Buck Meadow Campground
04 reviewsBuck Meadow Campground, McKinley Grove Road, California
Buck Meadow Campground
$32.00 - $34.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$34.00
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
Fees are $34.00 per night or $32.00 per night during holidays with an additional $2.00 per night. There is also a $10.00 per night fee for additional vehicles.
About this campground
Escape to Buck Meadow Campground, where the raw beauty of the Sierra National Forest unfolds at 6,800 feet above sea level. This rustic retreat along Deer Creek's eastern banks offers adventurous souls a true back-to-nature experience. Here, the modern world fades away as you embrace dispersed camping at its finest—where starlit skies replace streetlights and the creek's gentle murmur becomes your evening soundtrack.
Primitive and tent camping sites are available, offering a back-to-basics experience. RV camping is not supported.
Historical SignificanceJourney into a living cathedral of ancient giants at nearby McKinley Grove, home to some of Earth's most magnificent sequoias. The crown jewel awaits—a colossal sequoia stretching 20.3 feet in diameter, standing as a testament to centuries of Sierra history. These gentle giants have witnessed countless seasons, silently guarding the forest's secrets and inspiring generations of visitors.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the Sierra's dynamic mountain climate, where crisp mornings give way to perfect summer afternoons in the mid-70s. Winter transforms Buck Meadow into a serene wonderland, with occasional snowfall dusting the pines and creating a magical alpine atmosphere. Spring and fall bring their own rewards—wildflower blooms and golden foliage painting the landscape in nature's finest colors.
ElevationPerched at 6,800 feet in the Sierra's sweet spot, Buck Meadow offers the perfect high-country escape. This elevation gifts visitors with refreshingly cool mountain air, spectacular views, and easy access to alpine adventures. The thin, pure air invigorates your senses while positioning you perfectly for exploring the surrounding peaks, meadows, and hidden mountain treasures.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover your own piece of paradise on Buck Meadow's expansive sandy flats, where towering lodgepole pines create a natural canopy overhead. Deer Creek weaves through the landscape, its crystalline waters reflecting the forest's emerald hues. Young pine groves border the campground, their fresh green needles contrasting beautifully with the ancient bark of mature trees, creating a diverse tapestry of Sierra forest life.
Geological RegionNestled at the dramatic confluence of Snow Corral and Deer Creeks, Buck Meadow occupies a unique geological crossroads along the scenic McKinley Grove Road. This natural meeting point has created an expansive sandy plateau beside Deer Creek—a rare flat oasis carved by centuries of flowing water. The surrounding terrain tells the story of glacial movements and volcanic activity that shaped these magnificent Sierra landscapes.
Campsite details
AccessibilityWheelchair-friendly vault toilets are available.
Sites SizeThe campground features small to medium sites, with some larger locations for families.
Sites PrivacySites are close together and offer limited privacy, contributing to a rugged, dispersed camping feel.
Total Campsites10 campsites
Recommended CampsitesArrive early in the week to secure a spot; Tuesday is ideal. Sites next to the river are recommended for ambiance.
Best CampsitesSites next to the river are particularly popular for their ambiance and fishing opportunities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified
Check-out
Not specified
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is limited to 14 days.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum group size is 6 per site.
Groups
Group camping is not available at this campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSites are close together with little privacy; overall layout follows the east bank of Deer Creek.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen Memorial Day weekend through September 24.
Reservation PlatformsNot applicable as reservations cannot be made.
Walk-in AvailabilityCampground is first-come, first-serve. Weekdays, especially Tuesdays, offer better chances of availability. "Come Friday night, people were driving in and leaving because there wasn't any more space."
Cancellation PolicyNo reservation platform available; this is a first-come, first-serve campground.
Amenities available
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground provides opportunities for picnicking and fishing, creating a tranquil setting by the creek.
Fishing
Fishing is available in Deer Creek, which runs adjacent to the campground. Brook trout are present, and campers have reported catching and releasing fish from the creek.Winter Activities
None mentioned; the campground is not open during the winter season.Water Sports
Non-motorized or motorized water sports are not supported at this campground.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Not specified. Based on reviews, campers seem to use campfires with standard precautions.
- Quiet hours are Not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsBear country; campers are instructed to practice safe food storage techniques. No potable water available on-site.
Active alertsNone explicitly stated.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 42%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.3 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Partly cloudy
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
Nearest emergency services available at Dinkey Creek (approximately 20 minutes away). No cell phone service available in the area.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day weekend through September.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are not explicitly mentioned. Campers should follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Deer Creek, offering fishing opportunities and scenic views.
Common complaintsSites are close together, offering little privacy. No running water, requiring campers to bring their own.
HostThe site manager, Curt, is highly praised for his attention to detail and friendliness. "Curt told us we could use water from the river if we needed to."
Campground Map
Buck Meadow Campground, McKinley Grove Road, California
Driving directionsTake Hwy 168 east from Clovis towards Prather. Continue through Prather to Shaver Lake. Just before you reach Shaver Lake turn right on the Dinkey Creek Road. Travel 11.7 miles east to the intersection of the Dinkey Creek Road and the McKinley Grove Road. Turn right and travel 9.6 miles north on the McKinley Grove Road.
Access is via paved and dirt roads.Nearby places
Shaver Lake (11.7 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearest supplies, including water and groceries, available at Dinkey Creek, approximately 20 minutes away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Buck Meadow Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews highlight the natural beauty of the area, the peaceful environment, and the friendly site management. Campers appreciate the rustic setting but note the lack of potable water as a drawback.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
"The creek is great for kids, and the campground is beautiful and close to places to visit." Campers enjoy the peaceful riverside setting and the friendly, helpful management.
Based on 4 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of potable water is frequently mentioned. Vault toilets, while clean, are a compromise for some visitors.
Based on 4 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
"Arrive early, especially before Friday to secure a site." Bringing your own water is crucial. Use nearby areas like Camp Edison for facilities.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Weekdays offer easier access to campsites, while weekends and holidays see high demand with many campers turned away. Summer is the most popular season.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Curt, the site manager, was super nice and uses pine and cinnamon to keep the vault toilets smelling good." "No running water available here, so bring your own clean water." "We caught and released...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
One reviewer mentioned that sites closer to the river offer more ambiance and better fishing opportunities.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
Vault toilets are wheelchair-friendly, and the campground is accessible via paved and dirt roads.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews mentioned pet experiences.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025