Butte Lake at Lassen Volcanic National Park, California (Guide + Reviews)
Overview
Butte Lake Campground anchors the park’s remote northeast corner among black lava beds and Jeffrey pines. It’s the closest base for the Cinder Cone hike, Painted Dunes overlooks, and quiet paddles on Butte Lake — a dream for photographers and geology nerds who like their camps calm and star-drenched.
What Campers Are Saying
Overall vibe: “Quiet, raw, and gorgeous.” Expect open skies, minimal services, and fewer people than the park road campgrounds. Nights are inky-black; mornings glow over the Painted Dunes.
Highlights
- Cinder Cone trailhead: walk from camp to one of Lassen’s signature hikes.
- Lava-rimmed lake: launch a canoe/SUP on windless mornings.
- Group sites: multiple reservable group pads for clubs and families.
- Wild silence: far from highway hum — real back-of-park vibes.
Frictions to plan around
- No hookups / limited amenities: vault toilets; bring power and water solutions.
- Rougher access: long drive from the main park road; last miles can be washboarded.
- Exposure/wind: some loops are open — stake well.
- Bugs early season: common near the lake margin.
Camper Quotes
“Hiked Cinder Cone at sunrise — unreal colors.”
“Quietest nights of our whole trip.”
“Worth the extra drive for the stars alone.”
“Bring everything — no store out here.”
Campsites & Amenities
- Sites: standard campsites plus six group sites in the B-loop.
- Hookups: none; no dump station.
- Facilities: vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings; potable water typically available in season.
- Access: ~45 minutes from the Main Park Road; remote northeast entrance.
- Elevation: ~6,100 ft — warm days, cool nights.
Booking & Availability
Reservations: required for all sites during the operating season (reserve on Recreation.gov). Group sites are reservable and popular for summer weekends.
Tip: For Painted Dunes at their best, plan a sunrise/sunset hike up Cinder Cone — start early, carry extra water, and mind the cinders underfoot.
Best Sites
- Edge sites near the lake path: quickest access for dawn paddles.
- Inner-loop pines: slightly more wind protection and shade.
- Group loop (A–F): great spacing for clubs or multi-family trips.
Pack extra jerrycans and a repair kit — it’s a haul back to services.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Manzanita Lake: larger, with store/boat rentals — busier but convenient.
- Summit Lake: central location and swimming.
- Southwest Walk-In: tent-only near the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center.
Map & Directions
From Old Station, take Highway 44 east to the signed turn for Butte Lake. Follow the park road ~6 miles to the campground. Expect slow driving on the final stretch.
Butte Lake FAQ
Are there hookups?
No. This is dry camping with vault toilets.
Can I reserve a site?
Yes — all sites (including groups) are reservable in season.
Best time to visit?
July–September for snow-free trails; shoulder weeks are quieter.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, if your crew enjoys rustic camping and hiking on cinders — bring sturdy shoes.
Bigfoot odds?
He’s rumored to toboggan down the cinder slope at dusk. We can neither confirm nor deny 👣🌋.
