How much does camping cost at Butte Lake?

Camping fees at Butte Lake range from $15/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

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

Butte Lake 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 before I book?

Yes! Butte Lake has 7 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?

Butte Lake 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?

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

How many campsites does Butte Lake have?

Butte Lake 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?

Yes, pets are allowed at Butte Lake. 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?

Butte Lake 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?

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

Butte Lake

4.40

427 reviews

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

Top 15% in CASummer

BReport Card

Summer Destination

Featured in:Camping Near Lassen Volcanic National Park#1

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

6,100 ft

Price

$15/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

100 campsites

Season

Open season starts M...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on National Park Service Official Website

Get Directions

Butte Lake

$15.00 - $15.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $15.00; TENT ONLY NONELECTRIC: $15.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9 phone / $3 in person).

No paid fee categories listed.

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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, USA

Butte Lake

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

Nearby places

Redding, CA (approx. 63 miles, 1 hour 15 minutes drive)

Old Station, CA (approx. 17 miles, 30 minutes drive)

Weather at Butte Lake

Current alerts(8)

An entrance fee of $30 per vehicle is required at the entrance to Butte Lake. 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 valid entrance permit/pass before camping.
Campsites are limited to 3 tents, 6 people, and 2 vehicles (including RV) per site.
No motorized boats permitted on the lake.

Best Time to Camp at Butte Lake

Best season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because the high-elevation landscape is fully accessible, warm days (typically 65–80°F) and refreshingly cool nights (often 35–50°F) let you enjoy hiking, boating, swimming, and trout fishing on Butte Lake. All park roads and trails are generally open, wildflowers and volcanic geology are at their most dramatic, and morning mirror-calm water is ideal for kayaking or paddling among lava-formed shorelines. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and that many of Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in CA

Best season: warm days, full access and improved water/services in peak summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 29 to October 12. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season starts May 30 and ends October 13. Reservations are available June 21 onward.

About Butte Lake

Butte Lake sits in Lassen Volcanic National Park at mid-elevation, operated 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. Visitors hike the Cinder Cone Trail, fish for trout, swim and boat on the lake, and explore dramatic volcanic geology under warm days and cool nights.

Butte Lake Campground accommodates tent camping, RVs, and group camping. Nonelectric sites dominate, and primitive camping features are present.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: summer. Summer is the best time to visit because the high-elevation landscape is fully accessible, warm days (typically 65–80°F) and refreshingly cool nights (often 35–50°F) let you enjoy hiking, boating, swimming, and trout fishing on Butte Lake. All park roads and trails are generally open, wildflowers and volcanic geology are at their most dramatic, and morning mirror-calm water is ideal for kayaking or paddling among lava-formed shorelines. Expect moderate crowds on holiday weekends and that many of Peak months: July, August, September, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation6100 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground rests on soft ash and pumice from ancient eruptions, now claimed by ponderosa pines and dotted with clear ponds. Butte Lake's obsidian-black lava shoreline cuts against blue water, a collision of fire and ice geology visible from camp. The Painted Dunes stripe nearby hillsides in rust and ochre. Cinder Cone's symmetrical profile rises beyond the lake. This is volcanic theater: 300 domes and vents scattered across the landscape, steam vents hissing in hidden pockets, the whole scene framed by peaks where three geological provinces collide. Cascades, Sierra Nevada, Great Basin.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo formal lodging accommodations such as cabins or hotel-style lodges are available.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are currently no ranger-led programs or educational events available.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay is 14 nights during a single visit or within 30 rolling days.

Guests Allowed Per Site

6people, 3 tents, and 2 vehicles allowed per site.

Groups

Group sites are available but can be noisy due to large gatherings.

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 online platform, mobile app, or contact center.

AccessibilityMultiple campsites are accessible, with bear boxes, fire pits, and picnic tables provided in most locations. Flush toilets are accessible during summer.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some noted as exceptionally spacious. "Sites are very generously spaced" (Cody S).

PrivacyPrivacy varies significantly. "Some sites are far more spacious and private, others not so much" (Eric Allan).

Total Campsites100 campsites

Recommended SitesOuter loop sites in Loop B are recommended for privacy, while inner loop sites tend to lack it. Flat sites like A35 are preferred for RVs or trailers.

Best CampsitesLoop B sites like B38 and A35 get mentioned for space and proximity to flush toilets and water spigots. Loop B is reservable and tends quieter than first-come Loop A. Privacy varies wildly. Some sites sit generously spaced, others pack close enough to hear neighbors.

Need help booking Butte Lake?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

There is no electricity/water/sewer site hook-ups at this campground.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Boating

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.”

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.

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

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

427 reviews

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

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 427 reviews.

Loop BLoved
Sites in Loop B tend to have less privacy (B18, B50).
Loop AMentioned
Loop A sites are preferred for RVs (A27, A38).

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...

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...

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...

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