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State Park
Hutchins Group Campground
Plumas National Forest · Meadow Valley, CA
Verify with the state park system
State parks set their own rules and reservation systems. Fire bans, road closures, and operating dates change seasonally — check the state park website before traveling.
3 Group
Official sources & verification
Managed by State Park
Source of truth
- Agency source page
The page our published rules and notes are derived from.
Reserve or permit
- Reserve on Recreation.gov
Book a site directly with the operator.
Managing agency
- Plumas National Forest — official page
Park unit page with alerts and visitor information.
Verify by phone or mail
- Operator:530-283-0555
- Address:Meadow Valley, CA
About
Overview
Hutchins Campground is within walking distance of beautiful Bucks Lake, which boasts clear water and sandy beaches, surrounded by the Plumas National Forest. It is a popular recreation destination for visitors driving through the Feather River Canyon or coming from the Reno area.
Bucks Lake wilderness area is home to numerous mountain creeks and meadows, with great loop trails, providing ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.
Recreation
Boating, swimming and fishing are popular activities enjoyed by visitors during spring, summer and fall months. Anglers can enjoy a variety of fishing opportunities, including plentiful salmon and trout. Winter season offers various skiing and snow activities, especially snowmobiling.
Hiking is also available, with the Pacific Crest Trailhead and others very close to the campground. Trailheads with parking are within 3 miles of the campground and a foot trail for day walks and fishing follows the perimeter of the lake shore.
Facilities
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 and drinking water. A campground host is available on-site 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 is settled in a mix of pine trees that provide the area with sufficient shade. Various birds and wildlife, including osprey and bald eagles, make their home in, and migrate through the region.
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.
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Amenities
Flush Toilets
Picnic Tables
Fire Rings
Trash Service
Pet Policy
Pets allowed on leash
Campground Rules
- Campfires generally permitted — verify current fire restrictions before lighting
Individual Sites (3)
Within ~30 miles
Trails near Hutchins Group Campground

Silver Lake to Spanish Peak Trail
California
7.4 mi2,306 ftgain
TrailDifficult

Gold Lake Trail
California
1.6 mi472 ftgain
TrailModerate

Chamber's Falls
California
3.4 mi2,077 ftgain
TrailDifficult

Woody's Hot Springs
California
0.6 mi69 ftgain
TrailEasy

Mountain House Trail
California
2.4 mi1,529 ftgain
TrailDifficult

Grass Valley Bald Mountain
California
4.4 mi1,306 ftgain
TrailModerate
Hunt context
Hunting units around this campground
During hunting seasons, wear blaze orange and check regulations — see the California hunting page
Nearby Campgrounds
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