How much does camping cost at Butte Lake Group?

Camping fees at Butte Lake Group are $35/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Butte Lake Group first-come first-served or reservation?

Butte Lake Group accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Butte Lake Group before I book?

Yes! Butte Lake Group has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Butte Lake Group?

Butte Lake Group is open May 29 to October 12. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Butte Lake Group?

Butte Lake Group does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

How many campsites does Butte Lake Group have?

Butte Lake Group has 100 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Butte Lake Group?

Yes, pets are allowed at Butte Lake Group. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Butte Lake Group?

Butte Lake Group offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Butte Lake Group?

Popular activities at Butte Lake Group include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Butte Lake Group

4.15

86 reviews

LASSEN VOLCANIC NP PO BOX 100 MINERAL, CA 96063

Top 15% in CASummer

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open from May 30 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open from May 30 to ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Butte Lake Group

$35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $35.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

Group Site Fee$62.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530 595-6121Michelle_DUlisse@nps.gov

I manage this campground

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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

Nearby places

Redding (63 miles east), Old Station (6 miles from the campground entrance), Chester (approximately 40 miles).

Weather at Butte Lake Group

Current alerts(8)

All equipment must fit on the site pad.
An entrance fee of $30.00 per vehicle will be collected at the campground.We highly recommend visitors purchase the park's digital 1-7 day entrance fee or the parks annual pass throught recreation.gov prior to visiting park.
Campers must have a valid entrance permit/pass before camping.
Min 10 - Max 25 persons and six licensed vehicles per site.

Best Time to Camp at Butte Lake Group

Best season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable weather, full services, and access to all trailheads and the lake—expect warm daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights from the mid-30s to low-50s at 6,100 ft. This is peak season for kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming (water is chilly), and hiking out onto the lava flows and along the lake shore when trails are snow-free. Campground facilities (flush toilets, running water) are available, but holiday weekends can be busy so reservations are a Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Best season: full services, running water, lake and trail access; many positive summer reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 29 to October 12. 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.

About Butte Lake Group

Butte Lake Group sits at 6,100 feet in Lassen Volcanic National Park, managed by the National Park Service and open during peak summer months. The large campground offers tent, RV, primitive, and group sites with flush and vault toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Campers use it as a base for hiking the Cinder Cone Trail, paddling or fishing on Butte Lake, and exploring the park's lava flows.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer offers the best combination of reliable weather, full services, and access to all trailheads and the lake—expect warm daytime highs around 65–80°F and cool nights from the mid-30s to low-50s at 6,100 ft. This is peak season for kayaking, boating, fishing, swimming (water is chilly), and hiking out onto the lava flows and along the lake shore when trails are snow-free. Campground facilities (flush toilets, running water) are available, but holiday weekends can be busy so reservations are a Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryPonderosa pines tower over volcanic terrain that still shows its violent origins. The lake's shoreline is striking: jet-black lava flows extend into clear water, creating dramatic contrasts that photographers favor. The volcanic soils beneath the forest tell the story of eruptions past. Beyond camp, the Painted Dunes display mineral deposits in rust and orange tones, while Cinder Cone Trail climbs through red cinder fields to panoramic views of the volcanic landscape. Every rock formation here. From massive lava beds to small cinders. Reflects the forces that continue shaping the Cascade Range.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo additional lodging is available aside from the group campsites.

Programs & ActivitiesNo specific cultural or educational programs were mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay limit is 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Group sites accommodate 10-25 people per reservation.

Groups

Group sites accommodate a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 25 persons, with space for six licensed vehicles. Each site features multiple tables and fire rings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is limited. Some sites are described as spacious, but there is no detailed description of features for campers with disabilities.

Site SizeGroup campsites are large and can accommodate up to 25 people and six vehicles, with room for multiple tents.

PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly among sites. Some reviews mentioned tightly packed sites with minimal privacy, while others highlighted spacious layouts.

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites farther from large group areas for quieter experiences. Sites near the lake are noted for easy access to water activities.

Best CampsitesGroup sites in Loop B earn praise for spaciousness and proximity to both the lake and trailheads. Site privacy varies significantly across the campground. Some reviewers found sites tightly packed while others had ample space. Check layouts beforehand if privacy matters to your group.

Need help booking Butte Lake Group?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

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Cancellation Alerts

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Amenities available

Butte Lake Group Campground has a variety of amenities. It includes flush toilets during the peak season and vault toilets outside this period. Running water is available only during summer. The campground features fire rings, picnic tables, and bear boxes at each site. Bear lockers are spacious enough to store coolers and bags. Trash and recycling facilities are present along with dishwashing stations.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Butte Lake Group

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.

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing4.0/5

Boating4.0/5

Non-motorized boating (kayak/paddleboard) is permitted and commonly used on Butte Lake.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Wildlife viewing highlighted by users; bear sightings reported near the lake.

Water Sports4.0/5

Swimming3.5/5

Swimming areas described as serene and family-friendly, though some reservations noted.

Signature experiences

Stargazing4.0/5Remote, high‑elevation site with low crowds implies good dark‑sky potential.

Photography4.0/5Photographers favor the jet‑black lava meeting clear water and sunrise/sunset views.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear boxes are provided at each site, capable of holding multiple coolers and bags.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.2

86 reviews

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...

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

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...

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...

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.' -...

Based on 86 reviews