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Lassen Volcanic/Butte Lake
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.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
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.
Keylee Trafton
The access road was in terrible condition. Tracked equipment is being driven on it and making it miserable to use. The campsite itself is okay. They have all the parking in an arc, but it's divided between 2 campsites. If the person that got there before you doesn't back in you're either blocking them in or trying to get them to move. We decided to risk getting yelled at and just parked in a different site since ours had a fellow camper pulled in with their driving vehicle. They do need some more signs about the site and the rules. The restrooms are clean.