USDA Forest Service · California
Hutchins
USDA Forest Service · California, United States
- Sites
- 3
- Hookups
- 3 no hookups
- Season
- June 6 to October 1
- Max RV length
- 27 ft
- Group sites
- Yes
- Pets
- Yes
- Elevation
- 5,144 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Access road
- PIONEER WAY SPUR E (NFSR 24N33E) · crushed aggregate or gravel · high clearance vehicles
- Lake
- Plumas National Forest
- Nearest town
- Bucks Lake
- Phone
- 530-283-0555
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Swimming
3 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Hutchins Group Campground is the perfect location for groups who want to explore the greater Bucks Lake area of the Plumas National Forest. This campground was severely impacted by the Dixie Fire in 2021. Timber salvage management has left the campground barren and hot so prepare by providing adequate shade for your stay.
American Land & Leisure are the concession operators working for PG&E to service the campgrounds, boat ramps and day use areas that are owned by the USDA Forest Service.
Recreation
The greater Bucks Lake area provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and canoeing. The boat ramp at Shady Point provides a boat dock to launch boats, showers, and day use picnicking. Hiking trails are only a short drive away with trailheads located in the Mill Creek Campground, Mill Creek Trailhead on the way to Bucks Summit, and at Bucks Summit where the PCT or Bucks Creek Loop trail are located.
Facilities
THIS CAMPGROUND CURRENTLY HAS NO WATER. Water is available at the nearby Sandy Point Day Use Area and Haskins Campground.
The campground offers three large group campsites for tent and RV camping. Each site has a limit of eight vehicles and 24 people.
Multiple tables and campfire rings with grills are provided, as well as vault toilets . A roving campground host is available intermittently to answer questions and provide additional information.
There are several boat ramps available around the perimeter of the 1,820-acre lake, including the closest one to Hutchins, at Sandy Point. A convenience store with gas, phone and propane is located within five miles of the campground.
Natural Features
At a 5,000-foot elevation, Hutchins campground provides a great jumping off point to explore the greater Bucks Lake area. Hot days, followed by cooler nights, provide the perfect atmosphere for camping. This campground would be a great place for star gazers night owls who really appreciate a wide open sky for night viewing.
Nearby Attractions
The campground is located within walking distance of Bucks Lake. Bucks Lake Wilderness borders the lake and the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail System traverses the surrounding area. A wilderness permit is not required; however, it is advised that hikers and backpackers leave an itinerary at the trailhead or with campground host.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41° | 28° | 14° | 58° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 43° | 27° | 8° | 60° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 44° | 27° | 11° | 76° | 10 of 11 |
| April | 52° | 32° | 15° | 69° | 10 of 11 |
| May | 66° | 42° | 28° | 79° | 3 of 11 |
| June | 76° | 49° | 35° | 94° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 86° | 56° | 46° | 97° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 85° | 57° | 49° | 96° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 78° | 50° | 39° | 87° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 67° | 42° | 29° | 80° | 3 of 10 |
| November | 51° | 34° | 19° | 67° | 5 of 10 |
| December | 42° | 28° | 14° | 59° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Grizzly Creek Campground (CA) · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 11 sites
- Lower Bucks (Family Cg) · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi
- Sundew Campground (CA) · USDA Forest Service · 1 mi · 22 sites
- Mill Creek Campground (Plumas) · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 11 sites
- Whitehorse Campground · USDA Forest Service · 3 mi · 19 sites
All public campgrounds in California · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-03-11. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.