Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Lassen Volcanic/Butte Lake
Overview
Overview
Butte Lake Campground offers a unique and rugged experience within the northeastern corner of Lassen Volcanic National Park near Old Station, CA. Unlike the more developed and crowded areas of the park, this location provides a serene and remote atmosphere characterized by its proximity to dramatic volcanic formations. It is a primitive facility managed by the National Park Service and operates seasonally, typically from June through October depending on snow levels, making it a seasonal favorite for mountain travelers.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at an elevation of approximately 6,100 feet, the park is reached via a six-mile unpaved gravel road off Highway 44. This approach sets the stage for a backcountry feel where the landscape is dominated by the massive Cinder Cone volcano and the expansive Fantastic Lava Beds, which terminate abruptly at the lake's edge. The surrounding high-elevation forest consists of ponderosa and jeffrey pines, offering a blend of sun-drenched clearings and shaded sites for a variety of setups.
Amenities & Park Features
As a rustic facility, Butte Lake caters specifically to those prepared for dry camping without the convenience of electricity, water, or sewer hookups. Each individual campsite is equipped with a heavy-duty bear locker for food storage, a picnic table, and a fire ring. While the campground provides shared vault toilets and seasonal potable water stations, RVers are encouraged to arrive with full freshwater tanks and empty waste tanks to ensure a comfortable stay in this off-grid setting.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The standout activity here is the challenging but rewarding hike to the summit of Cinder Cone, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Painted Dunes and distant volcanic peaks. Butte Lake itself is a haven for kayaking and flat-water paddling because motorized boats are strictly prohibited, preserving the quietude of the water. Just a short drive away in Old Station, visitors can explore the Subway Cave, a massive underground lava tube that offers a fascinating look at the region's unique geological history.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is best suited for adventurous, self-contained RVers who value direct access to nature over modern resort-style amenities. It is an ideal spot for landscape photographers, avid hikers, and those looking to unplug, as cellular service is virtually non-existent in this part of the forest. If you prefer stargazing and tranquil nights under a dark sky, Butte Lake provides one of the most peaceful environments found anywhere in Northern California.
Features & Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
Reviews
juno
this is a very beautiful campground overall. there's a good few miles of bumpy, dirt roads leading up to it that we were not expecting. while we were here, there were absolutely no campground hosts to accept our payment for our stay. we did not get a reservation because we wanted to pick our spot, and the information board said "card only". the actual camp spots are not that great, they are suuuper close together. we were lucky enough to get a spot only close to one other site. there are also tons of deer, we were seeing about 20 through out the day in our spot. the cindercone is extremely accessible from this campground, we literally just walked to get onto the trail lol. also, bathrooms were super nice, with a flushable toilet and sink! there's running drinking water as well. it is pet friendly, our dog loved it, and overall, i would come back here.
Kendall Mandrell
Overall a good experience. I stayed here on a trip to primarily see lassen national park. To reach the bulk of lassen park from the campground it is a long drive. The main road to the campground is currently super bumpy for 6 miles straight. It's pretty much a massive rumble strip. This may change over time. I camped here in the fall, and it is completely dry campground. No running water and only pit toilets. Everything was shut down so you have to be prepared to bring water for everything in. Not a super big deal but something to think about. The campground is beautiful. Be careful the spot you choose if you are tent camping as many spots are on an incline. Several great hikes around the campsite. Due to the lack of services, many campers near us were unprepared and we all helped each other out for firewood and other necessities that were only available a 20 min drive from the campground. Like I said, it was off season when I went so many of these difficulties will not be a problem for the bulk of camping season. However unless your only staying near the campground, it can be difficult to get around and I would not camp here again if I wasn't spending all my time at the lake. Overall a good experience but definitely look at what services are available before you go. I came prepared but many campers were not.
Matthew P.
If you don’t like rough washboard gravel roads, don’t come. It’s nearly 7 miles of that. If having zero phone reception in the middle of nowhere makes you crazy, don’t bother. If you enjoy a campground among gigantic Ponderosa and Jeffrey Pines, you won’t find any better. If you like having access to the Platonic Ideal of a cinder cone, definitely come. If you enjoy looking at a huge lava flow dropping into a beautiful lake, there is virtually nothing else like it. And if you like trailheads leading into nearly deserted parts of a national park, this place is gold.
Brandon Beans
Bathroom was clean and stocked. Campground was clean as well. We had a great hike to the Cinder Cone Volcano
Michael DiGiorgio
National Park campground. Must reserve on line. No first come first serve as we found out the hard way. Road to lake and campground is rough washboard gravel road Campsites are nice but very open. Lots of amazing trails.