Buck Mountain Campground
01 reviewNear Landmark, Idaho
Buck Mountain Campground
$25.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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 range from $25 to $35 depending on the site type and season.
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About this campground
Tucked away in a serene mountain meadow where Johnson Creek whispers through dense pine forests, Buck Mountain Campground invites adventurers seeking authentic wilderness solitude. This intimate retreat features just four carefully placed campsites, ensuring each visitor enjoys the tranquility of Idaho's backcountry. Here, where Johnson Creek flows toward its meeting with the South Fork Salmon River, campers discover a hidden gem that balances accessibility with the peaceful remoteness that makes the Idaho wilderness legendary.
Buck Mountain Campground offers primarily primitive camping with space for tents. RV camping may be possible, given vehicular access, but hookups are not mentioned.
Historical SignificanceJust 20 miles down winding mountain roads lies the spirited community of Yellow Pine, where every August the hills come alive with the distinctive sounds of the Yellow Pine Music & Harmonica Festival. This annual celebration brings together musicians and mountain folk, creating a unique cultural heartbeat that echoes through these remote valleys and connects modern visitors to the enduring spirit of Idaho's high country communities.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Buck Mountain into a cool mountain refuge, with June through September bringing perfect camping weather that ranges from crisp mornings to pleasantly warm afternoons. Throughout the year, temperatures dance between a brisk 14°F and a comfortable 70°F, creating distinct seasonal personalities. Winter blankets the meadow in pristine snow, turning this summer haven into a winter wonderland, while spring and fall offer their own dramatic displays of nature's transitions.
ElevationNestled at mountain elevation where the air is crisp and the stars shine brilliantly in the unpolluted night sky.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's mountain meadow setting creates a natural amphitheater where wildlife takes center stage. Morning mists often reveal grazing deer and elk, while the observant visitor might glimpse a bear foraging at forest's edge or a majestic moose wading through Johnson Creek. Above, bald eagles patrol the thermals, their distinctive silhouettes etched against mountain peaks. The creek itself provides a constant soundtrack, its clear waters reflecting the surrounding pines as it journeys toward its confluence with the mighty South Fork Salmon River.
Geological RegionSituated in Idaho's rugged central mountains, Buck Mountain Campground occupies a pristine meadow carved by centuries of geological forces. Johnson Creek has sculpted this gentle valley through ancient granite and volcanic formations, creating a pocket of tranquility amid towering pines. As a tributary of the renowned South Fork Salmon River system, the creek connects this intimate campground to one of the West's most celebrated wild waterways, placing visitors at the heart of Idaho's spectacular mountain ecosystem.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit details about accessibility options for individuals with disabilities are provided.
Sites SizeThe campground consists of 4 campsites, but specific dimensions of each site are not mentioned.
Sites PrivacyNo information is provided about the level of privacy offered at the campsites.
Total Campsites4 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites are ideal for those seeking solitude and proximity to nature. Choose based on proximity to Johnson Creek.
Best CampsitesSpecific campsites are not identified as 'best,' but all four sites are located in a scenic meadow near Johnson Creek.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
14 nights maximum stay
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Groups
No designated group sites or details about group camping are provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are arranged close together in a mountain meadow.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen early June through mid-September.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through the Cascade Ranger District office, though specific platforms or websites are null.
Walk-in AvailabilityPresumed available during peak season, but specifics are not provided.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are not provided.
Amenities available
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The campground offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, scenic drives, and wildlife viewing. Additional activities such as hunting, berry picking, and OHV camping are popular in season.
Hiking
The trailhead for the McClure/Burntlog trail is near the campground. The area supports both motorized and non-motorized trails and is popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are available at Johnson Creek and South Fork Salmon River. The types of fish available are not specified.Biking
The area is popular for mountain biking, though specific trail details such as terrain or difficulty levels are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewers may see deer, elk, bear, moose, and bald eagles. The campground's location in a mountain meadow adds to the viewing experience.Winter Activities
No specific winter activities mentioned.Water Sports
No specific mention of non-motorized water sports like kayaking or canoeing.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are permitted in designated fire rings.
Hazards
General hazardsRoad conditions may be rough, and wildlife such as bears and moose may be present in the area.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 44%
Comfortable humidity levels
Wind: 10.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Closest emergency services are presumed to be in Yellow Pine, Idaho (~20 miles away), but specifics about hospitals and police stations are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesEarly June through late September.
Trash and recyclingNo details are provided about trash or recycling facilities.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Johnson Creek, which feeds into the South Fork Salmon River. Ideal for fishing.
Common complaintsNo potable water availability and narrow rough roads.
HostManagement is through the Cascade Ranger District.
Campground Map
Near Landmark, Idaho
Driving directionsFrom Boise, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 approximately 80 miles to Cascade, Idaho. From Cascade, Idaho, travel north on State Highway 55 only a short distance to the turnoff at the Warm Lake Road (Forest Highway 22). Proceed along Forest Highway 22 northeast approximately 25 miles. When you arrive at the Warm Lake area, Forest Highway 22 becomes Forest Service (FS) Road 579. Continue east on FS Road 579 until it intersects with the FS Road 413, approximately 10 miles. Turn north on the FS Road 413 and Buck Mountain Campground will be just past Landmark on the right side of the road, approximately 3 miles.
The road to Buck Mountain Campground is narrow and may be rough in spots, but it can be accessed by most vehicles.Nearby places
Yellow Pine (~20 miles, approximately 35 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Limited services available in Yellow Pine (~20 miles away).
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Buck Mountain Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are limited but generally positive, highlighting the area's suitability for camping and OHV riding.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The campground is praised for its peaceful, remote setting and its proximity to trails suitable for hiking and OHV riding.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No explicit complaints are referenced in the available user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers are advised to bring their own potable water, as none is provided on-site.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Seasonal trends are not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
User Steven Jones remarked, 'Great place for camping ATV riding around the area.'
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews or mentions of particular campsite numbers are available.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility is not discussed in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews related to pets, but dogs are allowed on-leash as per authoritative sources.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025