Anglers and boaters will find direct access to Black Butte Lake at this Army Corps of Engineers campground, where sites range from lakefront spots to more secluded areas set back from the water. The campground operates year-round with both RV hookups and tent camping options, accommodating rigs up to 150 feet long. Sites vary considerably in size and levelness, with some requiring significant stabilizer adjustments.
The lake provides the main draw here, though water quality can decline during summer months according to multiple campers. Swimming and fishing opportunities abound, with a boat ramp on-site for easy launches. Several sites offer direct lake views, while others sit among scattered trees away from the shoreline. A trail system connects different areas of the recreation area for those wanting to explore beyond their campsite.
Wildlife activity picks up notably after dark. Stephani H. noted hearing "lots of critters in the night, owls, deer, rabbits" during her November stay. Insect populations can be heavy during late spring and early summer months. The area around Black Butte Lake offers additional campgrounds around Black Butte Lake for those exploring the region.
Facilities include restrooms, showers, and a dump station, though bug activity around bathrooms can be problematic during warmer months. Sites fill up during peak season, but winter camping provides more solitude and cooler temperatures for those comfortable with variable weather conditions.
Description
Overview
Buckhorn Recreation Area is at Black Butte Lake, situated at the northern end of the Sacramento valley, 100 miles north of Sacramento, CA and 30 minutes south of Red Bluff, CA. The lake is a popular meeting place for water sports and outdoor enthusiasts, so bring family and friends for an incredibly scenic getaway.
Recreation
Find excitement with wake boarding and sailing or explore the shoreline's 13 miles of fitness trails for hiking, running and biking. Black Butte is renowned for its warm-water fishing, including catches such as crappie, channel catfish, and large and smallmouth bass.
Facilities
Buckhorn has 93 campsites, including a group campground and five walk-in sites. Conveniences include showers, a modern boat ramp complex, two playgrounds, an exercise area, and shoreline access. No sites have electric or water hookups. The area is open year-round.
Natural Features
Black Butte Lake was formed in 1963 with the completion of the Black Butte Dam on Stony Creek. The lake's surface area measures 4,460 acres when water levels are high. Black basalt buttes and blue oak woodland hug the lake's 40 miles of shoreline.
Nearby Attractions
A 18 hole disc golf course can be accessed across from the Orland Buttes Campground. Horeseback riders can make use of the horse trails at Grizzly Flat and Burris Creek. Drive east to visit the Mendocino National Forest.
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 2 Alerts are In Effect
There are 2 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Due to a PG&E power line issue, a generator is operating 24 hours a day to maintain power to the campground water system. Campsites 110 may be most impacted by generator noise.We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.For questions, please contact the office at (530) 865-4781.
Buckhorn Campground Limited Restroom FacilitiesDue to ongoing sanitation infrastructure issues, flushing toilets and showers will not be available. Portable restrooms and handwashing stations will be in place to support public health and safety. These facilities will be located near existing restroom areas.Potable water and dump stations will remain available for visitor use.We appreciate the publics patience and apologize for any inconvenience.For more information, please contact the Project Office at (530) 865-4781.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBuckhorn Recreation Area is located in California near Paskenta
Directions
From Interstate 5, take the Black Butte Lake exit at Orland, CA. Travel west on County Road 200/Newville Road for 12 miles. Turn left on Buckhorn Road and enter the Buckhorn Recreation area.
Address
19225 NEWVILLE ROAD
Orland, CA 95963-8901
Coordinates
39.8120972 N
122.3668389 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/8/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/17/26
AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GGood CoverageVerified by 1 userLast on 6/8/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 4 usersLast on 6/17/26
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Pull-Through Sites
- Big Rig Friendly
