Butte Lake Group

Star4.25
86 reviews
LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100 MINERAL, CA 96063
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$35 - $62/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open from May 30 to ...

Cell

Unknown

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 Group
$35.00 - $62.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees vary based on season: $62 during peak season (May 30 to September 1, 2025) and $35 during non-peak season (September 2 to October 13, 2025). An...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$62.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 86 reviews

55 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanrestroomsspacious

Some mention

noisebugs

"User reviews highlight the remote and serene environment of Butte Lake Group Campground, emphasizing its proximity to hiking trails and the lake. However, issues such as the rough gravel road, dust, and bugs were frequently mentioned."

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Campground Map

LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100 MINERAL, CA 96063

Butte Lake Group

LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100 MINERAL, CA 96063

Driving directionsFrom Redding, drive 63 miles east on state highway 44 to Old Station. From intersection of state highway 89 and 44, continue east on state highway 44 for 11 miles. Watch for sign to Butte Lake Campground. Turn right and continue for 6 miles on a rough gravel road.
Access involves traveling on a six-mile gravel road, which is described as rough and dusty. Several reviewers noted the road's difficulty and mentioned that it can take 20 to 30 minutes to navigate.
Nearby places
Redding (63 miles east), Old Station (6 miles from the campground entrance), Chester (approximately 40 miles).
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be acquired in Chester, CA, or Old Station, CA. Campers are advised to bring water if camping after mid-September as running water is turned off during the off-season.

Best Time to Camp at Butte Lake Group

Summer transforms this high-altitude haven into a sun-drenched paradise where warm days invite endless exploration and cool nights demand cozy campfires. As autumn arrives, the landscape shifts to a hiker's dream—crisp, dry air carries the scent of pine while comfortable temperatures make every trail irresistible. Winter dramatically reimagines the terrain, blanketing the volcanic landscape in deep snow and wrapping the forest in a hushed, frozen beauty that rewards the hardy souls who venture here with unparalleled solitude.

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

Summer offers running water, flush toilets, lake access and warm days; reviews most positive in summer.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Autumn brings scenic shifts but reduced services and increased review notes about limited water/services.

Spring(Mar-May)
Not recommended

Site opens May 30; most of spring the campground is closed / services unavailable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Campground closed outside the May 30–Oct 13 season; winter use not supported.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 30 to September 1, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open from May 30 to October 13 annually for reservations. Flush toilets and running water are only available during summer.
  • Current Alerts: No active alerts were noted in source content.

About Butte Lake Group

Nestled in the dramatic northeastern corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park, Butte Lake Group Campground beckons adventurers to experience camping at 6,100 feet where volcanic wilderness meets pristine mountain waters. This group-friendly destination serves as your basecamp for exploring the crystalline waters of Butte Lake, where kayakers glide across mirror-like surfaces and anglers cast lines into depths that hold both fish and volcanic secrets. Modern amenities blend seamlessly with the wild landscape—flush toilets welcome summer visitors, while sturdy vault facilities ensure year-round comfort for those seeking solitude in the shoulder seasons.
The Butte Lake Group Campground caters primarily to group camping and tent camping. It is ideal for visitors seeking a remote and natural camping experience without hookups.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
No specific check-in time is provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out time is provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit is 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a diverse range of activities including hiking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The Cinder Cone Trail is a highlight and offers breathtaking views of the Painted Dunes and surrounding volcanic landscape.
HikingHiking trails surround the campground, featuring popular routes like the Cinder Cone Trail and paths to Snag Lake and Bathtub Lake. Trails vary in difficulty, with the Cinder Cone hike described as steep but rewarding.
FishingTrout fishing is popular at Butte Lake, which features abundant wild trout ('adipose fin intact') according to one user review. Fishing conditions can vary based on moon phases and other factors.
SwimmingSwimming areas are accessible at Butte Lake, described as serene and family-friendly. Some users noted limited beach areas.
BoatingNon-motorized boating such as kayaking and paddleboarding is permitted on Butte Lake, which features rocky shores and black lava flows for exploration.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is a highlight, with users reporting sightings of bears near the lake. The park hosts diverse flora and fauna, including 700 species of flowering plants and 250 vertebrate species.
Beach activitiesLimited beach areas were noted by users, but they were still enjoyable for relaxation and proximity to the lake.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife such as bears may be present; bear lockers are provided. Dust and ash from volcanic soils can cause respiratory discomfort for some visitors.
Active AlertsNo active alerts were noted in source content.
Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at each site, capable of holding multiple coolers and bags.

Weather at Butte Lake Group

Reviews

4.3
86 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Butte Lake Group is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remote and serene environment of Butte Lake Group Campground, emphasizing its proximity to hiking trails and the lake. However, issues such as the rough gravel road, dust, and bugs were frequently mentioned.
Review Summaries
Based on 86 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praised the peaceful atmosphere, cleanliness of restrooms, spacious campsites, and proximity to Butte Lake and Cinder Cone Trail. Many appreciated the camp hosts' friendliness and helpfulness.
Based on 86 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the six-mile gravel road, described as dusty and rough, limited privacy between campsites, and the prevalence of bugs and bees. Some users also noted the lack of running...
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Based on 86 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring bug spray and citronella candles due to bugs. Consider using a 4-wheel drive vehicle for the gravel road. Carry sufficient drinking water during off-season stays and check group campsite...
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Based on 86 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews were predominantly positive, focusing on the availability of running water, flush toilets, and lake access. Off-season reviews highlighted the absence of running water and increased...
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Based on 86 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Butte Lake is a wonderful gem of Lassen Volcanic National Park.' - direwolf58 2. 'Pretty descent campgrounds. Each spot has a fire ring, garbage bins with locking cover, and a picnic table.' -...
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Based on 86 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group sites received mixed reviews. While some users appreciated their spaciousness, others noted unclear boundaries and minimal privacy.
Based on 86 reviews

Accessibility Features

Few reviews specifically addressed accessibility, though some users noted spacious campsite layouts.
Based on 86 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed in campsites but not on trails or in the water. Users noted strict enforcement of pet rules by camp hosts.
Based on 86 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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