Buck Lake Campground
02 reviewsBuck Lake Campground
$10.00 - $10.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$10.00
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
Single site costs $10 per night. Additional vehicles require an extra $5 per night, up to a limit of 2 vehicles per site. Payments are digital-only through the recreation.gov mobile app. Discounts are available for Interagency Senior, Interagency Access, Golden Age, and Golden Access pass holders, providing a 50% reduction on single site fees.
Share this campground
USFSProvider
About this campground
Nestled deep within a pristine forest, Buck Lake Campground offers an intimate escape where towering conifers whisper overhead and the gentle lapping of lake waters provides nature's soundtrack. This hidden gem welcomes anglers with its well-stocked waters that promise early-season success, while mountain biking enthusiasts will discover winding trails that beckon for exploration. With a boat landing perfectly sized for kayaks and small watercraft, this peaceful retreat invites you to paddle across mirror-like waters or cast a line into the depths where trout await.
Buck Lake is a small campground offering limited facilities primarily for tent and RV campers. Blackpine Lake is more versatile, with sections for tents, combined sites, and ample amenities.
Weather and SeasonsFrom late May through October, Buck Lake transforms into an outdoor paradise where crisp mountain mornings give way to sun-dappled afternoons. Each season paints the landscape with its own palette – spring brings wildflower blooms and eager fish, summer offers warm days perfect for lakeside lounging, and fall wraps the forest in golden hues. The seasonal rhythm here means every visit offers a unique experience, from misty dawn fishing expeditions to starlit evenings around the campfire.
ElevationPerched at 3,300 feet above sea level, Buck Lake Campground exists in that sweet spot where mountain air stays refreshingly cool even on summer days. This elevation creates a natural air conditioning system, with gentle breezes filtering through the forest canopy and across the lake's surface. Here, you'll breathe deeply of pine-scented air while enjoying temperatures that make both daytime adventures and nighttime stargazing equally comfortable.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient conifers stand sentinel around a jewel-like lake, their reflections painting abstract art on the water's surface. The surrounding forest creates a natural amphitheater of green, offering both shade and shelter while framing spectacular views of Buck Lake. Wildlife tracks crisscross forest paths, wildflowers peek from shadowy corners, and the regularly stocked lake sparkles with promise for anglers seeking their next catch. This is nature's sanctuary, where every sunrise brings new discoveries.
Geological RegionBuck Lake Campground claims its place within the vast tapestry of the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of forested ridges and pristine mountain lakes. This mountainous terrain tells a story millions of years in the making, where glacial activity carved out the perfect basin for Buck Lake and volcanic soils nurtured the towering evergreens that now provide sanctuary for campers. The marriage of water and forest creates a diverse ecosystem that showcases the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest's interior ranges.
Campsite details
AccessibilityBlackpine Lake offers wheelchair-accessible vault toilets and a paved hiking trail suitable for foot and wheelchair use.
Sites SizeMaximum length of sites at Buck Lake is 25 feet; Blackpine Lake provides gravel parking aprons.
Sites PrivacyBuck Lake is described as quiet and secluded by users, while Blackpine Lake offers three sections with varying proximity to the lake and wilderness views.
Total Campsites22 campsites
Recommended CampsitesCampers seeking seclusion or views should consider sites near the shore or above the lake.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights allowed.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 2 tents or 1 tent and 1 RV per site.
Groups
Details on group sites are not provided.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground consists of several sections, including tent-only sites near the lake and sites above the lake with broader views.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open from the weekend before Memorial Day through October 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are not available.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll sites are first-come, first-served.
Cancellation PolicyThere is no indication of a specific cancellation policy.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Both campgrounds provide distinct recreational opportunities. Buck Lake features mountain biking, non-motorized boating, fishing, and picnicking. Blackpine Lake is ideal for canoeing, hiking, and fishing for brook trout.
Hiking
Buck Lake offers mountain biking trails and hiking opportunities. Blackpine Lake has the Blackpine Lakeshore Trail, a paved 0.25-mile trail suitable for wheelchair users.Fishing
Fishing is available at both campgrounds. Buck Lake is stocked yearly, providing good fishing earlier in the season. Blackpine Lake is known for brook trout.Biking
Buck Lake has mountain biking trails, a highlight for outdoor enthusiasts.Boating
Both campgrounds support non-motorized boating, with Blackpine Lake providing boat carry-down access and a ramp.Winter Activities
Camping and hiking may be limited to seasonal accessibility at both campgrounds.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports, such as canoeing and kayaking, are available primarily at Blackpine Lake.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfire guidelines are not explicitly stated.
Hazards
General hazards"This is bear country" - campers are advised to practice safe food storage techniques.
Weather forecast
90
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 13%
Very dry conditions, stay hydrated
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
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
Methow Valley Ranger District and Twisp emergency services are likely the closest, but exact locations are not specified.
Good to know
Peak season datesMemorial Day Weekend to October 31
Trash and recyclingBuck Lake operates on a 'pack it in, pack it out' policy, as no trash receptacles are provided.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated directly adjacent to Buck Lake, which is suitable for fishing and small craft boating.
Common complaintsSome reviews report the campground is very quiet and secluded, which may not suit those seeking group or social camping experiences.
Campground Map
Driving directionsFrom Winthrop, drive 8 miles north on West Chewuch Road (County Road 1213), turn left onto Eightmile Creek Road (Forest Road 5130), then turn left onto Buck Lake Road (Forest Road 5130-100) drive for about 1.5 miles to campground.
The campground is accessible by paved roads up until the last stretch on Buck Lake Road, which is likely unpaved. There are no seasonal closures indicated, but the terrain is not extensively described.Nearby places
Twisp (8 miles, approximately 15 minutes drive), Winthrop (15 miles, approximately 25 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
Twisp is likely the nearest location for groceries, camping supplies, and fuel, but exact distances to services are not specified.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Buck Lake Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users emphasize the quiet and tranquil nature of Buck Lake and Blackpine Lake Campgrounds. Blackpine Lake is appreciated for its scenic beauty and amenities, while Buck Lake is highlighted for its simplicity.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
"Nice quiet little campground with outhouse-style bathrooms. Lots of good little hikes, bike trails and minutes away from shooting." "Very quiet and secluded camp site."
Based on 2 reviewsCommon Concerns
Lack of potable water and trash receptacles at Buck Lake could be inconvenient for some campers.
Based on 2 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Download the recreation.gov mobile app before arriving at Buck Lake for required digital payments. Practice safe food storage techniques at Blackpine Lake as it is bear country.
Based on 2 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Blackpine Lake is open from Memorial Day weekend through October 31, offering pleasant weather and scenic views during summer and fall.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Some years they stock the lake if you like fishing." "I was there on a Sunday night and I had the place to myself."
Based on 2 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Specific site reviews are not provided.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Blackpine Lake is noted for its wheelchair-friendly amenities, including vault toilets and a paved hiking trail.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies and related user experiences are not mentioned.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025