WHITEHORSE CAMPGROUND
Plumas National Forest, CAThis equestrian-focused campground sits 3 miles from Bucks Lake at 5,500 feet in fir and pine forest, with a small creek running through. The 19 sites come with concrete picnic tables and bear lockers, plus direct trail access to the Bucks Lake Wilderness and Pacific Crest Trail.
Campground Details
- 🏕️Total Sites
- 19
- 💵Fee per Night
- $38
- 📍GPS
- 39.88806, -121.14111
- 🐾Pets Allowed
- No
- 📞Phone
- 1-530-283-0555
- 🗺️Address
- CA
The Camp
Whitehorse runs along a small creek that feeds into Bucks Lake, with sites tucked under fir and pine at 5,500 feet elevation. The forest canopy provides decent shade during summer months. Most sites now have concrete picnic tables and bear-proof food lockers — upgrades completed in 2024 using campground fees. Vault toilets, water, and trash service handle the basics.
The campground caters specifically to horse camping, with 19 sites designed for trailer and stock combinations. You're paying $38 per night for the equestrian setup and forest setting.
What to Know
A hiking trail runs directly from the campground to the Bucks Lake Wilderness and connects to the Pacific Crest Trail — no need to drive anywhere for trailhead access. Walking trails also lead to the lake itself.
The area supports year-round activities: fishing, hiking, and water sports in warmer months; snowmobiling, skiing, and snowshoeing once snow arrives. Bucks Lake sits within 3 miles for fishing, boating, and canoeing, with marinas and boat docks a short drive away.
Nearby
Haskins Valley Store provides limited supplies and deli food nearby. For sit-down meals, the Lakeside Resort has a restaurant, and Bucks Lake Lodge — with bar, restaurant, store, fishing supplies, and groceries — is slated to reopen under new management summer 2025, weather permitting.
The location puts you in the northern Sierra Mountains with Bucks Lake as the recreational anchor, but the real draw for equestrians is stepping directly onto wilderness trails from your campsite.