Orland Buttes

3.79

67 reviews

19225 NEWVILLE ROAD, ORLAND, CA 95963-8901, USA

Quick Facts

518 ft

Price

$20 - $130/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Campground open Apri...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

518 ft

Price

$20 - $130/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Campground open Apri...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Check Policy

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens Recreation.gov site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Orland Buttes

$20.00 - $130.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $20 per night for individual campsites to $130 per night for group campsites. Fees do not include taxes, discounts, or incremental...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$130.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-865-4781

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What Campers Say

3.79

Mixed Reviews

Based on 67 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulspacious

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews for Orland Buttes are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 3.7 out of 5. Many users appreciated the scenic views and helpful camp host, while recurring complaints included dirty bathrooms, bugs, and inconsistent maintenance."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

19225 NEWVILLE ROAD, ORLAND, CA 95963-8901, USA

Orland Buttes

19225 NEWVILLE ROAD, ORLAND, CA 95963-8901, USA

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5, take the Black Butte Lake exit at Orland, CA. Travel west on County Road 200/Newville Road for 6 miles. Turn left on County Road 206 and drive 4 miles to the campground.

Road access is via paved roads, with seasonal restrictions; entrance gates close at 10 PM during the open season (April 1 through September 30).

Nearby places

Sacramento, CA (100 miles, approximately 1.5 hours)

Red Bluff, CA (30 miles, approximately 40 minutes)

Chico, CA (30 minutes by car).

Nearby supplies

Chico and Orland provide grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel options.

Best Time to Camp at Orland Buttes

Spring arrives with character at Black Butte Lake, as April winds dance across the water, creating perfect conditions for sailing enthusiasts. As summer unfolds, the mercury climbs above 90°F, transforming the lake into a refreshing oasis where morning mists give way to brilliant sunshine. While occasional smoke from distant fires may paint dramatic sunsets, the real magic happens in fall when temperatures mellow to perfection, creating ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and fireside conversations under star-filled skies.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season with boating and warm temps (>90°F); issues include low water, bugs and maintenance complaints.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open into early/mid-September; early fall can be pleasant but season is short and variable.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

April winds favor sailing; pleasant temps and scenic spring colors make it a strong season.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Campground closed outside Apr–mid September; winter camping not supported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 through September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Campground open April 1 through the second Monday in September.
Current Alerts: Entire campground closed from the first Monday after Labor Day to March 31.

About Orland Buttes

Nestled along the shores of Black Butte Lake, Orland Buttes Campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 35 thoughtfully positioned campsites and a spacious group area that welcomes gatherings of up to 50 adventurers. From the moment you arrive, modern amenities like hot showers and convenient boat ramp access ensure your comfort, while the unique 18-hole disc golf course weaving through the landscape offers an unexpected twist on traditional camping activities. Open from April's first bloom through early September, this seasonal paradise invites you to create memories against a backdrop of stunning lake views and endless recreational possibilities.

The campground supports a mix of group and individual sites, catering to different outdoor experiences.

Historical SignificanceThe transformation of Stony Creek into the magnificent Black Butte Lake stands as a testament to human ingenuity and nature's adaptability. When engineers completed the dam in 1963, they didn't just create a reservoir—they birthed a recreational wonderland that has welcomed generations of families, anglers, and nature lovers to its welcoming shores.

Weather and SeasonsSpring arrives with character at Black Butte Lake, as April winds dance across the water, creating perfect conditions for sailing enthusiasts. As summer unfolds, the mercury climbs above 90°F, transforming the lake into a refreshing oasis where morning mists give way to brilliant sunshine. While occasional smoke from distant fires may paint dramatic sunsets, the real magic happens in fall when temperatures mellow to perfection, creating ideal conditions for hiking, fishing, and fireside conversations under star-filled skies.

ElevationPositioned at a comfortable elevation in Northern California's rolling hills, the campground offers the perfect balance of accessibility and scenic mountain views.

Natural Features and SceneryImagine 4,460 acres of crystalline water at full capacity, cradled by dramatic black basalt buttes that rise like ancient sentinels from the surrounding landscape. The blue oak woodlands paint a living canvas that shifts from emerald greens to golden ambers with the seasons, creating a photographer's paradise where every sunrise reflects off the lake's mirror-like surface and every sunset ignites the volcanic rock formations in fiery hues.

