Buckhorn

Very beautiful views and surprisingly great trails. The site was relatively level. We had made a mistake and stayed in the wrong spot, it wasn’t crowded, and the camp host was very helpful and friendly.

Really nice spot. But the facilities need attention. Somebody's not doing their job.

While the camping, beauty, birds and animals were great & that would get a five there were many other things that weren't great. First, I wanted to switch campsites because FYI at least in Buckhorn 18-22 the photo you see upon reservation is nothing near what the campsite looks like. The ranger was suppose to switch me because the camp host wasn't there, but that didn't happen. Computer glitch, couldn't do it I don't know, but a call to the campground host would have been nice. Fast forward to 8-8:30pm New Year's Eve. The campground is very quiet and the handful of campers are dispersed throughout, I was already in my sleeping bag in the back of the van (it was really cold!). A vehicle pulls up and without stating who they were tells me, "You in the van need to get out and talk to me." This is while blinding me in the eyes with a flashlight. First of all I am a solo female and am leery of random men telling me to do ANYTHING for my own personal safety. 2.) I don't appreciate being treated like a criminal. He was rude and impatient as I was stumbling around to find my shoes, flashlight and the dumb slider lock on the door. I finally realize this person that is treating me like America's Most Wanted wants me to move my van & is the camp host (I can barely make out the sign on the vehicle hence being blinded). In site number 10 it is not clear in this site where you park even though there is a more than van width gap going down along a gravel path that looks like parking. It must be noted that this is the ONLY place that didn't have barriers or rocks there in this whole area (I will post pics if this allows). I move onto the narrow concrete part of the road. Male camp host, stop playing out your cops and robbers fantasy, ID yourself, and learn some manners. Get a barrier for this site. Actually be a campground host and be there to answer questions during the DAY especially near check-in time. BTW the bathroom should be cleaned regularly.

Visited the lake at the end of December. It was gorgeous! The area was pristine and had only 3 other campers. Roads are well maintained and there are lots of hiking trails. Was able to see lots of wildlife. We enjoyed boondocking at Buckhorn and plan on returning!

The campsites were well maintained and the views of the lake are beautiful . Oh, and the sunsets and sunrises were stellar! The bathrooms, however, leave something to be desired. They’re not the worst I’ve ever seen, but it’s pretty clear they don’t get cleaned on a regular basis.

We tent camped at site 17 which has lots of space between it and any other site. Most everyone else had an RV, which meant they ran their generators. For the most part they obeyed the 10pm-6am quiet hours. But, 6am generators coming on isn’t really ideal when your trying to get that last bit of sleep in a tent.
We hiked one of the nearby buttes. A great moderate hike, with lots of boulders and formations to explore. The kids loved it and the view from the top was amazing.

Overall, I like this campground and we had a great time. I wouldn’t want to camp here in the Summer though. The heat would be oppressive and the water isn’t close enough to the campsites.

Lots of hiking and bicycling. If you go to the dam there is a hike to the top of the butte. Also frisbee golf on the other side of the lake.

Did not know we had to make reservation on line. Always been able to pay at registration. Bathrooms not clean. They need to open other sites that are on the water instead of on the hill that is windy.

Nice trails to walk, easy access off a major freeway. Water level is low, long walk to fish, not very much level ground for tent camping. Only one stall in men’s room for 22 sites, water in shower for warm but never hot. Shower is free. Very nice rangers working these grounds.

An amazing serene place to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Winter is a beautiful time to camp at Buckhorn. It is not crowded. The hiking trails are not difficult. I hiked every day. The hike from the dam, up onto the butte, and back to camp took me about two and a half hours. Simply stunning! My husband caught a catfish which we enjoyed for dinner. Other campers were friendly. I can't wait to go back!