Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

WiFi

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

Cable TV

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

<h2>Overview</h2><p>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 <strong>serene and remote atmosphere</strong> 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.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>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 <strong>Cinder Cone volcano</strong> and the expansive <strong>Fantastic Lava Beds</strong>, 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.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>As a rustic facility, Butte Lake caters specifically to those prepared for <strong>dry camping</strong> without the convenience of electricity, water, or sewer hookups. Each individual campsite is equipped with a <strong>heavy-duty bear locker</strong> 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.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>The standout activity here is the challenging but rewarding hike to the summit of <strong>Cinder Cone</strong>, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Painted Dunes and distant volcanic peaks. Butte Lake itself is a haven for <strong>kayaking and flat-water paddling</strong> because motorized boats are strictly prohibited, preserving the quietude of the water. Just a short drive away in Old Station, visitors can explore the <strong>Subway Cave</strong>, a massive underground lava tube that offers a fascinating look at the region's unique geological history.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>This destination is best suited for <strong>adventurous, self-contained RVers</strong> 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 <strong>stargazing and tranquil nights</strong> under a dark sky, Butte Lake provides one of the most peaceful environments found anywhere in Northern California.</p>



Lassen Volcanic Butte Lake Old Station CA is a small lake located in the Lassen Volcanic National Park in Northern California. The lake is situated at an elevation of 6,400 feet and is surrounded by a variety of volcanic features, including lava flows, cinder cones, and fumaroles. The lake is a popular destination for fishing, camping, and hiking. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, elk, and black bears. The lake is accessible by car and is a great spot for a day trip or a weekend getaway.

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Lassen Volcanic/Butte Lake

Plan your RV trip to Butte Lake in Old Station, CA. Explore the Cinder Cone and Fantastic Lava Beds from this scenic, dry-camping national park destination.

Lassen Volcanic Butte Lake, Old Station, CA

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.

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.

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.

Bathroom was clean and stocked. Campground was clean as well. We had a great hike to the Cinder Cone Volcano

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.

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.

It’s about a 10-kilometer drive on gravel road to get into the campground, and I had to take it slow in our Model Y. But once we got there, it was totally worth it! The campsite is big and peaceful. Just watch out for mosquitoes—bring some repellent. There are flush toilets but no showers, and no electricity, so don’t forget your own lights.

(writing this review in a tire shop)

Be aware the road leading to the campsite is a 6 mile dirt and unpaved rocky road. The road is very rough and dirty which got me a flat tire unfortunately...

The campsite itself is very nice to be honest. Super close to the cinder cone trail and quiet. The washroom is clean although no lighting.
In general I would highly recommend if you don't mind the road condition.

One of my most favorite campsites. Huge spaces but know there is no local water or sewage hook ups. Stars are incredibly. Walks nearby amazing.

Great location. Very very dusty. Wish the road in was paved but the area is awesome! Be prepared for the gravel road. It's not too rough but clouds of dust. The campground is next to the road so whenever a vehicle comes in...
Well worth the effort! Cinder Cone is incredible! ❤️

Amazing. Quite even when packed! Clean, beautiful and fun place to camp, hike, kayak and fish.

Cool hiking trails. Pretty unique view into a cinder cone. Beaches have volcanic sand!

Great campground with plenty of space at each site. (Room for 2 cars and 3 tents!) We has a blast and loved the easy distance to both Cinder Cone and Butte Lake. And we got to see a bear! (Fortunately on the other side of the lake!) The 6 mile dirt road in might deter some folks but we thought that was all to the good... maybe not so crowded!

Reviews

Lassen Volcanic/Butte Lake