Map showing campground location near Twain, California

Camper submitted image from Cool Springs Campground

Cool Springs Campground

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Fishing, paddling, and lake access draw campers to Cool Springs Campground on Butt Lake, a PG&E-operated reservoir near Ponderosa Flat Campground that fills by water piped in from Lake Almanor. The campground runs from June through September, with a mix of drive-in and walk-in sites accommodating RVs up to 34 feet. Sites are spacious even when the campground fills on weekends, and deer have been spotted wandering through camp. Reservations are available alongside first-come, first-served spots, so booking ahead is advisable for summer weekends.

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Map & DirectionsCool Springs Campground is located in California near Twain

Private Campground

Directions

From Jct of Hwys 147 & 89, NW 5 mi on Hwy 89 to Butt Lake Rd, SW 5 mi (R)

Coordinates

40.14466488 N
121.1662614 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Reservable
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Pull-Through Sites

Contact

General Info

Drive Time

2 hrs 13 min from Redding, CA
2 hrs 15 min from Yuba City, CA
2 hrs 18 min from Reno, NV

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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Cool Springs Campground

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Visitors often highlighted the campground's lakeside location and spacious feel even when full. Multiple campers commented on the friendly staff and well-maintained facilities. Several guests noted the convenient mix of first-come and reservation sites.

SUMMARY PRESENTED BY

Ray B.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 17, 2024

Secret Place Near Lake Almanor

Just try to get a last minute camp spot on Memorial Day weekend most places. We were fortunate to discover Butt Lake near Lake Almanor. Only one small burn area far from the campgrounds. Friday was opening day for Cool Springs campground. A PG&E operated facility, it was in great shape and ready for the season. We did three nights, departing on Monday. On Friday night we were one of only a few guests. Saturday and Sunday were full, but the feeling was vary spacious. The lake is a reservoir with no actual inlet. Rather it is fed by a pipe from Lake Almanor with a hydroelectric plant just prior to the water entering Butt Lake. Oddly for a PG&E lake there is not hydroelectric plant at the outlet dam. Did some bike riding to check out the dam, Ponderosa Flat campground, Pioneer cemetery, and east shore of the lake.

Site22

Month of VisitMay

Kurt C.

Guide

Reviewed Oct. 18, 2022

Nice spot

Easy to access and nice setting. Camp host was friendly. Deer will come up to your campsite looking for snacks so a good photo opportunity.

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

Susan R.

Ranger

Reviewed Jun. 29, 2021

Hidden Gem

This campground is a hidden gem on Butt Lake. There are first come first serve sites and also sites to be reserved. It has a few walk in sites and mostly drive in.

Month of VisitJune

(11) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cool Springs Campground located?

Cool Springs Campground is located on the shores of Butt Lake, near Lake Almanor. This PG&E-operated campground offers a peaceful setting with easy access to the lake. The campground is somewhat of a hidden gem in the area, providing a serene camping experience away from more crowded destinations. Its proximity to both Butt Lake and Lake Almanor makes it an ideal base for water activities and exploring the surrounding region.

What facilities and amenities are available at Cool Springs Campground?

Cool Springs Campground offers a mix of first-come, first-served sites and reservable camping spots. The campground features both walk-in sites and drive-in sites, with the majority being drive-in. A friendly camp host is available to assist visitors. The PG&E-operated facility is well-maintained and kept in great condition. The natural setting attracts wildlife, with deer frequently visiting campsites, offering nice photo opportunities for nature enthusiasts.

Is there a map of Cool Springs Campground available?

Yes, maps of Cool Springs Campground are typically available through multiple sources. Since this is a PG&E-operated facility, the official PG&E recreation website likely provides a campground map showing the layout of sites, including which ones are walk-in versus drive-in, and which are reservable versus first-come, first-served. You can also check The Dyrt for user-contributed maps or contact the campground directly for the most current map. Having a map is helpful for planning your stay and selecting preferred campsites near Butt Lake.

Can I see photos of Cool Springs Campground before visiting?

Yes, photos of Cool Springs Campground are available online. You can find images on The Dyrt's campground page, which typically features user-submitted photos showing campsites, the lake, and surrounding area. Official photos may also be available on the PG&E recreation website since they operate the campground. These photos can help you preview the campground's setting on Butt Lake, the layout of campsites, and the natural surroundings before your visit.

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