Buck Rock Campground
4.328 reviews35860 East Kings Canyon Road, Dunlap, CA 93621
Buck Rock Campground
$0.00 - $0.00 / night
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
No fees required for campsites; however, a standard amenity fee is collected at National Park entrance stations as part of an interagency agreement.
About this campground
Perched at 7,600 feet where the mountain air runs crisp and clear, Buck Rock Campground offers adventurous souls a genuine wilderness experience. This rustic, first-come, first-served hideaway invites you to disconnect from the modern world—there's no potable water or trash services here, just pure, unfiltered nature. The gentle murmur of Big Meadow Creek provides a natural soundtrack, while the iconic Buck Rock Lookout towers nearby, promising panoramic views that stretch for miles. For those seeking to explore deeper into the backcountry, well-worn trails lead directly into the pristine Jennie Lakes Wilderness, where alpine lakes mirror the sky and granite peaks pierce the clouds.
Buck Rock Campground offers primitive camping accommodations suited for tent and RV campers. The sites are first-come, first-served and are free of charge.
Historical SignificanceBuck Rock Campground rests within the storied Sequoia National Forest, a landscape that has captivated hearts and minds for generations. This is a place where natural wonders and human history intertwine—where the majestic depths of Kings Canyon have inspired countless adventurers, and where ancient Sequoia groves stand as living monuments to time itself. The forest has long been a sanctuary for those seeking connection with something greater, from Native American peoples who first walked these paths to modern-day visitors drawn by the same timeless allure.
Weather and SeasonsThe seasons paint Buck Rock Campground in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms this high-elevation retreat into a snow-dusted wonderland, where temperatures dip below freezing and silence blankets the forest. As spring arrives, the landscape awakens with wildflowers pushing through melting snow. Summer brings those perfect Sierra days—warm sunshine filtering through pine boughs, cool mountain breezes, and crystal-clear skies that seem to stretch forever. The dry, comfortable conditions make it ideal for stargazing, hiking, and simply breathing in that pure mountain air.
ElevationAt 7,600 feet above sea level, Buck Rock Campground offers a true high-country experience. This lofty perch means you'll sleep closer to the stars, wake to crisp morning air that fills your lungs with mountain freshness, and experience weather that can shift from sunny to snowy with dramatic flair. The elevation creates a unique microclimate where summer days remain pleasantly cool and winter brings a enchanting blanket of snow, transforming the campground into a serene alpine escape far above the heat and hustle of the valleys below.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to sunlight filtering through towering conifers, with 13 magnificent Sequoia groves standing sentinel throughout the surrounding forest. Buck Rock Campground places you at the heart of one of California's most spectacular natural theaters. The legendary Kings Canyon carves its dramatic path through the landscape, while the pristine Jennie Lakes Wilderness beckons with its collection of sapphire alpine lakes and weathered granite peaks. Every direction offers a postcard-worthy view, from meadows dotted with wildflowers to ridgelines that seem to touch the sky.
Geological RegionNestled within the Southern Sierra Nevada's granite kingdom, Buck Rock Campground occupies a spectacular slice of central California's most dramatic mountain range. Here in Sequoia National Forest, the landscape tells an ancient story written in stone and forest. The terrain varies dramatically, plunging from the Kings River at just 1,000 feet to the lofty summit of Mt. Harrington at 11,000 feet. This incredible elevation range creates diverse ecosystems and microclimates, offering visitors a chance to experience everything from sun-baked foothills to alpine wonderlands—all within one magnificent forest.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information on accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeSite sizes are not specifically described.
Sites PrivacySite privacy details are not provided.
Total Campsites20 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews suggest the campground is easy to access but caution against a large rock in the last half-mile forest service road.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
No stay limit explicitly specified.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No explicit limit mentioned.
Groups
Group camping details are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutApproximately 17-20 sites with one vault toilet.
Open and Closed SeasonSite is open year-round, but fire restrictions may apply during hot, dry seasons.
Reservation PlatformsNo reservations allowed; first-come, first-served system.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served. User reviews confirm this approach.
Cancellation PolicyNot applicable since reservations are not required.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Buck Rock Campground offers a range of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking on nearby trails, fishing in streams, and swimming, non-motorized boating, and fishing at Lake Hume, about 15 miles away.
Hiking
Several trails pass near the campground, providing excellent hiking opportunities. These trails lead into the Jennie Lakes Wilderness and are open to hikers, horses, and bikes (though bikes are not allowed in wilderness areas).Fishing
Streams in the area allow for trout fishing, and Lake Hume, 15 miles away, offers additional fishing opportunities.Swimming
Swimming is available at Lake Hume, located approximately 15 miles from the campground.Biking
Biking is allowed on trails in the district but is prohibited in designated wilderness areas.Boating
Non-motorized boating is available at Lake Hume, 15 miles away.Winter Activities
No details about winter-specific activities are mentioned.Water Sports
The campground supports non-motorized water sports like kayaking and canoeing at Lake Hume.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are subject to restrictions during fire season. Permits may be required.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is a known concern. Fire restrictions may be enacted during dry conditions.
Active alertsNo current alerts mentioned, but fire restrictions may be enforced during hot, dry weather conditions.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
Humidity: 51%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 17.1 mph
Very strong wind, outdoor activities may be affected
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
Hume Lake Ranger District at 35860 East Kings Canyon Road, Dunlap, CA. Contact phone: 559-338-2251. For medical emergencies, nearest major services are likely in Dunlap or other nearby towns.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot specified.
Trash and recyclingThere are no trash or recycling facilities. Campers are required to pack out all their trash.
Proximity to water featuresNearby to Big Meadow Creek and 15 miles from Lake Hume, which offers swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating.
Common complaintsLack of potable water, absence of food storage lockers, and limited amenities like trash services. Some user reviews mention the single restroom serving 20 sites as a drawback.
Campground Map
35860 East Kings Canyon Road, Dunlap, CA 93621
Driving directionsFrom Grant Grove, go 7 miles southeast on Generals Highway and 4 miles east on Big Meadow Road (Forest Road 14S11).
Roads are accessible with the first 4 miles paved and the last 1/2 mile being a forest service road, suitable for compact cars with caution to avoid a large rock mentioned in user reviews.Nearby places
Grant Grove (7 miles), Lake Hume (15 miles)
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies for groceries, camping equipment, and fuel likely available in nearby towns such as Dunlap or around Grant Grove and Lake Hume.
Camper Reviews
4.3
8 reviews
Buck Rock Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the scenic beauty and simplicity of Buck Rock Campground. The area is described as peaceful and surrounded by natural features, though the lack of amenities like water and trash services requires preparation.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Many users appreciate the free sites, scenic beauty, and quiet environment. Comments such as 'absolute gem of a campground' and 'great place to camp' are common.
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
The most common user complaints include the lack of water and trash services. Some users note that the single vault toilet may not be sufficient for the number of campsites.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own water and be prepared for dry camping. Firewood should be purchased locally due to restrictions on outside wood.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
User reviews and weather data suggest that summer is the ideal time for camping, with mild temperatures and clear skies. Winter weeks feature freezing conditions, high chances of snow, and limited...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
1. 'Absolute gem of a campground. Surrounded by a beautiful grove of trees.' - Thomas Borawski
2. 'Free camping' - Bruce Knutson
3. 'Nice spot to camp with family' - Salvador Gonzales
Based on 8 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
One user mentioned that the campground has approximately 17-20 campsites. Specific site numbers or rankings are not provided.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 8 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed, and the leash requirement is noted. No additional feedback about pet experiences is available.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025