Geological RegionThe Northern Sacramento Valley reveals its volcanic past at Black Butte Lake, where ancient black basalt buttes tell a story written in stone millions of years ago. These dramatic formations, clothed in native blue oak woodlands, create a unique ecosystem where geological history meets vibrant present-day nature, offering visitors a rare glimpse into California's dynamic landscape evolution.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in allowed starting at 11:00 AM.

Check-out

Check-out by 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights total within rolling 30 days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Exact guest limits per site not specified.

Groups

The group site accommodates up to 50 people, making it suitable for large gatherings.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle loop layout with 35 individual campsites and one group campsite. Sites vary in terrain and size.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online through Recreation.gov or via the contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability not explicitly addressed; reservations strongly recommended through Recreation.gov.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee, and late cancellations (after midnight the day before arrival) forfeit the first night's recreation use fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not comprehensively provided, though user reviews highlight uneven terrain at some campsites, making it potentially challenging for those with mobility issues.

Site SizeCampsite sizes vary, with some described as small and cramped (e.g., OB15) and others noted as spacious and accommodating for RVs (e.g., OB26).

PrivacyPrivacy varies widely. Some users noted a lack of privacy between adjacent sites, especially in crowded loops.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesFor RVs, sites #18, #25, #26, #28, and #30 are recommended for their level ground. Tent stakes may be difficult due to hard pan soil.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Group Sites

Activities you can enjoy

Orland Buttes offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, boating, and disc golf. Recreational boating and warm-water fishing are particularly popular. The area also caters to wildlife enthusiasts with birdwatching opportunities.

HikingThe Paul Thomas trail is available for hiking and offers scenic views. One user noted, 'The hike to the old bridge was about 2 miles round trip with only one hill.' Nearby Buckhorn Recreation Area also provides 13 miles of fitness trails.

FishingFishing at Black Butte Lake is renowned, featuring species such as crappie, channel catfish, and large and smallmouth bass.

SwimmingSwimming is possible, but lake access is limited due to steep terrain. One reviewer mentioned, 'We had to drive about 20 minutes to the other side of the lake for the kids to enjoy swimming.'

BikingAlthough biking trails are not explicitly mentioned within Orland Buttes, nearby Buckhorn Recreation Area offers 13 miles of biking trails.

BoatingBoating activities, including wakeboarding and sailing, are popular at Black Butte Lake. However, some users noted that low water levels could impact the experience.

Wildlife viewingThe area provides ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, including birdwatching. Users reported spotting raptors and other bird species.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep terrain limits direct lake access. Users reported issues with bugs (including spiders and roaches), coyotes, and occasional smoke from wildfires.

Active AlertsEntire campground closed from the first Monday after Labor Day to March 31.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed but must adhere to local firewood regulations.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include the Orland Police Department and hospitals in Red Bluff and Chico.

Trash & RecyclingNo specific information is available on trash and recycling facilities, though one review noted rat traps near the lake-side fences.

Water FeaturesClose to Black Butte Lake, but steep terrain limits direct access. Boat ramp available.

Camp HostCampground host 'Bear' is frequently praised for being helpful and friendly.

Weather at Orland Buttes

Reviews

3.8

67 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Orland Buttes has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Orland Buttes are mixed, with an average sentiment score of 3.7 out of 5. Many users appreciated the scenic views and helpful camp host, while recurring complaints included dirty bathrooms, bugs, and inconsistent maintenance.

Review Summaries

Based on 67 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews frequently mentioned scenic views, spacious campsites, and the helpfulness of the camp host, Bear. Some users also praised the quiet, peaceful environment and proximity to the lake.

Based on 67 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues raised in reviews include dirty and poorly maintained restroom facilities, spider infestations, and low water levels in the lake during certain seasons.

Based on 67 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors suggest bringing a portable toilet for convenience and being prepared for potential wind. Campsites 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, and 35 are noted for being flat and suitable for RVs.

Based on 67 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight that the campground is less crowded during weekdays and outside peak summer months. Seasonal wind and fluctuating water levels are notable factors.

Based on 67 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Bear, the host, did a great job of making people feel at home.' 2. 'Bathrooms were clean and functional, and the hot shower was great!' 3. 'Restroom facilities were disgusting and not usable.' 4....

Based on 67 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsite OB26 is frequently praised for its level ground and scenic views. Campsites OB18, OB25, and OB30 are also highlighted for their suitability for RVs.

Based on 67 reviews