Mill Creek Campground (Plumas)
Plumas National Forest, CAMill Creek Campground sits right on Bucks Lake at 5,500 feet in the northern Sierra, making it a solid base for equestrian groups and anyone wanting lake access without resort crowds. With 11 sites spread along the water and a hiking trail starting from camp, it's built for people who plan to get out and use the area rather than just park and relax.
Campground Details
- 💵Fee per Night
- Free
- 📍GPS
- 39.91380, -121.18810
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 530-927-7878
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
The 11 sites handle both RVs and tents, though you won't find electrical hookups. Each comes with the standard setup: fire ring, picnic table, and food storage lockers. Vault toilets and drinking water keep things functional without being fancy. The real draw is the lakeside location — you're settled right along Bucks Lake with direct access to water activities.
What's Around
Bucks Lake delivers the full menu of Sierra recreation. The boat ramp at Shady Point gives you launch access plus day-use picnicking and showers if you need them. Fishing and boating are the obvious lake activities, but the area works year-round with snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing when the snow flies.
For trail access, you've got options starting right from the north end of the campground. If you want more variety, Bucks Summit is a short drive away and connects you to both the PCT and the Bucks Summit Loop Trail. The elevation keeps things cooler than the foothills, and you're positioned to hit multiple trail systems without breaking camp.
The setup works well for horse camping — hence the equestrian designation — but anyone wanting lake access with trail options nearby will find it useful. At 5,500 feet, you're high enough to escape valley heat but not so high that access becomes a production.