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Lassen Volcanic/Butte Lake
Overview
Overview
Butte Lake, situated within the northeastern section of Lassen Volcanic National Park, offers a serene escape for RV travelers seeking a true wilderness experience. This campground provides a rustic setting nestled in a lodgepole pine forest. It serves as a quieter alternative to the busier areas of the park, allowing visitors to disconnect and enjoy the pristine natural surroundings of Northern California. Because it is a National Park service site, the focus remains on the landscape rather than modern conveniences.
Location & Surroundings
Located near Old Station, California, the Butte Lake area is characterized by its high elevation and proximity to unique volcanic geography. Travelers will find themselves surrounded by the Cinder Cone volcano and expansive lava beds, which offer a dramatic contrast to the serene blue waters of Butte Lake. The area is remote, making it an ideal destination for those looking to get off the beaten path while exploring the diverse ecosystems of the Cascade Range.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground is designed for a traditional camping experience. While it accommodates RVs, it is important to note that this is a dry camping environment with no hookups available. You will find basic necessities, including vault toilets and fire rings for evening gatherings. Most sites are nestled among trees, providing plenty of shade and a sense of privacy. Travelers should arrive prepared for self-contained camping, as the park prioritizes quiet enjoyment of the outdoors.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Adventure awaits right outside your RV door. The most notable trek is the hike to the top of Cinder Cone, which offers panoramic views of the Painted Dunes and the surrounding lava flows. Those who enjoy water activities can take advantage of kayaking and canoeing on the calm, clear waters of Butte Lake. Additionally, several trailheads are accessible within a short distance, providing endless opportunities for hikers of all skill levels to explore the park's geological wonders.
Who This Park Is Best For
Butte Lake is perfect for the independent RVer who values solitude and wilderness access over resort-style amenities. It is an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers who want to be steps away from Lassen’s volcanic features. Because sites are limited in size, it is most suitable for smaller to mid-sized rigs. If you appreciate dark night skies, quiet mornings, and direct access to nature, this site will be a highlight of your trip.
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.