Camping near Paskenta, California offers access to both forested foothills of the Mendocino National Forest and the Sacramento River valley. The region experiences extremely hot summer temperatures, often exceeding 100°F from June through September, with dramatically cooler nights in the higher elevations. Winter camping provides milder daytime conditions but requires preparation for occasional freezing overnight temperatures.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: Black Butte Lake provides year-round fishing with seasonal variations in catch. At Buckhorn Recreation Area, campers report consistent success during cooler months. "Open all year is the draw for Buckhorn. Camp sites were plentiful in November. Took the canoe out every day," notes Tom W.
Wildlife viewing: The region supports diverse wildlife populations throughout the day and night. "Falling asleep to the shrieks of distant coyotes was cool too. Heard lots of critters in the night, owls, deer, rabbits. In the morning was woken up by woodpeckers," shares Stephani H. about her experience at Buckhorn Recreation Area.
Trail exploration: Several campgrounds connect to trail systems for day hiking. "Great trail system for exploring the park. Boat ramp, old bathrooms. I was the only person in the park in mid December, so peaceful and beautiful," writes Mimi about Orland Buttes, noting the quieter winter season offers solitude.
What Campers Like
Water activities: The lake provides welcome relief during hot weather. "Water was super warm, but gets icky in the summer, so definitely need to go early in the season," advises Susan R. about Buckhorn Recreation Area, highlighting the importance of timing water recreation.
Spacious campsites: Many campgrounds offer sites with ample room between neighbors. "We just spent one night in sight 6 with our 24' camper and we had a good experience. Didn't really have neighbors too close and had a great view of the lake," reports Tanner P. from Buckhorn.
Wine tasting: Local wineries complement the camping experience. At The Parkway RV Resort & Campground, campers appreciate nearby attractions. "Stayed here for a second time driving from Southern California to Oregon. The sites are spacious and there is a pool to cool down during the hot summers. There is wine tasting as well," shares Lindsey F.
What You Should Know
Summer heat concerns: The region becomes extremely hot during peak summer. "Not much to the site. It was very hot and a distance to the lake. Not to mention the rangers were very grumpy," warns Amanda R. about her experience at Buckhorn Recreation Area in summer.
Insect populations: Bug activity increases dramatically during warmer months. "Note: there were LOTS of bugs everywhere when in late May and early June," reports Tanner P. about Buckhorn Recreation Area, advising campers to bring repellent.
Wind conditions: Unexpected wind can impact camping comfort and safety. "Wasn't windy when we got there in the morning, but that night the wind started and almost blew everything away. STAKE down, no matter the weather," cautions Susan R. about Sycamore Grove Campground.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground facilities: Some campgrounds include recreational areas designed for children. "Great day use areas! Nice playground area for kids. The swimming looks good as well," notes Mimi about Orland Buttes, making it suitable for family camping trips.
Safety considerations: When camping with children near water, supervision is essential. "The camp site/campground were well maintained the restrooms were decent. The price wasn't bad at all for dry camping. Only downfall it was really hot!" reports Scotty B. about Buckhorn Recreation Area.
Entertainment alternatives: When temperatures become too extreme, nearby indoor options exist. "We enjoyed a pull thru full hookup spot. We had our dogs and 5 year old with us. There was a fair amount of space between sites. We all enjoyed a meal at the steak house. After we let mama gamble as my daughter and I enjoyed the arcade, then we switched," shares Jason D. about his stay at Rolling Hills Casino Truck Lot.
Tips from RVers
Easy access locations: For overnight travelers, convenience becomes priority. "Just a small parking lot with 8 or 9 pull through sites in the middle of a small downtown commercial area. The parking lot is next to two restaurants and a bar," describes Kevin C. about Olive Pit Dispersed Lot, highlighting its urban location.
Water connection challenges: Water access points may require special equipment. "The water spigot is close-by but in an awkward spot where other folks were skirting the boundary of our campsite to get to," explains Tanner P. about Buckhorn Recreation Area, suggesting campers bring extended hoses.
Level site availability: Site selection impacts comfort significantly. "The site itself was mostly level side to side but our back stabilizers were nearly fully extended (with blocks) and the front ones we barely had to put out," notes Tanner P., providing practical insight for RVers at Buckhorn.
