Butte Lake

Star4.42
427 reviews
LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA
Great HikingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$15 - $22/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens National Park Service site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Butte Lake
$15.00 - $22.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Camping fees range from $15 per night during non-peak season (September 2 - October 13) to $22 per night during peak season (May 30 - September 1)....
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Standard Site Fee$22.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
530 595-6121Michelle_DUlisse@nps.gov
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What Campers Say

4.42

Recommended

Based on 427 reviews

55 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanspacioushiking

Some mention

noise

"Reviews of Butte Lake Campground highlight its serene natural landscapes, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails and Butte Lake. Complaints include the rough gravel road leading to the campground, occasional issues with restroom maintenance, and varied levels of privacy between campsites."

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Campground Map

LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA

Butte Lake

LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100, MINERAL, CA 96063, USA

Driving directionsFrom Redding, California drive 63 miles east on State Highway 44 to Old Station. From the intersection of 44 and State Highway 89, continue east on 44 for 11 miles. Watch for sign to Butte Lake Campground. Turn right and continue for six miles on a rough gravel road.
Campers must travel on a six-mile gravel road to access the facility. The road is described as rough, washboard dirt, and dusty, with some reviewers noting it took 20-30 minutes to drive the stretch depending on speed. This road can be challenging for sedans, though SUVs and vehicles with higher clearance manage better.
Nearby places
Redding, CA (approx. 63 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes drive)
Old Station, CA (approx. 17 miles, 30 minutes drive)
Nearby supplies
The nearest grocery store and cell coverage are 17 miles northwest in Old Station, CA. Visitors must bring most supplies as the campground lacks stores, ice, or other provisions.

Best Time to Camp at Butte Lake

Summer transforms this high-elevation retreat into a paradise of warm days and refreshingly cool nights, with wildflowers painting the meadows and all trails gloriously accessible. While winter brings a formidable personality to Butte Lake—with heavy snowfall, bone-chilling temperatures, and winds that howl through the pines—it's the golden months of June through September when this campground truly shines. During peak season, the mountain air carries the scent of sun-warmed pine needles and the promise of adventure.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.5 / 5
Top 14% in CA

Summer is described as a paradise: warm days, cool nights, wildflowers and full trail access.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Open into October with crisp weather and good trail access; lower services later in season.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5

Late spring (after May 30) is good but services/water may be limited early in season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed mid-Oct through late May; winter camping not supported here.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 30 - September 1 (peak season).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season starts May 30 and ends October 13. Reservations are available June 21 onward.
  • Current Alerts: Water availability may be limited during drought years or early/late season opening. Smoke from nearby wildfires sometimes affects visibility.

About Butte Lake

Tucked away at 6,100 feet in the remote northeastern corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Butte Lake Campground rewards adventurous souls who navigate the six-mile gravel road with an extraordinary wilderness experience. Here, beneath towering Ponderosa pines, spacious campsites serve as your basecamp for exploring crystalline Butte Lake, where anglers cast for trout, kayakers glide across mirror-smooth waters, and swimmers brave the refreshing mountain temperatures. The legendary Cinder Cone Trail begins right from camp, beckoning hikers to discover one of the park's most dramatic volcanic landscapes.
Butte Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and group camping. Nonelectric sites dominate, and primitive camping features are present.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in time begins at 3 PM.
Check-out
Check-out time is officially stated as noon.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 nights during a single visit or within 30 rolling days.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Butte Lake Campground offers diverse recreational options, from hiking to water-based activities. The Cinder Cone Trail is a highlight, with breathtaking views of Painted Dunes and nearby lakes. "The hike to the Cinder Cone is amazing" (Brian S). Fishing, kayaking, and swimming are popular at Butte Lake, though water levels can fluctuate due to drought conditions. Wildlife viewing is common: "We saw a bear cub and a deer near our campsite" (Michele L). Some trails lead to unique geological features, including Bathtub Lake and the surrounding lava beds.
HikingMultiple trails are accessible directly from the campground, including the Cinder Cone Trail. Difficulty varies, but many provide stunning views.
ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.
FishingFishing for wild trout is available at Butte Lake. "The lake has wild trout, adipose fin intact" (Noj).
SwimmingDesignated swimming spots at Butte Lake offer cool waters, although muddy shores are noted during drought conditions.
BoatingNon-motorized boating, including kayaking and canoeing, is popular. "The lake was great for kayaking" (Carla W).
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include bears, deer, and marmots, as noted by several reviewers.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bears and small animals such as chipmunks that tend to raid campsites. Dust and respiratory discomfort have been reported by some visitors due to volcanic soil. Gravel road access may challenge sedans.
Active AlertsWater availability may be limited during drought years or early/late season opening. Smoke from nearby wildfires sometimes affects visibility.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.
Food Storage Required“Each campsite features bear boxes for food storage to prevent wildlife encounters. Lockers are generously sized.”

Weather at Butte Lake

Reviews

4.4
427 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Butte Lake is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Butte Lake Campground highlight its serene natural landscapes, spacious sites, and proximity to hiking trails and Butte Lake. Complaints include the rough gravel road leading to the campground, occasional issues with restroom maintenance, and varied levels of privacy between campsites.
Review Summaries
Based on 427 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the spacious sites, cleanliness of facilities (during peak season), proximity to hiking trails like the Cinder Cone Trail, and the peaceful environment. "The campsites were...
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Based on 427 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the six-mile gravel road being difficult to navigate, a lack of running water during some seasons, and occasional overcrowding. "The road is a nightmare" (Kay H); "Restrooms...
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Based on 427 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra water if visiting after September. Arrive early to avoid issues with campsite availability. Consider bringing kayaks or paddleboards to maximize lake activities. Avoid tent camping during...
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Based on 427 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Peak season reviews emphasize cleanliness of facilities and better availability of water services. Non-peak reviews frequently mention vault toilets and lack of running water.
Based on 427 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Butte Lake is a wonderful gem of Lassen Volcanic National Park" (direwolf58); "Clean, well spaced campground" (Jessica A); "Flush toilets and sinks were very clean" (Stephanie Joy).
Based on 427 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites in Loop B tend to have less privacy (B18, B50). Loop A sites are preferred for RVs (A27, A38).
Based on 427 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible flush toilets and vault toilets are available. Sites are equipped with bear boxes and are mostly flat for accessibility.
Based on 427 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed within campsites but prohibited on trails and lake shores.
Based on 427 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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