posted onsite.
- Quiet hours are enforced, though user reviews indicate occasional noise disruptions from campers and wildlife.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is frequent; campers should utilize bear lockers for food and follow safety guidelines. Seasonal hazards include snowfall and icy roads during winter.
Active alertsUser reviews note issues with running water and garbage service during specific periods in 2023. Always verify site conditions before booking.
Weather forecast
81
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 29%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Closest emergency services are likely available in Quincy, CA, including hospitals, police stations, and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season runs from May 23, 2025, to September 27, 2025.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are provided. However, reviews note occasional issues with overflowing dumpsters and their proximity to campsites, which may attract bears.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Bucks Lake, with trails leading to the lake and a small creek running through the campground.
Common complaintsComplaints include lack of running water, overflowing trash bins, and aggressive bear activity. Vault toilets are regularly serviced but some find them unpleasant.
HostThe campground host has received mixed reviews; noted as friendly and helpful historically but absent during some periods in recent years.
Campground Map
14551 Bucks Lake Road, Bucks Lake, California
Driving directionsFrom Quincy: Take Oroville-Quincy Hwy west 15 miles to the campground which will be on your left. If you have a large RV you will need to take Oroville-Quincy Hwy, left onto Big Creek Road, right on Bucks Lake Road, and the campground will be on your right. From Oroville: Take Oroville-Quincy Hwy 162 East. Left on Bucks Lake Road and campground will be on your right.
The campground is accessible via paved roads, though large RVs may need to follow alternate routes to avoid challenging terrain. Seasonal closures or weather conditions may impact road access.Nearby places
Quincy (15 miles, approximately 30 minutes)
Nearby supplies
Limited supplies and a deli are located at the Haskins Valley Store nearby. Additional supplies, including groceries and fishing equipment, are available at the Bucks Lake Lodge.
Camper Reviews
3.9
25 reviews
Whitehorse Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews provide a mixed sentiment with an average rating of 3.74 for general sentiment and 3.8 specifically for campgrounds. Positive highlights emphasize the campground's quiet and secluded environment, clean and spacious sites, natural beauty, and proximity to Bucks Lake. Negative feedback includes issues with vault toilet cleanliness, trash overflow attracting bears, and occasional lack of potable water and dumpsters during certain periods.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects include: "Everything we wanted! Solitude and nature" (Sarah Janus); "Spacious sites" (Neil N); "Absolutely lovely campground, very quiet and well-maintained" (Brenda H); "Nice...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common issues include: "NO WATER and NO DUMPSTER for trash" (Christopher M); "Bathrooms were very stinky" (Gina W); "Trash bin was overflowing with trash" (Neil N); "The bees in the bathrooms were...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from users include: "Store food in a vehicle and out of sight if a food storage locker is not available." (Sarah Janus); "Site 19 is the best!" (Jarrod T H).
Based on 25 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summers are described as pleasant, with shaded sites and moderate temperatures. However, reviewers mention that some summers experienced water shortages and trash overflow issues. Winter activities...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Everything we wanted! Solitude and nature." (Sarah Janus); "The river is teeming with fish." (Cason Wilson); "Wonderful campsites." (Gregory H); "Love this cute little clean hideaway tucked away in...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific feedback includes: "Spaces 16 and 15 don't even have bear lockers." (Renee R); "Site 19 is the best!" (Jarrod T H); "Trash bin was overflowing with trash and could not be closed." (Neil...
Based on 25 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility-related reviews are not explicitly provided.
Based on 25 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
User reviews do not explicitly address pet policies or experiences.
Based on 25 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025