Hutchins

Campground · 3 bookable sites ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Plumas National Forest (NF) · Open Access

3
Bookable sites
27 ft
Max rig length
up to 25
People per site
5,146 ft
Elevation
Map of Hutchins Campground
Photo: United States Forest Service · Recreation.gov

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.

The facts

  • 3 bookable sites
  • Vehicles up to 27 ft
  • Up to 25 people per site
  • Loops: HUTC

Site types

  • 3 Group Standard Nonelectric

Amenities

  • Campfires allowed
  • Fire pits
  • Picnic tables
  • Shade
  • Pets allowed

Not recorded upstream: electric hookups, water hookups, sewer hookups, grills.

Book on Recreation.gov

3 campsites at Hutchins

Check-in 2:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
AHUTCGroup Standard NonelectricBack InPaved27 ft25 🐾
BHUTCGroup Standard NonelectricBack InPaved27 ft25 🐾
CHUTCGroup Standard Nonelectric—Paved27 ft25 🐾

Getting there

Bucks Lake is 10 miles west of Quincy on the Oro-Quincy Highway (Highway 162). From Oroville, travel east on Highway 162 for approximately 45 miles to Bucks Lake Dam Road. Turn left and continue 3 miles to the campground.

39.88306, -121.19917 · 39°52'59.0"N 121°11'57.0"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F————————————
Low °F————————————
Precip in11.510.810.35.73.41.20.10.10.42.96.312.7

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.2 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Hutchins

Can you reserve a site at Hutchins?
Yes, Hutchins is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Hutchins have?
3 sites.
What is the maximum RV length at Hutchins?
27 ft. That is the longest vehicle the sites here are recorded as taking; individual sites may be shorter.
Are pets allowed at Hutchins?
Yes, pets are allowed at Hutchins.
Are campfires allowed at Hutchins?
Campfires are allowed at Hutchins. Check for a current fire restriction before you go.

Camping near Hutchins

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-03-11.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.